Edited by Mark Looker
California
Dairy Industry Headline News
Edited by Mark Looker
A news service of Western United Dairymen 1315 K Street, Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 527-6453 Visit us at www.westernuniteddairymen.com If you have trouble reading this email, please click here
Headline News on Brief Hiatus - - Headline News will be taking a temporary break as editor Mark Looker goes on medical leave July 2 for minor surgery. The goal is to be back in action by July 12 and bringing you the latest headlines about issues impacting the California dairy industry.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Corn
Jumps on New Supply Outlook - - Fresh U.S. government data rattled corn
markets on Wednesday, sending futures prices soaring 9% and raising
questions about the precision of earlier estimates. Corn futures prices,
which just a day earlier reached a nine-month low, jumped after the U.S.
Department of Agriculture said stockpiles were much lower than the market
expected. The government on Wednesday also said the acreage now dedicated to
planting corn for the coming crop is below forecasts. The news was
especially surprising because the USDA has in the past few months been
sending bearish signals to the market, announcing in January that the most
recent crop was a record.
<more> July 1, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Conservation Funding Intact as House Panel Approves Agriculture Spending
Bill - - A House spending panel yesterday approved a $23 billion
Agriculture appropriations bill that keeps intact major spending boosts for
energy and conservation that lawmakers set two years ago, rejecting
significant cuts the White House proposed. The House Agriculture
Appropriations Subcommittee unanimously approved the bill last night after
hours of debate over Republican amendments. The panel rejected all of those
amendments, including proposals that would have cut spending across the
board, eliminated the Conservation Stewardship Program and tied the hands of
agencies that could work on oil-spill pollution reporting requirements for
dairy farmers.
<more> July 1, 2010 NY Times
July
is Ice Cream Month - - Great video on how water, alfalfa and ice cream
are all interlinked in a video produced by the CA Farm Water Coalition
Click
here to view. July 1, 2010
Dairy
groups applaud Cuba ag export bill- - The National Milk Producers
Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) praised passage
yesterday of the Travel Restriction Reform & Export Enhancement Act, H.R.
4645, by the House Agriculture Committee. H.R. 4645 is a bipartisan bill
introduced by Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (Minnesota) and
Representative Jerry Moran (Kansas) and co-sponsored by 61 other members of
Congress. The bill passed the Committee by a vote of 25-20. NMPF and USDEC
lauded the House Committee’s action, saying it was a step to bolster the
ongoing dairy industry recovery resulting from the catastrophic milk price
situation faced by dairy farmers, which largely resulted from a
recession-driven decline in export sales. Both NMPF and USDEC expressed deep
appreciation towards the 25 Agriculture Committee who voted for H.R. 4645.
“The U.S. dairy industry firmly believes that it is critical that we work to
expand opportunities for our dairy exports to allow dairy producers and
their dairy manufacturing partners to grow and prosper,” said Tom Suber,
president of USDEC. “Improving our ability to export to Cuba by doing away
with many of the barriers the U.S. government has erected to us is a very
important step in the right direction.” July 1, 2010 NMPF Press Release
West-side growers take on debt to stay afloat - - For months, growers on
the west side fretted over water shortages, saying the drought and
environmental restrictions would lead to economic ruin. But when Fresno
County's annual crop report was released last week, it didn't bear out those
predictions -- at least not on paper. The county total crop value was still
$5.3 billion, falling only 4.5% from the previous year. So what happened?
Growers say that while a shortage of water had an effect, hard work and a
little luck helped them avoid a worse outcome. And many had to sacrifice
profits to keep revenues from dropping further.
<more> July 1, 2010 Fresno Bee
Crop
report: Drought, low prices have taken toll on dairy producers- -
Crop reports recently released by California's county agricultural
commissioners show that a three-year drought and a sudden drop in milk
prices in 2009 are taking their toll on dairy and forage producers. "The
economic losses have been massive for every one of these guys," Leslie
Butler, Cooperative Extension specialist at University of California-Davis,
said. Tulare County's total gross production value in 2009 was down by 19
percent compared to 2008, a drop of more than $970 million. Milk and field
crop prices were a big contributor to that decrease.
<more> July 1, 2010 Capital Press
Vilsack slams media for portrayal of farmers - - Agriculture Secretary
Tom Vilsack, who’s been criticized by some in agribusiness for his promotion
of small-scale farmers, gave a passionate defense of conventional producers
at a Senate hearing today and got into a dispute with a cable TV show in the
process. He told the Senate agriculture committee that the public owes
farmers gratitude for how little Americans pay for food, an estimated 10
percent of their income on average. “You may never need a police officer. I
hope you never need a police officer. But every day, two or three times a
day, you need a farmer,” the former Iowa governor said in response to a
question from Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kansas.
<more> July 2, 2010 Des Moines Register
One
Day Wiser in Ohio - - Everyone makes mistakes. My initial analysis of
yesterday’s HSUS “Buckeye Compromise” was a hasty first impression, written
immediately after the late-day press conference. (Who holds a press
conference at 4:30pm anyway?) Since then I’ve heard from a number of people
in a variety of walks of life, essentially all saying “yes, but…” on one
point or other. So now that more details of the deal have emerged, it seems
like a good idea to revisit the issue with a bit of hindsight—or at least to
analyze what happened a little more thoughtfully. In short, I think the
self-congratulatory language (from everyone) in the press conference
effectively camouflaged the substance of what we’re seeing today on paper.
Sticking my customary skepticism in a drawer was my mistake, and mine alone.
<more> July 1, 2010 HumaneWatch.org
Ohio
Pork defends agreement with HSUS - - Calling it “an agreement we can
live with”, a spokesman for the Ohio Pork Producers Association defends the
livestock industry’s decision to compromise with the Humane Society of the
United States. “We’re excited about this agreement,” says Jamie Banbury,
director of communications for Ohio Pork. “It allows the pork industry to
remain viable in the state of Ohio. And given that Ohio agriculture is
constantly changing—and animal agriculture, in general—our farmers will find
new and even better ways to do things—and we find that’s the same with
animal housing. So we’ll move forward with this.”
<more> July 1, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
'Silenced Voices': Documentary explores death of migrant worker on Vermont
dairy - - Most likely, few Vermonters have ever heard of San Isidro, in
a southern region of Mexico near the Guatemalan border called Chiapas. But
virtually every resident in that isolated Mayan village of about 100
households is familiar with the Green Mountain state. A new documentary,
“Silenced Voices,” addresses this imbalance while tracing the plight of Jose
Oveth Santiz Cruz, a 20-year-old killed last December in an equipment
accident on a Fairfield dairy farm. He was among 80 San Isidro people, many
from the same extended family, employed as migrant agricultural workers in
Vermont. They are some of the estimated 2,000 immigrants that have come from
various parts of Mexico for similar labor in the pastures and milk sheds
that dot the landscape.
<more> July 1, 2010 Burlington Free Press
Recovering from the death of a farmer - - When a farmer dies, what happens to the farm? Since my father was a coffee grower, this is a very personal issue for me. My latest column explains what happened after he died, and how we found unexpected joy and success in keeping the family farm. This story hit a nerve with a lot of readers. You sent me e-mails about your own parents that made me tear up. A struggling widow said my mother gave her courage. (Her story really made me cry.) And you shared tales of your own decisions to keep on farming.<more> July 1, 2010 Fresno Bee
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July 28 - 29 - - "Margin Management for Optimal Dairy Returns" educational seminar by Commodity & Ingredient Hedging at the Doubletree Hotel, Modesto. For more information visit http://www.cihedging.com/education or call 800-241-5498.
Other Dairy News Sources
Crazy Moos. Moosworthy Information Straight From The Dairy Farm
Dairy MAX - representing Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas dairy producers
Dairy Producer Blogs That We Like
Commodity Price Information
Subscribe Have a friend who would like California Dairy Industry Headline News delivered each day directly to their email in-box? Email Mark Looker at marklooker@yahoo.com and request their email address be added to the mailing list. Got News? Have an item for WUD Headline News? Email it to Mark Looker at marklooker@yahoo.com
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Corn futures soar following USDA report - -
Livestock and dairy producers probably face higher feed costs over the next
year after the government’s lower than expected corn plantings and inventory
estimates sent corn futures soaring today. Farmers nationwide planted an
estimated 87.872 million acres to corn this spring, down 926,000 acres from
a March projection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a report
today. While corn seedings this year are still expected to be up 1.6 percent
from 2009 and the third-highest since the end of World War II, supplies may
not be as abundant as thought to be earlier this year, analyst said.
<more> June 30, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Ohio agriculture compromises with HSUS - -
Ohio agricultural groups struck a deal with The Humane Society of the United
States (HSUS) today that gives HSUS many of the restrictions on agricultural
production in Ohio that it wants in return for HSUS agreeing not to pursue a
ballot initiative this fall seeking to institute those restrictions through
a constitutional amendment. The groups represent all of the Ohio corn,
soybean, livestock and poultry associations and the Ohio Farm Bureau
Federation, and the agreement is supported by the Ohioans for Livestock Care
Steering Committee and by Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland. Also signing onto the
agreement was Ohioans for Humane Farms, which worked with HSUS to bring the
initiative to the ballot this fall.
<more> June 30, 2010 Feedstuffs
Humane Society of the United States Slinks Away
From Ohio in Face-Saving Move - - In a surprising move today, Humane
Society of the United States (HSUS) CEO Wayne Pacelle appeared with Ohio
Governor Ted Strickland and a vice president of the Ohio Farm Bureau to
announce that his organization will not pursue its planned ballot initiative
in November. The measure, aimed at Ohio’s livestock farmers, would have
wrested control of livestock handling standards away from the Livestock Care
Standards Board, which Ohio voters approved by a wide margin during the 2009
election. According to the announcement made at today’s 4:30pm press
conference, HSUS has agreed to abandon its effort to control how Ohio’s
farmers raise animals. In exchange, Pacelle secured only a few weak promises
from Governor Strickland concerning animal-welfare measures that had nothing
to do with the reasons the group gave for coming into the Buckeye State;
moreover, these concessions consist only of recommendations which will
depend on the uncertain approval of Ohio’s legislature.
<more> June 30, 2010 Consumerfreedom.com
House Ag Chair Peterson Applauds House Passage of
Wall Street Reform
- - House Agriculture Committee Chairman
Collin Peterson today commended the
House of Representatives for passing the conference report on
the Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act (H.R.
4173). "I am pleased the conference report contains many of the provisions
the House Agriculture Committee endorsed in three different bills on these
topics," Chairman Peterson said. "This bill will mitigate the outrageous
price spikes in
commodity markets
that we first saw two years ago, bring greater transparency to the
derivatives market
through mandatory clearing and ensure that end users can continue using
derivatives to hedge risk."
<more> June 30, 2010 House Ag Committee Press Release
National council report backs sustainable food -- The prestigious National Research Council threw its considerable heft behind the sustainable food movement Tuesday with a 570-page report that endorses the new food and farm practices that began in the Bay Area and have taken the nation by storm. There are now twice as many farmers - 30,000 to 40,000 - selling local meat and produce in farmers' markets than there are growing cotton, a major industrial crop, said August Schumacher, an author of the report and a former undersecretary of agriculture in the George H.W. Bush administration. "This is not just San Francisco, Boston and New York," Schumacher said of what has been called alternative agriculture but is fast going mainstream - everything from the locavore, organic and "slow food" movements to animal welfare advocacy. "It's Kansas City. It's Boise, Idaho. It's Abingdon, Va." <more> June 30, 2010 SF Chronicle
Schwarzenegger calls for taking water bond off
November ballot - - Faced with potential defeat of one of his top
priorities, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called Tuesday for delaying the $11.1
billion water bond from November to 2012. Schwarzenegger's proposal, which
requires legislative approval, comes as lawmakers are struggling to close a
$19.1 billion hole in the state budget for the fiscal year starting
Thursday. Opponents of the bond, including some public employee unions, have
already cited budget problems as one reason not to pass it. "After reviewing
the agenda for this year, I believe our focus should be on the budget," the
governor said in a statement, saying he would "work with the Legislature to
postpone the bond to 2012 and avoid jeopardizing its passage."
<more> June 30, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Are we in for another legislative water war?
- - Assembly GOP Leader Martin Garrick of Carlsbad today joined Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger's call to delay the $11.1 billion water bond from November's
ballot to 2012. As we reported yesterday, Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg,
D-Sacramento, is also on board, as well as Sen. Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto, an
influential Republican on water issues. But we have yet to hear anything
official from Assembly Speaker John Perez, D-Los Angeles. A key member of
his caucus on water issues is calling for lawmakers to not just delay the
bond vote, but revamp the bond.
<more> June 30, 2010 Fresno Bee
Lincoln says 2008 farm bill is policy benchmark
- - Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas says
it’s important to strengthen the farm safety net in the 2012 farm bill. In
her statement opening the first Senate Agriculture Committee hearing
Wednesday on the 2012 farm bill, Lincoln said safety net features should
come from the kitchen tables of farm country rather than from tables at the
U.S. Capitol.
<more> June 30, 201 0
Spread the word "Brag about Ag" video contest
- - $1000 in prize money will be divided among the winners of the BRAG about
AG Video Contest sponsored by the CropLife Ambassador Network. The contest
is open to college students in any agriculture related field of study. The
top winner in each category will receive $200.00. Submission deadline is
July 30, 2010.
<more> June 30, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Conservation award nomination deadline July 12 -
- Sustainable Conservation is seeking nominees for the popular 2010
California Leopold Conservation Award. The award recognizes private
landowners' commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and land
management. As in past years, finalists in 2010 will be selected in part
based on their commitment to responsible and sustainable land management,
the overall health of their land, implementation of innovative practices and
dedication to community outreach and leadership. The Leopold Conservation
Award Review Panel will evaluate properties in two categories: (1) Nurseries
& Crops, and (2) Livestock.The grand prize of $10,000 and a crystal
rendering of Aldo Leopold, author of the "Sand County Almanac," will be
presented at the California Farm Bureau Federation's annual convention in
December. Runner-up prizes of $1,000 will also be presented. The deadline
for nominations is July 12. For more information and a nomination form,
visit
Sustainable Conservation or call (415) 977-0380. June 30, 2010
Sustainable Conservation Press Release
Headline News on Brief Hiatus - - Headline News will be taking a temporary break as editor Mark Looker goes on medical leave July 2 for minor surgery. The goal is to be back in action by July 12 and bringing you the latest headlines about issues impacting the California dairy industry.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Talks may pull water bond off Nov. ballot - -
Negotiations are under way to possibly delay the $11 billion state water
bond from November’s ballot to 2012, according to numerous Capitol sources.
Nothing is final — and there still could be sticking points — but lawmakers
could vote soon on legislation to push back the date. Senate Leader Darrell
Steinberg, D-Sacramento, declined to comment on specific discussions, but
said: “All the timing options need to be discussed. The main thing for me is
to win the bond election and ... you make a real assessment of how and when
we have the best opportunity to win the election.” <more>
June 29, 2010 Fresno Bee
Schwarzenegger backs delaying water bond vote
until 2012 - - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said today he will work to
postpone the vote on the $11.14 billion water bond, now on the November
ballot, to 2012 to "avoid jeopardizing its passage." "After reviewing the
agenda for this year, I believe our focus should be on the budget -- solving
the deficit, reforming out of control pension costs and fixing our broken
budget system," he said in a statement. "It's critical that the water bond
pass, as it will improve California's economic growth, environmental
sustainability and water supply for future generations."
<more> June 29, 2010 Sacramento Bee
FDA seeks less use of antibiotics in animals to
keep them effective for humans - - The Food and Drug Administration
urged farmers on Monday to stop giving antibiotics to cattle, poultry, hogs
and other animals to spur their growth, citing concern that drug overuse is
helping to create dangerous bacteria that do not respond to medical
treatment and endanger human lives. Joshua M. Sharfstein, the FDA's
principal deputy commissioner, said antibiotics should be used only to
protect the health of an animal and not to help it grow or improve the way
it digests its feed.
<more> June 29, 2010 Washington Post
DeRaadt Family Recognized for their Efforts in
the Dairy Industry - - When the DeRaadt family moved to Kings County in
1999, they brought not only their cows, but a genuine passion for dairying
and consumer education. With a desire to own his own dairy, Jake DeRaadt
decided ten years ago to move his family from Escondido, Calif. “I looked
for an available dairy from Bakersfield to Orland,” said DeRaadt. “We ended
up finding the dairy for us here in Kings County and started Eden Valley
Dairy.”
<more> June 29, 2010 Kings County Farm Bureau
Hilmar Cheese pledges $250,000 for UC Davis milk
processing research facility - - Hilmar Cheese Company has made a
$250,000 commitment to support construction of the new August A. Busch III
Brewing and Food Science Laboratory at UC Davis. The new laboratory, part
of the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, includes milk
processing facilities for scientific research, student training, and
industry collaboration. Constructed entirely through private donations, the
facilities are scheduled for completion this summer and occupancy in fall.
<more> June 29, 2010 CA Farmer
Delta defender - - This would be the last
meeting for 96-year-old Alex Hildebrand, after a half century serving on
water boards from Sacramento to the south Delta. A resolution was written. A
plaque presented. But after the honors, farmer Hildebrand had one final item
of business. He raised his wrinkled hand and made a motion. The Central
Valley Flood Control Association, he said, should oppose the $11.1 billion
water bond on the November ballot. Not just oppose. "Vigorously" oppose.
"I'll retire whenever you pass my motion," Hildebrand said.
<more> June 29, 2010 Stockton Record
Hearing held on Delta water changes - - A hearing was held Tuesday by the California state Assembly’s Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife on a bill that would give the State Water Resources Control Board new penalty and investigative powers. The powers are contained in a proposal by Southern California state Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills. The bill, SB 565, is co-authored by Senate President Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento. The bill’s Assembly co-author is Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, who chairs the committee. <more> June 29, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Monday, June 28, 2010
FDA sets out new direction on antibiotics use in
livestock - - The Food & Drug Administration released a draft guidance
document this morning laying out new policy goals for the use of
antimicrobials in livestock production. FDA deputy commissioner Dr. Joshua
Sharfstein told reporters that the documents lay out three key principles
FDA will use in developing future strategies to prevent antimicrobial
resistance. He said the principles could include potential regulations as
well as voluntary actions by the industry.
<more> June 28, 2010 Feedstuffs.com
Dairy united in desperation/divided in solution
- - Dairy producers and those in the dairy industry from across the
country gathered in Madison, Wisconsin on Friday for the USDA-Department of
Justice Workshop looking into competition in the dairy industry. Overall,
it was a day that demonstrated how united the dairy industry in its dislike
of the current situation but yet displayed the different opinions as to what
is needed to resolve the situation.
<more> June 28, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Almonds nearly break dairy's grip on the top crop
in Stanislaus County - - Milk, the top-grossing farm product in
Stanislaus County for at least seven decades, came darn close to losing the
crown last year. The county's 2009 crop report by the agricultural
commissioner's office shows almonds nearly overtaking dairy after 17
straight years at No. 2.The report reflects the dreadful condition of dairy
farming last year, when milk prices plummeted amid the global recession.
Dairy farms grossed $462.3 million in 2009, compared with $689.3 million in
2008, ag commissioner Gary Caseri reported Friday.
<more> June 28, 2010 Modesto Bee
Farmer says spraying milk on field improves grass
-- A Nebraska dairy farmer is drawing some attention in Missouri after
stumbling upon what he thinks might be the secret not only to strong bones
but to great grazing land: milk. David Wetzel, a former steel executive,
told a conference of farmers in Linn that when he started a second career as
a dairy farmer in 2002, he doused parts of his 320-acre farm with skim milk,
which was a byproduct of his farm's specialty butters and cheeses. He soon
discovered that his cattle preferred those fields. He called in an expert to
figure out what was going on, and the result was a bit staggering: His
milk-fed land yielded 1,100 more pounds of grass per acre than untreated
land.
<more> June 28, 2010 AP
Early exposure to cow's milk has benefits: study
- - A taste of cow's milk during the first two weeks of life may protect
a child from later developing an allergy to the milk's protein, a new study
suggests. Cow's milk protein allergy is the most common and most dangerous
among the family of dairy allergies and intolerances, with reactions
including rash, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, even shock or
death.
<more> June 28, 2010 Reuters
Proposition numbers assigned for November measures - - Secretary of State Debra Bowen announced today the numbers assigned to those ten measures that have qualified for the November ballot. Here is the line up: <more> June 28, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Friday, June 25, 2010
Sen.
Florez pushes law for farmworker overtime - - Overtime pay after eight
hours is the law for wage earners across California — except for those who
do some of the hardest work, harvesting fruit and vegetables in the state's
fields and orchards. Sen. Dean Florez (D-Shafter) is trying to change that.
Florez is pushing for a law that would give farmworkers the same overtime
benefits as other hourly employees.
<more> June 25, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Real California
Milk ad campaign features Tulare, Hanford operations
- - Tulare-area dairyman Ben
Curti volunteered to be part of the California Milk Advisory Board's "Family
Farms" ad campaign for one simple reason. "I enjoy what I do," he said. "The
national campaign opens the door to see we're real people." The campaign,
which kicked off late last month, features nine California dairy families.
The goal is to give consumers a clearer understanding of where dairy items
come from, officials said. Featured are two Tulare County dairies, Curti's
Curtimade Dairy Inc. and Airoso Dairy, which is operated by Joey Airoso, and
two Hanford dairies, Giacomaazi Dairy and Martin Dairy.
<more> June 25, 2010 Visalia Times Delta
$10
Million More Available to Help Ag Producers Improve Air Quality -- The
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California announced
$10 million in additional funding for farmers and ranchers interested in
reducing air quality emissions from off-road mobile or stationary
agricultural sources. This funding is in addition to over $13 million
available earlier this year for agricultural air quality improvements
through the 2008 Farm Bill's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
The funding offers agricultural producers incentives for retiring old
inefficient engines that contribute to air pollution problems.
More information can be found at
www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/2010/index.html. While there
currently is an application backlog, interested producers in eligible
counties can contact their local NRCS Service Center for information about
future opportunities.<more>
June 25, 2010 NRCS Press Release
Scientists question EPA GHG emission estimates - - The approach the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses to estimate greenhouse gas
emissions from agricultural anaerobic lagoons that treat manure contains
errors and may underestimate methane emissions by up to 65 percent,
according to scientists from the University of Missouri. A 2007 U.S. Supreme
Court ruling mandated the EPA consider greenhouse gases a pollutant. This
led the EPA in 2009 to approve greenhouse gas reporting requirements for any
facility that annually releases 25,000 metric tons or more of carbon dioxide
equivalents to the atmosphere. The objective of these reporting requirements
is to quantify emissions as a first step towards developing strategies to
reduce greenhouse gas losses.
<more> June 25, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Treat
cows well, dairy operators told in Tulare - - William Rice, a professor
at the Fresno State Craig School of Business and a business consultant,
spoke Thursday at a Salute to Dairy luncheon in Tulare. He grew up on a
dairy near Fresno and offered a number of suggestions specific to the
industry. Among them: Try to see things from the cow’s perspective. “This is
a concept most people don’t understand: how to treat productive cows,” he
said. “You have to love them; you have to treat them well.”
<more> June 25, 2010 Visalia Times Delta
From weed to
water, California's fall ballot loaded with measures - -
Attention California
voters: Are you looking to buy and smoke weed without running afoul of the
law? Wild about water infrastructure? Think it's a good idea to lower the
threshold for passing a budget, but still want to raise the bar for
approving fees? The Nov. 2 ballot has something for you. Ten measures had
qualified for the fall ballot by Thursday's deadline.
<more> June 25, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Another bill takes aim at estate tax - - Another bill in Congress aims
to bring estate tax relief to farmers and ranchers, albeit with a catch.
Legislation by U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., would allow landowners to
defer estate taxes as long as their property is kept in agriculture,
conservation or other open-space uses. However, the taxes would come due if
the land was developed, Pat Wolff, a tax specialist for the American Farm
Bureau Federation, said.
<more> June 25, 2010 Capital Press
Big
redistricting battle looms this fall - - California voters will be
pummeled this fall by both sides of a complex, high-stakes political battle
over how the state's legislative, congressional and Board of Equalization
seats are divvied up for the next decade.
<more> June 25, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Ag advocacy conference slated - - Farmers from even the most remote small towns are engaging life-long city dwellers in stories of their farm through social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. These conversations are at the core of building understanding of agriculture by the 98 percent of Americans not living on the farm. Improving individual effectiveness is the goal of the AgChat Foundation's first training session to help farmers be more effective in telling their personal story. The conference will be held August 30-31 in Chicago. <more> June 25, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Farmworker overtime bill passes Assembly committee - -A bill that
would extend overtime pay and meal breaks to farmworkers passed the
Assembly's Labor and Employment committee Wednesday afternoon.
SB 1121 by
Sen. Dean Florez ( D-Shafter) would repeal exemptions for agriculture in
state labor rules. It passed on a 4-1 vote. Western United Dairymen is part
of a coalition opposing the legislation.
<more> June 24, 2010 Capital Press
Card check bill
approved by Assembly Labor Committee - - The Assembly Labor and
Employment Committee Thursday approved card check legislation, SB
1474, by Sen. Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) that would allow unions
to be certified as the representatives of agricultural employees without
secret ballot elections. If a majority of workers sign union authorization
cards, the state would certify the union as their representative. Similar
“card check” bills have previously been approved by the Legislature, only to
be vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger. The bill passed the Assembly Labor and
Employment Committee on Thursday on a 4-1 vote and was sent to the
Appropriations Committee. Western United Dairymen is an active participant
in a coalition of ag groups working to oppose the bill.
June 24, 2010
Harkin
hints 'card-check' bill could move during lame-duck session of Congress
- - Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) suggested Thursday that Democrats might attempt
to move "card-check" legislation this year, perhaps during a lame-duck
session. Harkin, the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and
Pensions (HELP) Committee, strongly disputed that the Employee Free Choice
Act (EFCA, or "card-check") was dead in the Senate. "To those who think it's
dead, I say think again," Harkin said on the liberal Bill Press radio show.
<more> June 24, 2010 TheHill.com
Analyst predicts buoyant milk prices - - Global dairy prices are set to
ease from current highs as world supply builds and demand growth begins to
slow, but will not drop sharply until later in the year, says a bank
analyst. Rabobank senior analyst Hayley Moynihan said New Zealand's dairy
industry looked well positioned, with increased year-on-year milk production
- buoyed by higher milk prices - likely for the latter part of 2010.
<more> June 24, 2010 TVNZ
New
smelt agreement will keep Delta pumps going - - Users of water from the
San Joaquin-Sacramento Delta have hammered out an agreement with
environmentalists that will keep pumps running through June 30 or to when
water temperature reaches a daily average of 25 degrees Celsius for three
consecutive days at Clifton Court Forebay near Los Banos, whichever occurs
first. All pumping restrictions required under the Delta smelt biological
opinion will cease as of July 1, allowing water to flow freely to the San
Joaquin Valley and Los Angeles through the end of the year, according to
Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno.
<more> June 24, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Cattle
Feedlot: Behind the Scenes Look By Vegan An Eye-Opener - -
Plant-based eater, Ryan Andrews, was tired of
talking about, reading about, and hearing about feedlots without ever having
visited one. So, after being given fairly unprecedented access, he decided
to check out a 22,000-head
cattle feedlot for himself. Here's what
he learned.
<more> June 24, 2010 Precisionnutrition.com
Need a job? UFW
offers training for farmwork - - Unemployed city folk could soon find
work picking strawberries and peaches if a new farmworker campaign is taken
seriously. In an unorthodox appeal called "Take Our Jobs," the United Farm
Workers of America wants jobless citizens and legal residents to seek farm
jobs that usually go to migrant workers living in the United States
illegally. "One of the most honorable ways of earning a living is off the
sweat of your brow," said Michael Rubio, a Kern County supervisor backing
the campaign. "I'm looking forward to seeing who might take advantage of
it."
<more> June 24, 2010 Contra Costa Times
Proposals may limit young farmworkers - - To hear farm advocates tell
it, there's not much employment of children these days in the fields of the
Western states. Most operations are family-scale and often lack the
experience and know-how for properly complying with child-labor laws. So
they usually turn away migrant families with young children, industry reps
say. But ag employers do hire children with some regularity across the
country, reflecting traditions of offering summer jobs to local kids as well
as U.S. labor rules that allow agriculture, unlike any other industry, to
employ people as young as 12.
<more> June 24, 2010 Capital Press
Lawmakers ask USDA to deny Monsanto GMO alfalfa - - More than 50 U.S.
lawmakers are calling on the U.S. Agriculture Department to keep Monsanto's
biotech alfalfa out of farm fields, despite a Supreme Court ruling this week
that cleared the way for limited planting pending environmental reviews. The
lawmakers said the biotech alfalfa presents too great a risk to conventional
and organic agriculture to ever allow it. "We believe that the broad
regulatory authority available to you has been ignored, in order to justify
deregulation of a biotech crop that has limited utility to anyone except the
manufacturer," the letter addressed to Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack
said.
<more> June 24, 2010 Reuters
Hoard's Dairyman
launches new webs site - - The National Dairy Farm Magazine, Hoard's
Dairyman, has unveiled a new web site as a complement to its print
publication and as a service to readers across the country and globe. The
web site is located at www.hoards.com. The new site will offer expanded
dairy content and easier site navigation for viewers. The new web site
features turn-page technology, allowing digital subscribers to view the most
recent issue of the publication, in addition to any issue of the magazine
since 2000.
<more> June 24, 2010 Hoard’s Dairyman Press Release
Withrow wins
Stanislaus board seat in narrow upset over Lyons - -
It's official: Terry
Withrow won the open seat on the Stanislaus County Board Supervisors,
defeating heavily favored former state Agriculture Secretary Bill Lyons. The
Stanislaus County clerk's office on Wednesday finished counting 1,500
provisional ballots that could have swayed the race. In the end, Withrow had
5,264 votes, or 50.24 percent. Lyons garnered 5,181 votes, or 49.45 percent.
<more> June 24, 2010 Modesto Bee
Is Rubio ineligible for the 16th? - - The Kern County elections office has released a statement confirming Rubio actually lives in the 18th District, not the 16th, where he is running for office. In a statement, the office said the precinct where he lives -- Precinct 595 -- "was created and incorrectly placed by the Elections Office in the 16th State Senate District." "Supervisor Rubio acted in good faith, on information provided by the Elections Office, when he filed as a candidate for the 16th Senate District. We have advised the Secretary of State of this error." <more> June 24, 2010 Fresno Bee
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Fresno Co. dairies see 34% drop in milk value in
2009 - - A diverse crop mix helped Fresno County keep its title as the
state's top agriculture producer in 2009 -- despite a drought and a down
economy. The county's annual crop report released Tuesday found that
agricultural production value in 2009 was $5.4 billion, down just 4.5% from
the previous year. Fresno County's dairy farmers fared no better than their
counterparts in Kings and Tulare. The value of milk dropped 34.9% to $296
million. And associated feed crops such as hay also tumbled by double
digits. Hay's total value fell 41% to $80 million.
<more> June 23, 2010 Fresno Bee
Dairy antitrust workshop might be most complex,
emotional yet - - Federal officials will gather in Madison, Wis., Friday
for the third of five scheduled national discussions on competition in the
agricultural industry. To date, the joint U.S. Department of Justice and
U.S. Department of Agriculture events have opened doors and heard testimony
on possible antitrust violations within the seed and poultry industries.
But, the focus of the Wisconsin workshop on the complex dairy industry,
combined with the raw emotions of long underpaid producers, might make this
event one of the most revealing of the entire series.
<more> June 23, 2010 The Iowa Independent
Farmers will face industry giants at dairy
workshop - - For dairy farmer Paul Rozwadowski of Stanley, Wis., this
Friday won't begin with the usual chores of milking cows and tending fields.
Instead, Rozwadowski will travel to Madison, Wis., to participate in a
workshop on competition in the dairy industry co-hosted by the Department of
Agriculture and the Department of Justice. The town-hall-style event is a
response to charges from farmers and legislators that giant dairy
cooperatives and processors are crushing small farmers.
<more> June 23, 2010 The Fond du Lac Reporter, WI
State Water Project increases deliveries - -
The California Department of Water Resources says the 2010 State Water
Project allocation is being increased to 50 percent of requested amounts
because of storms late in the spring. “Unusual late season storms that
augmented Northern Sierra snowpack have allowed us to increase our delivery
estimate to 50 percent,” says DWR Director Mark Cowin. Even with a return to
normal precipitation and reservoir levels, and an above normal Sierra
snowpack, State Water Project deliveries will remain limited due to current
restrictions on Delta pumping to protect native fish species, the state
says.
<more> June 23, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Animal care: MFA says veganism is answer; farm
industry says education - - Because we don’t know what’s happening on
today’s farms, going vegan — the forgoing of meat, eggs and dairy products —
is the safest way to ensure animals are being treated humanely and
compassionately. So says the director of investigations for Mercy for
Animals — the pro-vegan animal rights organization that released four weeks
of undercover video in late May, of apparent, intentional abuse to dairy
cattle at a farm in Plain City, Ohio. On the other side of the fence,
farmers from across Ohio, veterinarians and the groups representing them say
they do know what happens on farms — it’s not anything like what’s being
suggested — and they spend each day laboring to do good.
<more> June 23, 2010 Farmanddairy.com
Monsanto refutes CFS ‘victory’ claim- - The
victory claim by the radical environmental group Center for Food Safety (CFS)
in the wake of this week’s U.S. Supreme Court 7-1 ruling on Roundup Ready
alfalfa is a “contortion,” according to Monsanto’s David Snively. In a
conference call with reporters Tuesday, Monsanto’s executive vice president
and general counsel said the high court’s decision reaffirmed Monsanto’s
position, not the proclaimed victory heralded by the Washington, D.C.-based
radical activist group. The CFS said the high court decision did not
immediately clear the way to resume RR alfalfa sales. “That is technically
true,” Snively said. However, Snively said the primary issue in the case was
whether the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service would be
blocked from taking interim measures to allow expanded planting while the
agency prepared its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The high court
said the lower court erred in blocking the sale of the herbicide-resistant
alfalfa in 2007. “That is what this appeal was all about,” Snively said. “We
won that issue very clearly.”
<more> June 23, 2010 Western Farm Press
Influential senator works to suspend greenhouse
gas rule - - As U.S. Senate lawmakers attempt to determine the fate of
energy legislation, an influential Democrat is boosting efforts to suspend a
controversial greenhouse-gas rule passed earlier this year by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. After introducing a bill to impose a
two-year halt on the new EPA rule, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a Democrat from
coal-rich West Virginia, is now working to round up supporters for his
legislation. One Democratic aide said the senator has already corralled
about 52 votes for his bill and will need 60 votes to overcome a possible
filibuster.
<more> June 23, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Blakeslee over Laird in 15th Senate District -
- Assembly Republican Sam Blakeslee of San Luis Obispo edged out Democrat
John Laird of Santa Cruz in the 15th Senate District, but Blakeslee fell
just short of capturing a majority of the vote which means he faces Laird
again in an August runoff. Blakeslee, a former GOP leader of the Assembly,
held the lead throughout the evening and overcame Laird’s strength in Santa
Cruz and Monterey. In Santa Barbara County, Blakeslee beat Laird, a former
Santa Cruz Assemblyman, by better than 2-to-1, and Blakeslee carried Santa
Clara County by a three-point edge. With 100 percent of the precincts
reporting Blakeslee received 64,676 votes, or 49.71 percent, to Laird’s
53,639 votes, or 41.23 percent.
<more> June 23, 2010 Capitol Weekly
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
WUD President Bledsoe to speak at Friday USDA/DOJ
Dairy Workshop - - The USDA and the Department of Justice have announced
the agenda and panelists for the June 25 workshop examining competition in
the dairy industry. The joint public workshop will build on the knowledge
and experience of industry stakeholders, including farmers, processors,
cooperative leaders and academics. This is the third in a series of five
workshops intended to promote dialogue among interested parties and foster
learning with respect to competition and regulatory issues in agriculture.
WUD President Jamie Bledsoe will be one of the members on the producer
panel.
<more> June 22, 2010 USDA Press Release
Supreme Court overturns ban on Monsanto's GMO
alfalfa seeds - - The Supreme Court overturned a lower court's
nationwide ban on genetically modified alfalfa seeds Monday, handing a
victory to Monsanto Co. in a long-running dispute. Monday's 7-1 decision
enables the U.S. Department of Agriculture to complete a study on whether
the alfalfa will harm the environment before deciding on whether to approve
the seeds for planting, a process that could go into next year. The high
court ruled that a federal judge in San Francisco went too far when he
issued an order that overturned the Agriculture Department's decision to
allow some farmers to plant Monsanto's Roundup Ready alfalfa seeds before
the government had completed its full study of the environmental issues. The
plants are resistant to the company's herbicide. An appeals court upheld the
ban.
<more> June 22, 2010 LA Times
Milk Prices Poised To Rebound As U.S. Production
Growth Stabilizes - - A recent upswing in U.S. milk production appears
to be stabilizing, signaling that prices are posed to bounce back after
slumping most of this year, two dairy brokers said. The U.S. Department of
Agriculture, in a June 18 report, said nationwide milk output rose for the
third consecutive month. Still, the report was “slightly bullish” for dairy
markets in light of earlier expectations, brokers Dave Kurzawski and Eric
Meyer said. A few factors may temper production during the second half of
2010, including an upcoming herd-retirement program and the difficulty dairy
producers have obtaining loans to finance expansion, the brokers said in a
report this week.
<more> June 22, 2010 CattleNetwork.com
Financial tools: More farmers look to manage the
boom-bust cycle - - Kings County dairy farmer Dino Giacomazzi is looking
to the future, or more accurately, to the futures market. After weathering
one of the most financially tumultuous years in 2009, he and a growing
number of dairy producers are increasingly turning to commodity futures and
options to try to minimize their risks against the boom-bust effects that
have pummeled the nation’s dairies during the current global recession.
Giacomazzi said he’s been taking classes for the last year and a half to
learn the ins and outs of financial risk management, including how to hedge
his feed costs and milk price through market futures and options, and
forward contracting.
<more> June 22, 2010 Ag Alert
AB 32 suspension vote slated for November ballot
- - Californians heading to the polls in November will vote whether to
derail the state's landmark greenhouse gas emission law. Secretary of State
Debra Bowen announced this afternoon that the measure to suspend Assembly
Bill 32, the 2006 law mandating the state reduce greenhouse gas emissions to
1990 levels by 2020, has qualified for the ballot. Proponents, who needed to
submit at least 435,000 valid voter signatures to make the cut, reached the
threshold for qualifying through the random sample process. The measure,
called the California Jobs Initiative, calls for suspending implementation
of the regulations until the state unemployment rate -- which currently
hovers at about 12 percent -- drops to 5.5 percent for four consecutive
quarters.
<more> June 22, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Q&A With Temple Grandin - Food Safety News
recently sat down with Dr. Temple Grandin to discuss meat production, humane
handling and transparency in the meat industry.
<more> June 22, 2010 Food Safety News
Corn-ethanol improving in energy efficiency, says
USDA report- - USDA’s Chief Economist Joseph Glauber has announced the
publication of a report by the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses that
surveyed corn growers for the year 2005 and ethanol plants in 2008, which
indicates the net energy gain from converting corn to ethanol is improving
in efficiency. The survey asked ethanol producers to respond to questions
about ethanol yield (undenatured) per bushel of corn and energy used in the
plants. The 2008 updates presented in the report recorded the effects of
current practices used by corn producers and ethanol processors.
<more> June 22, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
CA Farm Bureau TV program earns national
recognition - - The weekly television program California Country,
produced by the California Farm Bureau Federation, has been judged the top
program of its type in a national competition. California Country was
recognized as Best Video Program during the American Farm Bureau Federation
Public Relations Awards, presented last week in Madison, Wis. The AFBF
awards program honors communications work by state Farm Bureaus from across
the country.
<more> June 22, 2010 CFBF Press Release
How The You Tube Game Is Played By Animal Activists - - You may have previously viewed the YouTube video called “Truth about Modern Pork Production,” featuring Chris Chinn, a Missouri pork producer. I saw it when it first came out and was relieved to see such a nicely done, informative and accurate piece. However, if you head over to YouTube to check it out today, you’ll get the following message: “This video or group may contain content that is inappropriate for some users, as flagged by the YouTube community.” It goes on to tell you that in order to view the video, you have to verify that you’re over 18 years old. What? You can’t be serious. What inappropriate content? <more> June 22, 2010 TheDairyNetwork.com
Friday, June 18, 2010
May
milk production up 1.3 percent - - Milk production in the 23 major
milk-producing states totaled 15.7 billion pounds during May, up 1.3 percent
from the same month a year earlier. That is another bearish sign, especially
considering that April milk production was also higher -- 1.8 percent on a
year-over-year basis. Wisconsin showed the highest percentage increase in
May at 5.8 percent. California, the nation’s No. 1 milk-producing state, was
up slightly at 0.2 percent. Colorado declined by 6.3 percent.
<more> June 18, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
EPA to Delay Deadline for Spill Control
Regulation of Bulk Milk Tanks- - NMPF commends the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) for taking a sensible approach to regulating dairy
farms under the Spill, Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC)
regulations by pushing back the deadline for farms’ compliance with those
regulations.
<more> June 18, 2010 NMPF Press Release
Bovine
TB found in 4 cows from southern Colorado herd - - State agriculture
officials say four slaughtered dairy cows from a southern Colorado herd have
tested positive for bovine tuberculosis, but none of the meat ever made it
to market. Commercially sold milk is pasteurized, so bacteria would have
been killed. State veterinarian Keith Roehr said Friday there's no reason to
believe any other areas are infected. The Colorado Department of Agriculture
didn't name the dairy, but Roehr says it has about 500 milking cows and
about 200 replacement heifers.
<more> June 18, 2010 AP
EPA again delays decision on ethanol blend increase - -
The EPA will not make a decision on increasing the maximum blend of ethanol
to gasoline from 10 to 15 percent until the fall. Thursday's announcement
represents the second delay, the first occurring last fall when the agency
said it would render a decision this summer. Yesterday, the EPA said initial
tests "look good" and should be completed by the end of September. The
agency, which is awaiting DOE testing of the higher blend on vehicles built
after 2007, has said it will raise the blend as a means of meeting the
Renewable Fuel Standard which requires
refiners to blend 12.9 billion gallons of biofuels this year, including 12
billion gallons of ethanol. The mandate rises to 36 billion gallons, mostly
ethanol, by 2022. June 18, 2010 EPA Notice
Dairyline: Antitrust spotlight turns on dairy June 25 - - The Obama
administration's look into antitrust issues focuses its attention on the
dairy industry June 25. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Attorney General
Eric Holder and Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney are to
participate in what's billed as a "public workshop" to examine competition
and regulatory issues in the dairy industry.
<more> June 18, 2010 Capital Press
Strip-till, no-till corn silage field days set for June 29-30 - - -Four Valley dairies will hold field days June 29-30 to demonstrate strip-till or no-till corn silage planting techniques. The field days are sponsored by the Conservation Tillage Workgroup. Field days will be held at:
Tuesday, June 29, 9 a.m., BarVee Dairy, 3031 N. Washington, Turlock and at 11 a.m., Coreira Family Dairy, 5245 South Highway 33, Santa Nella.
Wednesday, June 30, 9 a.m., Giacomazzi Dairy, 9550 Sixth Avenue, Hanford,
and 11 a.m., Barcellos Farms, 14781 Avenue 152, Tipton. Each field day will
last about one hour. Additional information is available from Jeff Mitchell
at (559) 303-9689
mitchell@uckac.edu June 18, 2010 UC Notice
Valley
ozone deadline may be met early - - The Valley is on course to achieve
the federal ozone standard by 2022 -- two years ahead of schedule if
improvements continue as they have in the past decade, San Joaquin valley
Air Pollution Control District officials said Thursday. There has been a 44%
reduction in violations over the last decade, officials said, crediting
tough rules, industry investments in clean-air technology and cooperation
from the public. At that rate, the standard will be achieved early,
officials said.
<more> June 18, 2010 Fresno Bee
USDA
touts tighter meat industry antitrust rules - - The Obama administration
on Friday proposed new antitrust rules for meat companies that reflect a
willingness by the USDA to shift the balance of power between farmers and
processors and to regulate an industry long dominated by a handful of
corporate giants. The rules would place the sharpest limits on meat
companies since the Great Depression, drastically lowering the bar that
farmers and ranchers must meet to sue companies whom they accuse of
demanding unfairly low prices. The rules would dictate how meatpackers buy
cattle on the open market, and prohibit them from showing preference to big
feedlots rather than buying from small producers.
<more> June 18, 2010 AP
Nonprofit Advocate Carves Out a For-Profit Niche - - Speaking on behalf
of the Center for Consumer Freedom, Richard B. Berman takes no prisoners.
The Humane Society of the United States is his latest target, and his
attacks on the way the organization spends its money have recently appeared
in catchy newspaper advertisements, on bus shelters around Washington and on
a billboard in Times Square. His real objection to the Humane Society,
though, seems to be its campaign for better living conditions for livestock,
which could cost agribusiness millions and which he argues is really aimed
at ending meat consumption. “The Humane Society wants to force us all to be
vegetarians — or vegans,” Mr. Berman said, applying a hefty dose of scorn to
the word “vegan.”
<more> June 18, 2010 NY Times
Williamson Act payment millions less than Tulare County wants - - Tulare County has received just over a $98 payment from the state in reimbursement for giving Williamson Act property-tax breaks to owners of more than 1.1 million acres of farmland and undeveloped land here. That's barely a drop in the bucket considering that last fiscal year, the California Department of Conservation paid the county $3.09 million in reimbursements and $3.4 million was paid the year before that. <more> June 18, 2010 Visalia Times Delta
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Butter
keeps nudging higher - - Butter has increased 15 of the last 16
sessions; this is the first sale in that time period. Butter producers
report cream supplies are tight and they are trying to secure as much as
they can in anticipation of higher prices down the road. Dairy Market News
reports butter makers are comfortable with current inventories because they
believe stocks will be drawn down in the second half of this year. Retail
butter prices are at their highest level since January of 2009.
<more> June 17, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Hilmar
dairy leader Kimberly Clauss featured on Ag Day TV - - Kimberly Clauss
of Clauss Dairy Farms, Hilmar, is featured this week on Ag Day TV in a
segment titled “Leave a Legacy.” The daughter of Richard and Sharon Clauss
is interviewed about her experiences in a male-dominated industry and says
she sees “an exciting future” for the industry despite current low prices.
She voices optimism about the potential for opening up export markets and
new product development as the path forward for a resurgent industry. To
view the segment, which appears at about the 21-minute mark,
please click here. June 17, 2010 AgWeb.com
Legislators Ask USDA to Up Antibiotics Monitoring - - Senator Dianne
Feinstein (D-CA) and Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) sent a letter to
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Monday urging the USDA to expand efforts
to gather data on antibiotic use in agriculture and take steps to reduce
usage. "We believe that the USDA has the opportunity and resources to take
additional steps to reduce inappropriate usage of antibiotics on farms,"
reads the letter. "The lack of data regarding agricultural usage of
antibiotics makes it impossible to assess whether or not current usage is
either prudent or responsible."
<more> June 17, 2010 Food Safety News
Stanford Finds Big Benefits From Big Ag - -
Want to know the cheapest way to slow global warming? Invest in agricultural
research. Maybe that is not a revelation to you, but it sure seems to be a
secret to a lot of outspoken folks who think we should go back to a simpler
way of farming — like, with a team of mules. Modern agriculture has become
the whipping boy for all those self-appointed activists who want us to
believe the world would be a far better place if we would just stop planting
corn and eating beef. The theory goes that modern agriculture is a cancer on
the environment because it requires fossil fuels to power equipment and
pesticides and herbicides to control weeds and insects, increases soil
erosion and pollutes the groundwater with chemicals and fertilizer. All of
this activity, we’re told, adds to global warming and the eminent demise of
our little planet.
<more> June 17, 2010 Dairynetwork.com
Sarena Silva named Tulare Dairy Princess;
Barcellos family named Dairy Family of the Year- - Sarena Silva, 17, of
Tulare was crowned the 2010 Dairy Princess on Wednesday during the Tulare
County Dairy Princess Coronation at the Lamp Liter Inn in Visalia. The Dairy
Princess is a tradition in Tulare County dating back to 1985 when Ellie
deJong was crowned. It is sponsored by Tulare County Dairy Women and the
California Milk Advisory Board. They also named the Tom Barcellos family of
Porterville as the Dairy Family of the Year.
<more> June 17, 2010 Visalia Times Delta
Where
does food come from? - - Chocolate milk doesn't come from brown cows.
That's one of the many misconceptions a new exhibit at the Hilmar Cheese
Co.'s Visitor Center hopes to correct among consumers. At the ribbon-cutting
Thursday -- the ribbon stretched appropriately between two green milk cans
-- Hilmar execs, the state secretary of agriculture and others made one
point clear: People need to be educated about where their food comes from
and how it gets from field and farm and ranch to their tables.
<more> June 17, 2010 Merced Sun-Star
North Valley Golf tourney raises funds for WUD
Federal PAC - -
More than 60 golfers gathered at the Diablo
Grande golf
course June 7 in a successful fundraising event for Western
United Dairymen’s Federal Political Action Committee.
The daylong event saw plenty of competition
between the teams. The winning foursome taking home top honors with a score
of 58 was John Mutoza, Jim Futch, John DeRaadt and Tom Dotinga.
Several prizes were awarded, with the grand raffle prize of a
flat screen television
going to
Michael Marsh, who donated it back for a cash contribution to the WUD
Federal PAC. Other winners included: Putting Contest: Jack Passarella Longest Drive: Jason Haelzle Closest to the Pin (hole #4):
Todd Stroup (the winner of Mike Marsh’s
$100) Closest to the Pin (hole #16): Greg Dellis
To view photos from the tourney,
please click here.
Attorney, professor debate protection of smelt fish - - The Pacific Legal Foundation hopes the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will declare federal protections for California's Delta smelt unconstitutional. Pacific Legal Foundation attorney Damien Schiff, in a June 14 debate in Sacramento staged by the conservative Federalist Society, laid out his case, to be argued before the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals later this year. The fish exists only in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and has no commercial value, Schiff said. Therefore the feds cannot regulate it under the Constitution's interstate-commerce provisions, which have formed the basis of the ESA's constitutionality. <more> June 17, 2010 Capital Press
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Dairy air emission rules on Thursday air district
agenda - - Dairy rule amendments are coming up Thursday at the San
Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, and there are some
interesting numbers in the district report. If you didn't know, dairies
apparently are a big source of reactive organic gases -- yeah, you have the
right idea, but maybe the wrong end of the process. Such gases help make
summertime ozone. Until just a few years ago, nobody knew there were more of
these gases coming from the barnyard than the freeway. But the biggest
problem is not cow waste or various animal gaseous releases. It's the feed.
At the meeting, which starts at 9 a.m., the board will be talking about more
rules to control gases from the feed.
<more> June 16, 2010 Fresno Bee
Kings County milk value drops 39% - - Weak
crop prices, a shortage of water and a struggling dairy industry drove Kings
County's overall crop value down 25% last year. The county's crops were
valued at $1.3 billion in 2009, down from $1.7 billion in 2008, according to
the annual crop report released Tuesday. Taking some of the biggest hits
were dairy and field crops. Last year, milk's value fell 39% to $411 million
and alfalfa hay declined by 50% to $51 million. Corn silage's value dropped
54% to $44 million. "When people in the dairy business are having a tough
time, it drives down the prices for other crops as well," Niswander said.
<more> June 16, 2010 Fresno Bee
Grapes displace dairy as San Joaquin County’s No.
1 ag commodity - - Milk, due to a steep decline in prices, gave up its
place as San Joaquin County's most valuable farm commodity in 2009. Grapes,
mostly winegrapes, assumed the top spot for the first time since 2000 with
an estimated value of nearly $285 million, officials said Tuesday. County
dairy farmers saw their milk checks fall more than 37 percent to an
estimated $258 million last year. And the losses spread to related farm
segments, county Agricultural Commissioner Scott Hudson said. Supervisor
Leroy Ornellas, himself a dairy farmer in Tracy, noted countywide milk sales
were down by $155 million from 2008. That's a lot of money that won't be
spent on hay, other cattle feed, pickups and dairy services in the county,
he said.
<more> June 16, 2010 Stockton Record
Milk producers seek to replace federal price
supports - - The most powerful dairy industry organization in the United
States wants to change agricultural safety nets that have been in place for
decades. The National Milk Producers Federation's board of directors said it
would move forward with major changes in federal dairy policies, which it
said have failed to protect producers against market volatility. The board
voted last week to support a plan called Foundation for the Future, which
could change the direction of federal price support programs, said
federation President and Chief Executive Jerry Kozak. The plan proposes to
transition federal financial safety nets into a new Dairy Producer Margin
Protection Program, which would guard against a collapse in producer prices.
It would also establish a Dairy Market Stabilization Program to prevent
imbalances in milk production and demand.
<more> June 16, 2010 LA Times
June Dairy Month Passes Unanimously in the House
- - National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) applauds Congress for
unanimously passing the bipartisan resolution recognizing June as National
Dairy Month last night. Seventy-nine members of the House of Representatives
co-sponsored the resolution introduced by Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT) on May
18, 2010. Since 1939, June has been celebrated as National Dairy Month,
honoring the important role the dairy industry has played in the economic
and nutritional well-being of Americans.
<more> June 16, 2010 NMPF Press Release
Water diversion report deadline July 1 - -
People who divert surface water in California face a July 1
deadline to report that use for 2009. Failure to do so by the deadline could
result in hefty fines. The new reporting requirement is included in the
package of water bills passed by the Legislature late last year. The intent
of the new law is to better identify the amount of water being used in the
state’s watersheds. Although there are a few reporting exceptions, Danny
Merkley, California Farm Bureau Federation water resources director, said
it’s important for landowners to note that reporting diversions to the State
Water Resources Control Board has been required for decades, but he said “in
the past there were no legal consequences for failure to report. Now, there
are.” Farm Bureau has prepared a detailed guidance document to help members
meet the new reporting requirements. It’s available online at
www.cfbf.com/waterreporting. June 11, 2010 WUD Update
New Zealand Dairy Exports to Surge 58% by 2014,
Ministry Says - - New Zealand dairy exports, which make up a fifth of
the nation’s total overseas trade, are likely to surge 58 percent over the
next four years on rising prices and demand, according to Ministry of
Agriculture forecasts. Dairy exports will rise to NZ$15.67 billion ($10.9
billion) by the year ending June 30, 2014, from an estimated NZ$9.94 billion
in the current year, the government said in its Situation and Outlook for
New Zealand Agriculture and Forestry report today.
<more> June 16, 2010 Bloomberg
China embraces cheese - - Cheese is the
latest western export trying to charm the Chinese taste buds, says a recent
report by Reuters. Dairy is finding a small but secure place in the every
day diets of the Chinese. China’s dairy industry has grown 500 to 600
percent since the 1990s. The increase in consumption of milk and dairy
products is attributed to better living standards, rising incomes and more
product availability. According to the report, in old times rich people
could drink milk. Now milk is part of the daily life and one can purchase
milk at any time and anywhere.
<more> June 16, 2010 Reuters
Striped bass: Delta villains? - - It was 1879
when a Harvard-educated fish scientist took striped bass caught in New
Jersey's Navesink River and poured 132 of them into the Carquinez Strait
near Martinez. 130 years later a growing chorus wants to eradicate the fish,
and no one is more insistent it appears than Stewart Resnick, a Los Angeles
billionaire with vast orchards in Kern County that depend on Delta water.A
water-users coalition run by Resnick's business interests and a handful of
water districts have sued state regulators for fostering striped bass
populations. Because striped bass eat endangered fish, the lawsuit claims,
the state is violating the endangered species law and cutting into the water
supplies of Kern County farmers.
<more> June 16, 2010 InsideBayArea.com
State doles out pennies with Williamson Act funds
-- Local governments have started to see their slice of the Williamson
Act funding pie. But even the biggest checks this year are just a sliver.
Last summer's budget revision resulted in a steep reduction of funding for
the Williamson Act, which provides a property tax break to agricultural
landowners who agree not to develop the property for a certain period of
time. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger cut the funding from roughly $28 million to
just $1,000 with his line-item veto authority. That $1,000 is now being
doled out between 44 counties and three cities, with some receiving checks
for as little as one cent.
<more> June 16, 2010 Sacramento Bee
California farmers push agenda, Capitol Hill
pushes back - - Wish lists met political reality this week, as women
farmers from California carried their ambitious agenda to Capitol Hill.
Spending bills are late; very late. The farmers want a revised Endangered
Species Act. That's going nowhere right now. They want an immigration bill
that includes an agricultural guest-worker program. Things definitely don't
look promising on that front. "We got the message that not much is going to
happen," Fresno County farmer Carol Chandler said Wednesday, when asked
specifically about the guest-worker proposals.
<more> June 16, 2010 McClatchy
Thiesen declares victory in the 16th Senate race
- - Dinuba real estate agent Tim Thiesen has declared victory in the GOP
primary race in the 16h state Senate District. As of Wednesday morning, he
only led Phil Wyman by 292 votes, according to the Secretary of State's
election web site. But Thiesen's campaign says that does not reflect the
latest numbers from county election offices, which they say has them up by
584 votes, with only the Fresno County portion of the district with a large
number of votes outstanding. Thiesen has a 13 percentage-point lead in
Fresno County. "We just don't think there's enough votes out there left
where Mr. Wyman can pick up 600 votes," said Thiesen aide Michael Babowal.
<more> June 16, 2010 Fresno Bee
Villines takes lead in Insurance Commissioner
race - - Assemblyman Mike Villines has taken the lead over attorney
Brian FitzGerald in the Republican race for insurance commissioner. Villines,
a former Assembly Republican Leader, trailed the little-known FitzGerald on
Election Day. But as counties continue to count late absentee and
provisional ballots, Villines now holds a 3,000-vote lead over FitzGerald.
<more> June 16, 2010 Sacramento Bee
AgChat Foundation Announces Farmer-Oriented Social Media Training - - Farmers from even the most remote small towns are engaging life-long city dwellers in stories of their farm through social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. These conversations are at the core of building understanding of agriculture by the 98 percent of Americans not living on the farm. Improving individual effectiveness is the goal of the AgChat Foundation's first training session to help farmers be more effective in telling their personal story. The conference will be held August 30-31 in Chicago. Mid-level social media users are targeted to participate. To apply, go to the foundation's website http://agchat.org. June 16, 2010 AgChat Notice
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monterey Bay Aquarium, we have a problem - -
Discover how the California Milk Advisory Board and Western United Dairymen
collaborated to combat negative messages being spread about dairy at the
Monterey Bay Aquarium.. Earlier this year the Monterey Bay Aquarium in
Monterey, California, opened a new exhibit about climate change. The exhibit
originally encouraged visitors to reduce their consumption of milk and meat
to mitigate climate change and featured a dairy cow statue wearing a gas
mask. On behalf of dairy producers, the California Milk Advisory Board and
Western United Dairymen led an effort to change the exhibit, which resulted
in changes to the exhibit’s message and the removal of the gas mask. Editor
Walt Cooley discusses how the two groups did it.
<more> June 15, 2010 Progressive Dairyman
Water diversion report deadline July 1 - -
People who divert surface water in California face a July 1
deadline to report that use for 2009. Failure to do so by the deadline could
result in hefty fines. The new reporting requirement is included in the
package of water bills passed by the Legislature late last year. The intent
of the new law is to better identify the amount of water being used in the
state’s watersheds. Although there are a few reporting exceptions, Danny
Merkley, California Farm Bureau Federation water resources director, said
it’s important for landowners to note that reporting diversions to the State
Water Resources Control Board has been required for decades, but he said “in
the past there were no legal consequences for failure to report. Now, there
are.” Farm Bureau has prepared a detailed guidance document to help members
meet the new reporting requirements. It’s available online at
www.cfbf.com/waterreporting. June 11, 2010 WUD Update
Advocacy groups trying to pass legislation that
wouldn't allow children to work on farms - - HR 3564, or the Children's
Act for Responsible Employment, also called CARE, currently before Congress,
would eliminate the Fair Labor Standards Act exemption that currently allows
kids 12-17 to work on farms as long as conditions are safe and parents give
their consent. Minors would only be allowed to work on their parents farms
under the direct supervision of one of the parents or other legal
guardians. There are no exceptions allowed for non farm youth for things
like 4-H and other educational programs.
<more> June 15, 2010 FarmProgress.com
School lunch food fight over farm subsidies -
- Rep. George Miller enlisted the help of San Francisco chef Charles Phan as
he proposed legislation Thursday that would spend $8 billion more on school
lunches and other food programs in the next decade, opening a tug-of-war
between farm subsidies and child nutrition as tight budgets force Congress
to choose between the two. The coming fight over funding nutrition programs
will pit Miller, a liberal 18-term Martinez Democrat who chairs the House
Education and Labor Committee, against Collin Peterson, a conservative
Minnesota Democrat who chairs the House Agriculture Committee and is a
champion of federal aid to corn, sugar, dairy, rice and other commodity
crops.
<more> June 15, 2010 SF Chronicle
Intensive farming 'massively slowed' global
warming - - Fertilizers, pesticides and hybrid high-yielding seeds saved
the planet from an extra dose of global warming. That, at least, is the
conclusion of a new analysis which finds that the intensification of farming
through the green revolution has unjustly been blamed for speeding up global
warming. Steven Davis of the Carnegie Institution of Washington in Palo
Alto, California, and colleagues calculated how much greenhouse gases would
have been emitted over the past half-century if the green revolution had not
happened. The study included carbon dioxide and other gases such as methane
emitted by rice paddies. It found that, overall, the intensification of
farming helped keep the equivalent of 600 billion tons of CO2 out of the
atmosphere – roughly a third of all human greenhouse-gas emissions between
1850 and 2005.
<more> June 15, 2010 NewScientist.com
Demand for a ‘sustainable’ dairy industry on the
rise - - Recent market research by the U.S. dairy industry shows that a
growing number of consumers care about the health and environmental impact
of the products they buy. As a result, there is a growing demand for
products made responsibly. This presents an opportunity for dairy to
continue to show how it is producing its products in a sustainable and
environmentally friendly way.
<more> June 15, 2010 Progressive Dairyman
Thiesen still ahead of Wyman in state senate matchup - - Political newcomer Tim Thiesen continued to lead veteran lawmaker and frequent political candidate Phil Wyman in the 16th state Senate District Republican primary Monday. The latest numbers out of the four counties that comprise the 16th District showed 584 votes separated the two out of more than 22,000 ballots counted. Some counties still had ballots left to tally. The 16th District is now represented by state Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter. The winner of the GOP primary will face Kern County Supervisor and Democrat Michael Rubio in November. <more> June 15, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
Monday, June 14, 2010
New federal policy proposals could damage dairy
industry, says IDFA - - Newly agreed supply management policy in the
dairy sector could hurt industry by encouraging consumption of lower priced
non-dairy foods, the International Dairy Foods Association has said. The
association’s comments come in response to a statement from the National
Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), which has outlined its proposals for US
dairy policy reform in a new document entitled Foundation for the Future.
The NMPF said the changes in federal dairy policies are intended to protect
dairy farmers and “position them more favorably in an increasingly volatile
global marketplace.”
<more> June 14, 2010 FoodNavigator.com
Feds boost west-side water deliveries --
Interior Department officials on Monday again boosted their planned
irrigation water deliveries to the San Joaquin Valley, giving farmers 45% of
their standard allocation. The new allocation is up from a 40% allocation
announced in May. Last year, west-side farmers got just 10%. “This latest
increase in allocation is a result of favorable weather conditions this
spring and better-than-expected pumping conditions in the south Delta,”
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar explained Monday afternoon.
<more> June 14, 2010 Fresno Bee
More water on the west side: What does it mean in
June? - - West-side farmers are getting another 5% increase in water
deliveries, according to a story by Bee Washington reporter Michael Doyle.
They're now getting 45% of their contractual allotment, instead of 40%. So
what does that really mean? It's mid-June. Farmers in Westlands Water
District and other west-side locations are long past making plans for
planting.
<more> June 14, 2010 Fresno Bee
Pasing: Jamie Liebman - - Jamie Liebman, a
biologist who led the EPA Region 9 San Joaquin Valley Dairy Manure
Collaborative in the Agriculture Program, passed away Saturday from an
incurable brain tumor. Kathy Taylor of EPA Region 9 said, “Jamie will
forever be remembered for his tireless dedication, leadership, persistence
and creativity in addressing dairy manure issues in the San Joaquin Valley
of California. In particular, his leadership of the Dairy Manure
Collaborative resulted in significant contributions in helping to utilize
manure as a valuable resource for bedding, soil amendments, fertilizer, and
renewable energy, while reducing emissions to air and protecting water
resources.“ Paul Martin, WUD’s Director of Environmental Services, said,
“Jamie was a regular speaker at the environmental session of the Dairy
Leaders Program. His presentation was always the highest ranked. He worked
hard to understand California dairy farming and he was a role model in the
agency for what an effective EPA staff member should be.” He is survived by
his wife Judith Dunning, and his son, Michael. June 14, 2010 EPA Notice
911 metric tons of cheese Middle East and Asia
bound - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted one bid from
Foremost Farms, two bids from Dairy Farmers of America and five bids from
Darigold on a total of 911 metric tons (2,007,971 pounds) of Cheddar cheese
and Monterey Jack to the Middle East and Asia. The product will be
delivered June through December 2010. Since CWT reactivated the Export
Assistance program on March 18, 2010, it has assisted members in making
export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 17,029
metric tons (38.0 million pounds) to 18 countries on four continents.
June 14, 2010 CWT Press Release
Agriculture struggles with lack of young farmers
- - The average age of farmers nationally is 55.3 years old. In
California, it's 56.8 years old, according to the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Only one of Perry Tjaarda's four children has committed to
staying on at Tjaarda Dairy, the 3,000-cow dairy operation he and his wife
run in Shafter. Milk prices right now are below the cost of production, so
the family has had to take out loans to cover operating costs. But Tjaarda
is sticking with it and glad at least one of his children plans to do the
same.
<more> June 14, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
Disease threatens Japan’s beef trade - - It
is a calamity for this quiet cattle community. A prized black calf born last
fall will soon be killed, part of the mass destruction of livestock in
Japan’s battle against its worst foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in at least
a century. Nobody knows how foot-and-mouth disease came to Miyazaki
Prefecture, home to thousands of small farms that supply the Japanese
gourmet beef market. But the epidemic of the disease, which causes sometimes
fatal fevers and blisters in livestock but very rarely affects humans, has
reached critical levels in the region since it surfaced on April 20.
<more> June 14, 2010 NY Times
Sustainable groundwater in agriculture conference
set -- The latest scientific, management, legal and policy advances for
sustaining groundwater resources in agricultural regions around the world
will be the topics June 15-17 at a San Francisco conference co-organized by
the University of California, Davis. Featured speakers include scientists,
managers and water-policy experts from universities, research foundations,
governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations and consulting firms.
<more> June 14, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Withrow surges past former CDFA Secy Lyons in Stan County supervisors race - - Terry Withrow has pulled ahead of Bill Lyons in their race for an open seat on the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors. Withrow, an accountant, was the underdog in the race. Lyons is a farmer and well-connected former state secretary of agriculture. Lyons held a lead Tuesday night when the county clerk-recorder's office released its first results. A new count shows that Withrow has 5,127 votes, or 50.3 percent. Lyons has 5,038 votes, or 49.4 percent. <more> June 14, 2010 Modesto Bee
Friday, June 11, 2010
Milk
production on track for record year - - U.S. dairy producers are
ramping up output sooner and faster than expected following last year’s
price crash, and government forecasters are still playing catch-up. The
USDA in its monthly supply and demand report yesterday boosted projected
milk production for 2010 to a record 190.4 billion pounds, up 200 million
pounds from a May estimate. That marked the 11th consecutive month the USDA
raised its forecast, and signaled that a 2009 dip in milk production
probably will be one-year phenomenon. As recently as February, the USDA
estimated nationwide milk production in 2010 would decline from the 189.3
billion pounds in 2009.
<more> June 11, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Water
diversion report deadline July 1 - - People who divert surface water in
California face a July 1 deadline to report that use for 2009. Failure to do
so by the deadline could result in hefty fines. The new reporting
requirement is included in the package of water bills passed by the
Legislature late last year. The intent of the new law is to better identify
the amount of water being used in the state’s watersheds. Although there are
a few reporting exceptions, Danny Merkley, California Farm Bureau Federation
water resources director, said it’s important for landowners to note that
reporting diversions to the State Water Resources Control Board has been
required for decades, but he said “in the past there were no legal
consequences for failure to report. Now, there are.”
<more> June 10, 2010 Ag Alert
Tulare
County milk value plummets 32% in 2009 but exports shine - - A glance
at the 2009 Tulare County Crop Report released in the past few days shows a
big 19% drop in gross production value - a rear mirror look at the collapse
of milk prices that are so all important in this county .The report’s
biggest damage came in milk - the county’s number one crop dropping 32 %
from the year before. Increasingly milk product exports have gained
traction in 2010 with exports of butter leading the charge says Richard
Cotta CEO of Visalia based California Dairies. ”We’re sold out until
September,” says Cotta.
<more> June 11, 2010 Sierra2Thesea.com
Water
managers weigh implications of court order - - With additional water
flowing into San Luis Reservoir as the result of a court order, how—or
if—that water will be allocated this year has not been decided. At the same
time, reservoirs throughout the state are filling as an improved snowpack
begins to melt. An estimated 200,000 to 300,000 acre-feet of additional
water is being transferred to San Luis Reservoir, after court rulings by
U.S. District Court Judge Oliver Wanger in Fresno. As a result of lawsuits
filed by water agencies, the judge lifted pumping restrictions for salmon.
Negotiations continue among the water districts, government agencies and
environmental organizations to revamp pumping restrictions related to delta
smelt.
<more> June 10, 2010 Ag Alert
E-Verify worker eligibility site gets face-lift - - Federal officials
are hoping that a redesigned Web site used for verifying an employee's work
eligibility will boost the number of businesses using the free service. But
a San Joaquin Valley farm organization says more changes are needed before
agriculture embraces the system known as E-Verify. Bill Wright, a spokesman
for the Department of Homeland Security, said the agency has responded to
businesses concerns and has revamped the free service, making it simpler to
use and more accurate. The changes take effect June 13.
<more> June 11, 2010 Fresno Bee
Valley congressmen demand probe of Delta
pollution - - California’s water regulators should immediately examine
the implications of wastewater discharges flowing from metropolitan
Sacramento into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta, say two Central Valley
congressmen. In a two-page letter to the State Water Resources Control Board
and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, Reps. Dennis
Cardoza, D-Merced, and Jim Costa, D-Fresno, say that recent studies have
pointed to Sacramento wastewater discharges as being a contributing cause
for declines of protected fish populations in the Delta.
<more> June 11, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Animal well being workshops set for Merced, Stanislaus and Kern counties in June - - The second in a series of free educational workshops designed to help dairy producers prepare for a national animal care and well being program gets underway in June. The national Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program has been endorsed by Dairy CARES. The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) will conduct the educational workshops to discuss how the FARM program works, how to best prepare for an on-farm evaluation and what to expect during an evaluation. There are two sets of workshops. The first is Introduction to the Dairy FARM program and will provide an overview. The second workshop is Performance Monitoring of Animal Well-Being and will cover scoring for locomotion, hocks, body condition and hygiene. The workshops are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required. The first workshops get underway in Merced County on June 3 and June 10, followed by Stanislaus County workshops June 8 and June 22, and Kern County workshops June 23 and June 24. Click here for the workshop schedule.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
More
milk forecast for 2010 - - 2010 milk production is now forecast at 190.4
billion pounds, up 200 million pounds from last month’s estimate from the
USDA. The forecast was part of the World Agricultural Supply and Demand
Estimate report issued on Thursday. The USDA has been increasing its
production estimates for much of this year due to a slower decline in cow
numbers and stronger growth in milk per cow than originally expected.
<more> June 10, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
NMPF
Overwhelmingly Approves Dairy Policy Reform Package - - The National
Milk Producers Federation’s Board of Directors overwhelmingly agreed today
move forward with a variety of changes in federal dairy policies that will
better protect dairy producers, and position them more favorably in an
increasingly volatile global marketplace. The NMPF Board voted Wednesday to
support the package of concepts contained in the Federation’s approach to
reforming dairy policy entitled “Foundation for the Future.” NMPF President
and CEO Jerry Kozak said that package will be used as the basis for the
future direction of the dairy provisions in the next Farm Bill, or in some
other form of federal legislation that Congress may consider in the future.
<more> June 10, 2010 NMPF Press Release
Resolution to stop EPA greenhouse gas regulation fails- - The Senate
Republican resolution to stop the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas
emissions under the Clean Air Act has failed, mostly along party lines. Six
Democrats, including Senate Ag Chairwoman Blanche Lincoln, voted for the
resolution which failed 47 votes to 53.
<more> June 10, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Modesto dairyman
pushes forward on digester rules - - John Fiscalini said it was a
newspaper article a few years back that sparked his interest in methane
digesters. The article told of coming air and water rules for California's
San Joaquin Valley that would soon result in digesters being required at the
region's dairies. As the state grapples slowly with an effort to
standardize its permitting formula for digesters, Fiscalini is helping to
advance the process. The experience has produced a tenacity, he said -- a
drive to achieve victory over a process that has created rules sometimes in
conflict with one another.
<more> June 10, 2010 Capital Press
CWT
offers export assistance for 750 metric tons of cheese - - Cooperatives
Working Together (CWT) accepted one bid from Dairy Farmers of America and
two bids from Darigold on a total of 1,653,467 pounds (750 metric tons) of
cheddar cheese to the Middle East. The product will be delivered June
through December. Since CWT reactivated the Export Assistance program on
March 18, it has assisted members in making export sales of cheddar cheese
totaling 36.1 million pounds (16,318 metric tons) to 18 countries on four
continents. Figures have been adjusted as a result of a cancellation and
slight adjustments in amounts. June 10, 2010 CWT Press Release
Cows
mooove California students - - Many children in California think the
food they eat actually grows in a grocery store or
brown
cows make chocolate milk. With children increasingly removed from farm
production and agriculture, it may come as no surprise that they understand
so little about where their food comes from. One statewide educational
program aims for this to change. Dairy Council of California’s Mobile Dairy
Classroom brings a live cow to elementary school campuses to give kids a
hands-on lesson on the important role agriculture plays in their lives.
<more> June 10, 2010 California Country
Report
says FDA struggles to keep food safe - - A new report says the Food and
Drug Administration is stretched thin and needs to reorganize to better keep
the nation's food safe. The report released by the Institute of Medicine
and the National Research Council Tuesday says the agency needs to become
more efficient and better target its limited dollars to prevent foodborne
illness outbreaks. The 500-page report says the FDA lacks the vision
necessary to protect consumers.
<more> June 10, 2010 AP
Fiorina v.
Boxer in Mendota: Who wins? - - The debates between Democratic Sen.
Barbara Boxer and Republican challenger Carly Fiorina could take a
distinctly San Joaquin Valley turn, if Fiorina has her way. Fiorina is
challenging Boxer to schedule one of the debates in Mendota, the struggling
Fresno County town where drought and water shortages have driven the
unemployment rate at times to some 40 percent. For Fiorina, the location
would provide a pretty obvious backdrop to discuss the human consequences of
environmental protection priorities often associated with Boxer.
<more> June 10, 2010 Fresno Bee
Rubio's rival in upcoming state Senate a political newcomer - - The
Democrats' pick to run in November's 16th Senate District race was clear
Tuesday night but the Republicans' as close as they come. With 100 percent
of precincts reporting in the GOP primary, political newcomer Tim Thiesen
squeaked by veteran lawmaker Phil Wyman who had 50.5 percent of the vote to
Wyman's 49.5 percent. Just 182 votes separated the two out of 20,000 votes
cast. Kern County Supervisor Michael Rubio was uncontested in the Democratic
primary. He and the Republican winner will seek to replace the terming out
state Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, the Senate majority leader.
<more> June 10, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
Inexperience, no funding trumps Villines in insurance commissioner race
- - Brian FitzGerald parlayed political inexperience, token funds and a
low-key campaign into a stunning finish in the Republican primary for one of
California's key political offices. The 53-year-old Napa resident topped
former Assembly GOP leader Mike Villines by a razor-thin margin in balloting
for the insurance commissioner nomination after all precincts were counted
Wednesday. Thousands of absentee and provisional ballots remained, however,
meaning the final outcome may not be decided for weeks. FitzGerald led by
only 11,204 votes, less than one percentage point. The winner will face
Democrat Dave Jones on Nov. 2.
<more> June 10, 2010 Fresno Bee
Former
Ohio dairy farm worker pleads not guilty - - A former dairy farm worker
accused of abusing cows in an undercover video has pleaded not guilty to 12
counts of cruelty to animals. An attorney for 25-year-old Billy Joe Gregg
Jr. entered the plea Wednesday, and Gregg appeared on a video conference
Thursday in a separate court to pleaded not guilty to a felony gun charge.
<more> June 10, 2010 AP
FSA
county committee nominations to open - - Agriculture Secretary Tom
Vilsack said today that farmer and rancher candidate nominations will begin
on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county
committees. The nomination period continues through Monday, Aug. 2, 2010,
with the election taking place between Friday, Nov. 5, and the close of
business on Monday, Dec. 6.
<more> June 10, 2010 USDA Press Release
USDA
releases final draft crop insurance agreement - - As part of the
Administration's continuing efforts to reform the Federal crop insurance
program, reduce the Federal deficit, and maximize taxpayer dollars, USDA
today released the final draft of a new crop insurance agreement and
announced that $6 billion in savings has been created through this action.
Two thirds of this savings will go toward paying down the federal deficit,
and the remaining third will support high priority risk management and
conservation programs.
<more> June 10, 2010 Feedstuffs
National Milk Producers elect new board members - - The National Milk Producers Federation has a new Vice Chairman, and three new board members. John Underwood was elected the Third Vice Chairman of NMPF; Underwood is the President and CEO of the Northwest Dairy Association in Seattle, Washington and served on the NMPF Board prior to being elected as an officer of the association. Underwood’s election fills a previously vacant leadership position, and provides NMPF with a full complement of officers representing all milk-producing regions of the country. <more> June 10, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Senate to vote on Murkowski effort to block EPA
greenhouse gas regs - - The Senate is poised to debate Sen. Lisa
Murkowski’s resolution that would block the Environmental Protection Agency
from it attempt to regulate greenhouse gases. A vote is scheduled on
Thursday, June 10, and it is being viewed as a test of Senate support for
the Obama Administration’s effort to use the EPA regulatory process to
bypass the Senate’s slowdown on the cap-and-trade legislation.
<more> June 9, 2010 Feedstuffs
Denham on way to 19th House race victory - -
State Sen. Jeff Denham, who six months ago was poised to seek a state
Assembly seat, now appears to be on his way to winning the Republican
nomination in the 19th Congressional District. With more than 90% of the
precincts reporting just past midnight, Denham had 36.3% of the vote and
former Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson was at 30.8%. Left in the campaign dust
and headed to certain defeat is the highest-profile candidate in the race --
former Tracy congressman Richard Pombo. Badly lagging is the fourth
candidate, Fresno City Council Member Larry Westerlund.
<more> June 9, 2010 Fresno Bee
Nunes urges investigation of Denham - -
State Sen. Jeff Denham's victory Tuesday in a congressional primary left a
bad taste in the mouth of at least one potential Republican colleague. Even
as Denham was taking a victory lap after winning the 19th Congressional
District primary, Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, said allegations of "serious
illegalities" in Denham's campaign needed to be addressed. Until they are,
Nunes said, he won't support his fellow Republican. "I'm really concerned,"
Nunes said in an interview Wednesday. "There are (allegations of) serious
illegalities that have to be answered."
<more> June 9, 2010 McClatchy
Former CDFA Secretary Lyons captures Stanislaus
County Supervisor seat - - Former CDFA Secretary Bill Lyons Jr. captured
a seta on the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors Tuesday in a race that
was much tighter than political pundits had predicted. Lyons captured 51% of
the vote to defeat Terry Withrow for the District 3 seat. Lyon’s margin of
victory was just 196 votes. As of press time, Withrow had not indicated if
he would seek a recount.
<more> June 9, 2010 Modesto Bee
Maldonado wins GOP nomination for lieutenant
governor - - Santa Maria farmer Abel Maldonado, former chair of the
Senate Ag Committee, has won the Republican race for lieutenant governor,
beating Sen. Sam Aanestad. The incumbent by virtue of appointment by Gov.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maldonado jumped to an early lead and never
relinquished it. He had 46 percent of the votes with 48 percent of precincts
statewide reporting. Aanestad garnered 29 percent.
<more> June 9, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Florez beats Parra in the 30th - - - - In the
battle for the 30th Assembly District, the early round went to Fran Florez.
By Wednesday morning with all precincts reporting, she led Pete Parra in the
Democratic primary with 56.6 percent of the vote. That dashed the hope
Nicole Parra had near midnight, insisting her father’s race wasn’t over.
Parra supporters were still watching for updated results from Kings County,
the heart of the district.
<more> June 9, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
Costa, Vidak headed to 20th District
congressional wins - - Looks like it'll be incumbent Jim Costa and
challenger Andy Vidak in November's 20th Congressional District final. With
all precincts reporting, Costa, D-Fresno, had 77.8 percent of the vote
compared to water consultant/rancher Steve Haze's 22.2 percent in Tuesday
night's Democratic primary. Vidak, a 44-year-old Hanford cherry farmer, had
71.4 percent of the vote in the Republican primary. Fresno certified public
accountant Richard Lake had 21.4 percent of the vote while Fresno
businessman Serafin Quintanar had 7.2 percent.
<more> June 9, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
Harmer wins Republican primary in 11th
Congressional District - - San Ramon attorney David Harmer pulled away
early Wednesday morning to defeat Clements winegrape grower Brad Goehring in
the four-candidate battle for the 11th Congressional District Republican
primary. Harmer finished with 36 percent of the vote while Goehring had 27
percent. Harmer will face rep. Jerry McNerney in November.
<more> June 9, 2010 Stockton Record
Olsen declares victory in 25th Assembly race
- - Kristin Olsen held the lead in a field of six Republican candidates
hoping to follow Tom Berryhill in the 25th state Assembly District. By early
today, Olsen held a sizable lead with 8,321 votes or 28 percent, followed by
Bill Conrad with 6,119 or 21 percent, Janice Keating with 6,063 or 20
percent, Kurt Vander Weide with 4,710 or 16 percent and Teri Murrison with
2,914 or 10 percent. Because no Democrat filed for the seat, the winner of
the GOP primary is assured to take office. Berryhill, a two-term incumbent,
is attempting to replace Dave Cogdill in the 14th Senate District.
<more> June 9, 2010 Modesto Bee
Villines race too close to call - - Clovis
Republican Mike Villines is trailing unknown Brian FitzGerald in the GOP
race for Insurance Commissioner, according to the Secretary of State’s
Office. As of Tuesday morning, Villnes was trailing by 11,000 votes.
FitzGerald, a state Department of Insurance enforcement lawyer, spent less
than $5,000 on his campaign. Villines, by contrast, has raised more than $1
million, including significant donations from corporations and business
groups.
<more> June 9, 2010 Fresno Bee
Tom Berryhill cruises to victory in 14th Senate
District GOP primary - - Assemblyman Tom Berryhill defeated four
outsiders in a landslide to win the Republican nomination for the 14th
Senate District. Berryhill led the five-way race with 29,798 votes, or 68.9
percent with about 36 percent of votes counted. His lead held to similar
margins in his home turf — Stanislaus County — as well as in Fresno County,
where he faced one of his toughest opponents.
<more> June 9, 2010 Modesto Bee
Senate ag committee chair Lincoln wins narrow
primary victory -- Sen. Blanche Lincoln pushed back against anger on the
left and survived a multi-million-dollar threat to her political career,
winning the runoff for Arkansas' Democratic Senate nomination. Next up is
surviving remaining anger on the right. Lincoln, chairman of the Senate
Agriculture Committee, on Tuesday narrowly defeated Lt. Gov. Bill Halter,
whose bid was fueled by labor unions and liberal activists who had soured on
the two-term incumbent.
<more> June 9, 2010 AP
Election results - - California primary election results are
available on the Secretary of
State's website at
http://vote.sos.ca.gov/
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
North Valley Golf tourney raises funds for WUD Federal PAC - - More than 60 golfers gathered at the Diablo Grande golf course June 7 in a successful fundraising event for Western United Dairymen’s Federal Political Action Committee. The daylong event saw plenty of competition between the teams. The winning foursome taking home top honors with a score of 58 was John Mutoza, Jim Futch, John DeRaadt and Tom Dotinga. Several prizes were awarded, with the grand raffle prize of a flat screen television going to Michael Marsh, who donated it back for a cash contribution to the WUD Federal PAC. Other winners included:
Putting Contest: Jack Passarella
Longest Drive: Jason Haelzle
Closest to the Pin (hole #4): Todd Stroup (the winner of Mike Marsh’s $100)
Closest to the Pin (hole #16): Greg Dellis
Nominations sought for National Dairy Board -
- USDA is currently accepting nominations for 12 seats on the National Dairy
Board. Dairy producer and farm organizations have through June 18th to
nominate candidates. From those nominated, the Secretary of Agriculture will
select the dozen individuals to serve three-year terms on the board. Five
members will be appointed for Region 2 (California) and one member for each
of the remaining seven regions.
<more> June 8, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Dairy may benefit the heart - - Milk may give
you more than just strong bones. A new study published in the American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests dairy foods can benefit heart health,
by lowering blood pressure or reducing cholesterol levels. Researchers from
Uppsala University in Sweden measured blood levels of two biomarkers of milk
fat in both heart attack patients and healthy participants. The substances
they tested for, pentadecanoic acid and heptadecanoic acid, indicate how
much dairy fat a person has been eating, according to Reuters.
<more> June 8, 2010 EatDrinkAndBe.org
Key components to animal well-being program now
in Spanish - - Key components of the National Dairy FARM Program:
Farmers Assuring Responsible Management are now available in Spanish. That
announcement was made today during the National Milk Producers Federation
(NMPF) Board of Directors meeting in Alexandria, Virginia where producers
and industry leaders from across the country were provided an update on the
on-farm animal well-being program. Created by NMPF, with support from Dairy
Management Inc. (DMI), the National Dairy FARM Program is a voluntary,
nationwide program designed to bring consistency and uniformity to animal
care through education, on-farm evaluations and objective third-party
verification.
<more> June 8, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Fresh cow website launched by Vance Publishing &
Pfizer Animal Health - - FreshCowInnovationCenter.com is a new hub for
everything fresh cows developed by Cattlenetwork and Dairy Herd Management
magazine in conjunction with Pfizer Animal Health. The new website features
management guidelines and risk factors for fresh cow diseases which
producers can use to identify vulnerable cows and head off early lactation
challenges. The economics associated with each disease are included as well
as a special multi-media section with videos on bovine health by some of the
top veterinarians in the country.
<more> June 8, 2010 Catlenetwork.com
Western agriculture loses ground - - Modern
agriculture in the western states, particularly in California, has long been
considered to be cutting edge. But a new survey by agricultural lender
Rabobank found the West slipping and the Midwest leading in most indicators.
Agriculture remains Kings County's largest private industry, second only to
government employment. From the lowest input costs, to buying land to
purchasing new equipment, farmers in the Midwest emerged from the downturn
last year better off than their western counterparts.
<more> June 8, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
Monday, June 7, 2010
What your board of directors is doing on supply management
- - By Jamie Bledsoe, WUD President - -
One of the most complex and contentious issues facing the dairy industry is that
of supply management. I wanted to let you know some of what your trade
association has done and is doing on this issue.
WUD formed an industry task force in 2009 to analyze and review the many
proposals being brought forward to possibly address the industry’s economic
crisis. Many versions of supply management have been put on the table. Our
volunteer task force members have devoted considerable time and energy to
studying these proposals. Noted economists have weighed in with their extensive
analyses.
<more> June 4, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Dairyman does it his whey. Escalon farmer stars
in nationwide TV ad - - Johan "John" Bartelink likes entertaining
visitors to his dairy on Van Allen Road outside Escalon, hosting 1,200 to
1,400 schoolchildren a year and offering tours to other dozens of other
visitors from around the nation and the world. His playful spirit is
featured in one of a new series of television commercials focusing on nine
different California family dairy farms. In the 30-second spot - which can
be found at
www.realcaliforniamilk.com/people - Bartelink squirts milk at
school kids visiting his milking barn, eliciting a burst of squeals and
giggles.
<more> June 7, 2010 Stockton Record
California Puts A Face On Dairy Farmers - -
In the last couple of years TV has portrayed our nation’s livestock farmers
in a bad light with some undercover videos. Those bad apples have painted a
poor image of the rest of the country’s hard-working producers who care for
their animals and care about the food they produce. The California Milk
Advisory Board (CMAP) decided to take the bull by the horns, so to speak,
and show consumers the real lives of California dairy farmers. Recently TV
commercials featuring these dairy producers have been airing. And I like
them very much. Especially the one with young Tyler Regli who plans to be a
5th generation dairy farmer and currently shows cows with his sisters. That
sharp, hard-working young man is our future in the dairy industry.
<more> June 7, 2010 Cattle Network.com
Workers comp benefits to remain flat - - A
drop in the California average weekly wage means no change in some workers'
compensation insurance benefits in 2011, says the California Workers'
Compensation Institute, which provides the data to writers of the mandatory
insurance. The U.S. Department of Labor’s latest data shows California's
state average weekly wage dipped from $984.83 to $979.90 in the 12 months
ending March 31, a decline of about 0.5 percent. As a result, there will be
no change in minimum and maximum temporary total disability and permanent
total disability rates for 2011 work injuries, or in several other workers'
compensation benefits that are tied to increases in the wage number, it
says.
<more> June 7, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
PETA has a deal for Fresno - - PETA wants to
help Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin keep the street lights on. All the mayor
has to do is let PETA hang banners from the city's light poles. PETA would
pay for the space. But the anti-meat banners could upset some ranchers. This
is how PETA describes the banners: "The banners would feature a photo of a
bikini-clad PETA Lettuce Lady and the caption, 'Get Lighter: Go Vegan!'"
<more> June 7, 2010 Fresno Bee
Cattle eyes could detect mad cow - -
According to new research the eyes of cattle may be the answer to developing
a test to detect bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as mad cow
disease. Scientists showed that retinas of sheep infected with scrapie, a
disease similar to Mad Cow, emit a glow when examined with a beam of light
from a special instrument, reports the Science Daily. Study authors
suggest eye tests could be a fast way to diagnose Mad Cow disease or other
neurological diseases before an animal enters the food chain.
<more> June 7, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Sustainable ag practices on the rise - -
According to the new Rabobank U.S. Farm & Ranch Survey, more than 70 percent
of U.S. agricultural producers now report that they have taken a range of
measures on sustainable ag practices – the highest level since the survey
began in 2008. According to the survey, after a small decline in steps taken
toward sustainable Ag in the Rabobank Fall 2009 U.S. Farm & Ranch Survey, 72
percent of all U.S. Ag producers now report that they have taken steps
toward sustainable ag – the highest since the inception of the measurement.
<more> June7, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Animal well being workshops set for Merced, Stanislaus and Kern counties in
June - - The second in a
series of free educational workshops designed to help dairy producers
prepare for a national animal care and well being program gets underway in
June. The national Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program
has been endorsed by Dairy CARES. The California Dairy Quality Assurance
Program (CDQAP) will conduct the educational workshops to discuss how the
FARM program works, how to best prepare for an on-farm evaluation and what
to expect during an evaluation. There are two sets of workshops. The first
is Introduction to the Dairy FARM program and will provide an overview. The
second workshop is Performance Monitoring of Animal Well-Being and will
cover scoring for locomotion, hocks, body condition and hygiene. The
workshops are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations are not required. The first workshops get underway in Merced
County on June 3 and June 10, followed by Stanislaus County workshops June 8
and June 22, and Kern County workshops June 23 and June 24.
Click here for
the workshop schedule.
Election results - - California primary election results will
be available after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 on the Secretary of
State's website at
http://vote.sos.ca.gov/
Friday, June 4, 2010
What
has crisis taught us? - - If humans learn through adversity, dairymen
must have gained a ton of insight in the longest, deepest economic downturn
any of them can remember. Jamie Bledsoe, president of Western United
Dairymen and a Riverdale, Calif., dairyman, said he can't speak for
everyone, but he thinks the biggest lesson is that a severe economic
downturn can happen. The downturn wasn't just a phenomenon in the dairy
industry. The worldwide financial crash was an anomaly, he said. "We knew
we were going to have a supply-demand issue in 2009, but most dairymen,
Americans, didn't know of this financial meltdown at the end of 2008. No one
predicted a downturn of this magnitude for this length of time," he said.
<more> June 4, 2010 Capital Press
Dairies cinch belts tight to survive - - While some dairymen threw in
the towel during the economic crisis that has hit the industry, most stayed
in business. How they survived varied, but overall it was a matter of
tightening already efficient operations. "It's no big secret, you just
spend less money," said Domenic Carinalli, who dairies at Sebastopol, Calif.
"I think everybody backed off on everything." While dairymen still had to
feed cows and treat the sick ones, they cut back on pricier rations, such as
supreme quality hay and grain, labor costs and frequent veterinarian visits,
he said.
<more> June 4, 2010 Capital Press
Why
are U.S. dairies in trouble? - - Across the nation, dairy operations are
going bankrupt as under-pressure farmers point to price manipulation and
poorly designed government programs as chief culprits. A steep drop in milk
prices has left the U.S. dairy industry in precarious shape. Across the
nation, dairy operations are going bankrupt as under-pressure farmers point
to price manipulation and poorly designed government programs as chief
culprits. Minnesota Rep. Collin Peterson, chairman of the House Agriculture
Committee, has promised to address the increasingly precarious situation in
the next farm bill. After hearing from many dairy operators during a recent
spate of farm bill-related field hearings, Peterson and colleagues have
plenty to chew on.
<more> June 4, 2010 Western Farm Press
Lawsuit
challenges California water bank deal - -
Water agencies and others filed a
lawsuit Thursday accusing California officials of backing a deal that allows
private companies to control and profit from a massive reservoir built with
public funds to store water for use during dry spells. The complaint filed
in Sacramento Superior Court alleges the state Department of Water Resources
illegally transferred the 32-square-mile Kern Water Bank to a joint-powers
authority controlled by agricultural giant Paramount Farming Co. LLC and
other private entities.
<more> June 4, 2010 AP
UN
urges global move to meat and dairy-free diet - - A global shift towards
a vegan diet is vital to save the world from hunger, fuel poverty and the
worst impacts of climate change, a UN report said today. As the global
population surges towards a predicted 9.1 billion people by 2050, western
tastes for diets rich in meat and dairy products are unsustainable, says the
report from United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) international
panel of sustainable resource management. Agriculture, particularly meat and
dairy products, accounts for 70% of global freshwater consumption, 38% of
the total land use and 19% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, says the
report, which has been launched to coincide with UN World Environment day on
Saturday.
<more> June 4, 2010 London Guardian
Senate
leader Reid pushes to move energy bill in July - - Senate Majority
Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) alerted Senate committee chairmen Thursday that
he plans to move comprehensive energy legislation in July.
Reid asked the chairmen to recommend
legislation to deal with the Gulf oil spill before July 4 so that leaders
can include those ideas in the comprehensive energy package.
Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and
Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), the authors of the Senate’s leading energy and
climate proposal, applauded Reid’s call to action. Reid’s letter did not
specify if the comprehensive energy bill would include language to curb
carbon emissions, a controversial proposal within the Democratic caucus.
<more> June 4, 2010 The Hill.com
Be Prepared for the Heat - - California’s first heat wave of 2010 is
predicted to start in the coming week. Dairies are considered
outdoor
workplaces for purposes of California’s heat stress prevention regulation,
and Cal/OSHA is expected to be conducting sweeps throughout the state. While
in past sweeps, dairies have not been a primary target, the industry
generally remains unprepared with respect to heat stress compliance. Most
inspections to date have focused on harvesting operations of growers and
farm labor contractors, but there is nothing to stop the agency from
inspecting dairies during their sweeps. Most dairies do not have problems
with shade due to barns, and typically have a plumbed water supply for the
workers, but some additional steps should be taken:
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update USDA
and Department of Justice Dairy Workshop June 25 in Wisconsin - - The
USDA and the Department of Justice today announced additional details
regarding the June 25 public workshop in Madison, Wis., which will examine
competition and regulatory issues in the dairy industry. The workshop will
be held in the Union Theater at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
WUD President Jamie Bledsoe has been invited by the Department of Justice to
speak. <more>
June 4, 2010 USDA Press Release
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, Obama discuss illegal immigration - - President
Obama received Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer in the Oval Office on Thursday, but
the two made no progress in bridging the enormous gulf that divides them —
and the country — over illegal immigration and border security. Brewer, who
recently signed a controversial law requiring Arizona police to check the
status of people they lawfully stop and suspect are illegal immigrants,
wants more federal resources — including troops, helicopters, drones and
fences — devoted to controlling her state's border with Mexico. She said she
got no commitments from Obama other than a promise of better communication.
<more> June 4, 2010 LA Times
How to Change the Media's Mind- - Agriculture is a business. The media cover agriculture as a business. That's the bottom line. The question agriculture should ask is how to improve the coverage. Those who want to lash back should ask themselves what good that will do, for if done carelessly there's a risk of drawing an us-versus-them line in the sand and generating even more distrust. Those who want the ag media to stand up more strongly for agriculture should realize that the ag media don't reach the audience that needs to be reached; the ag media talks to agriculture, and we in agriculture have to go beyond taking to ourselves. <more> June 4, 2010 The Progressive Farmer
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Senate
votes to give farm workers overtime pay - - The Senate voted today to
repeal the exemption of farm workers from the state's 69-year-old law
requiring payment of overtime after eight hours of work. The 23-12 vote sent
Senate Bill 1121 by Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, to the Assembly, where
approval is also likely. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger would have the last
word.
<more> June 3, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Card check bill approved by Senate - -
The state Senate has approved card check legislation, SB 1474, by Sen.
Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) that would allow unions to be certified as
the representatives of agricultural employees without secret ballot
elections. If a majority of workers sign union authorization cards, the
state would certify the union as their representative. Similar “card check”
bills have previously been approved by the Legislature, only to be vetoed by
Governor Schwarzenegger. The bill was approved by the Senate on a 22-11 vote
and was sent to the Assembly for consideration. June 3, 2010
Dairy
farmers discuss bill to stabilize dairy prices- - With the dairy
industry still reeling from one of the worst price drops in years, dozens of
farmers gathered Wednesday in Tulare to find a potential solution. Nearly
200 dairy operators listened to industry leaders push a legislative fix that
would stabilize dairy prices. The bill, H.R. 5288 by Rep. Jim Costa
(D-Fresno) is intended to get rid of the boom-and-bust cycles of the
industry by creating a system for controlling the flow of milk.
<more> June 3, 2010 Fresno Bee
Milk
storage to be exempt from EPA rule, says IDFA - - According to the
International Dairy Foods Association, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) will not require milk silos, tanks and other equipment to
comply with the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Rule (SPCC)
when the rule's obligations go into effect in November. It is expected that
EPA will issue a final rule giving a permanent exemption to milk storage
tanks up to 1 million gallons in size soon.
<more> June 3, 2010 IDFA Press Release
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Cost
limits appeal of methane digesters - - As dairy farmers seek to reduce
their operations' greenhouse gas emissions -- not to mention their odor --
anaerobic digesters can be a solution. But there's a catch: They're
expensive. It takes energy and insulation to warm the manure tanks for
creating worthwhile biogas, and specialized equipment and more energy to
clean up the gas so it will burn more easily to generate electricity. "None
of those are very cheap," said Mike Gamroth, an extension dairy specialist
for Oregon State University's department of animal science. "You've got to
have some larger amount of manure to make that economical."
<more> June 3, 2010 Capital Press
Good
news for ag graduates - - A new study suggests good news for college
graduates with agricultural degrees. The study predicts about 54,000
agriculture-related jobs will be created in the U.S. every year between now
and 2015. That includes areas such as food, renewable energy and the
environment. The study was conducted by Purdue University and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture.
<more> June 3, 2010 AP
UN agency: Eat less
meat, stem global warming - - The United Nations' Environment Program
wants people to eat less meat to help curb the tide of global warming.
UNEP's International Panel for Sustainable Resource Management is planning
to release a report called "Environmental Impacts of Consumption and
Production: Priority Products and Materials." The European Commission, a
UNEP partner, located in Brussels, is tied to the report as well. According
to materials related to the report posted on UNEP's web site, "Current
patterns of production and consumption of both fossil fuels and food are
draining freshwater supplies; triggering losses of economically important
ecosystems such as forests; intensifying disease and death rates and raising
levels of pollution to unsustainable levels.”
<more> June 3, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Animal well being workshops set for Merced, Stanislaus and Kern counties in
June - - The second in a
series of free educational workshops designed to help dairy producers
prepare for a national animal care and well being program gets underway in
June. The national Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program
has been endorsed by Dairy CARES. The California Dairy Quality Assurance
Program (CDQAP) will conduct the educational workshops to discuss how the
FARM program works, how to best prepare for an on-farm evaluation and what
to expect during an evaluation. There are two sets of workshops. The first
is Introduction to the Dairy FARM program and will provide an overview. The
second workshop is Performance Monitoring of Animal Well-Being and will
cover scoring for locomotion, hocks, body condition and hygiene. The
workshops are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations are not required. The first workshops get underway in Merced
County on June 3 and June 10, followed by Stanislaus County workshops June 8
and June 22, and Kern County workshops June 23 and June 24.
Click here for
the workshop schedule.
Final
CSP rule published, signup extended - - USDA has announced the final
rule for the Conservation Stewardship Program. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack also
announced that the current signup period has been extended to June 25th.
Under the final rules the program retains a number of features including: *
CSP pays participants for conservation performance – the higher the
performance, the higher the payment. * Producers get credit both for
conservation measures they have already implemented and for new measures
they agree to add.
<more> June 3, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Mendota solar farm paves way for Valley - - At 5 megawatts, this 50-acre array of solar panels generating electricity is small potatoes among commercial power plants. But as the first utility-sized solar farm of its kind to make its way from the drawing board onto California's electrical transmission grid, the CalRENEW-1 project dedicated Wednesday in Mendota is expected to blaze a trail for more and larger projects in the sunny San Joaquin Valley. The plant, built by Meridian Energy USA, has been producing power for sale to Pacific Gas & Electric Co. since the end of April. <more> June 3, 2010 Fresno Bee
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Circuit stays California downer cattle law -
- The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has stayed the California law that
bans all non-ambulatory livestock from being harvested in the state to go
into the food supply, pending a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to hear
an appeal of the matter that's been filed by the National Meat Assn. (NMA).
The circuit recently refused to reconsider its decision vacating a lower
court's ruling that the California law pre-empted federal food inspection
law and, therefore, was illegal. NMA has sued on the basis that
non-ambulatory swine may be down because they are fatigued and resting and
not distressed. June 2, 2010 FeedStuffs
CDFA economist named WUD Director of Economic
Analysis - - Annie AcMoody, an agricultural economist for the California
Department of Food and
Agriculture,
has been named as Western United Dairymen’s Director of Economic Analysis.
She replaces Tiffany LaMendola who is leaving WUD to work for the dairy
market research and consulting firms of Blimling Associates Inc. and Roger
W. Blimling, Inc. effective June 14. “We are pleased to have an ag economist
of Annie’s professionalism and knowledge join our team,” said CEO Michael
Marsh. “She has earned high marks for her grasp of the difficult pricing
issues that face the California dairy industry. She will be able to hit the
ground running while working for our members on the many complex economic
issues they face.” She has worked at CDFA since 2007. She was awarded a
Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and Management from
Universite Laval, Quebec, and a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics
from Purdue University. She also studied economics at the University of
London. “I am extremely excited to join Western United Dairymen and I look
forward to serving the dairy families of California in my new role,” said
Annie. “I believe my knowledge of the California milk pricing system through
my position as a state economist will allow me to help carry out my new
position and support producers in these challenging economic times.” Tiffany
had high praise for Annie. "It has been a pleasure to work with Annie in her
role at CDFA,” said Tiffany. “She will bring a great deal of industry
knowledge, strong analytical skills, and enthusiasm to Western United
Dairymen. I am certain our members, staff, and industry stakeholders will
greatly enjoy working with her." June 2, 2010 WUD Press Release
LA Times Editorial: CMAB’s decision to film ads
in New Zealand was a public relations faux pas, but the state Assembly has
overreacted - - Great milk comes from happy cows, and great milk
commercials come from New Zealand. At least according to the California Milk
Advisory Board. In defense of the milk board, no Real California Cows were
used in the New Zealand filming. The premise of the spots is that foreign
bovines are auditioning to become California bovines in an "American
Idol"-style competition. The milk board says it picked Auckland after
soliciting bids from around the world; it was far cheaper to go to New
Zealand than to do the work here. Yet it's unlikely that the financial
savings were worth the public relations cost.
<more> May 27, 2010 LA Times
June
4 Modesto workshop on measuring lagoon nutrient applications - -
A workshop on measuring lagoon nutrient applications will be held Friday,
June 4 in Modesto. This hands-on workshop, sponsored by UC Cooperative
Extension, will demonstrate practical techniques for measuring and
calculating application rates of dairy lagoon nitrogen. The morning session
will focus on methods that do not require installing a flow meter. After
the industry sponsored lunch, attendees will learn how to select, install
and use flow meters for nutrient management and recordkeeping. There will be
hands-on displays and demonstrations of the different types of flow meters
and manufacturer’s representatives will be on hand to answer your questions.
There is no charge for the workshop however new UC publications on choosing
and installing flow meters and measuring flow will be available for a small
fee to cover printing costs. RSVPs are not required but are appreciated.
The session runs from 10:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in Harvest Hall, Stanislaus
County Ag Center, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto. For more information contact
Marsha Campbell Mathews or Marie at (209) 525-6800. May 21, 2010
UCCE Notice
Ethanol production continues at record pace -
- U.S. ethanol production continues to grow at a record pace, but the supply
is exceeding demand by 24-thousand barrels per day. According to the latest
statistics from the Energy Information Administration, ethanol production in
March averaged more than 847-thousand barrels per day. That’s a 32 percent
increase from March of 2009. Ethanol demand also reached an all-time high
of 823-thousand barrels per day, an increase of 180-thousand from one year
ago.
<more> June 2, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
EPA releases draft pesticide rule; crop
applications not included - - Today the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) proposed its long-awaited draft pesticide ruling stemming from
an April 2009 court decision that found that pesticide discharges to U.S.
waters were pollutants and therefore required a permit. EPA estimates that
the pesticide general permit will affect approximately 35,000 pesticide
applicators nationally that perform approximately half a million pesticide
applications annually. It does not cover terrestrial applications to control
pests on agricultural crops or forest floors. However, the agency’s draft
permit covers the following pesticide uses: (1) mosquito and other flying
insect pest control; (2) aquatic weed and algae control; (3) aquatic
nuisance animal control; and (4) forest canopy pest control.
<more> June 2, 2010 Feed Stuffs
Report finds delta among most vulnerable rivers -
- The river system that makes up the backbone of the state's economy ranks
as one of the most imperiled watersheds in the nation, putting at risk
drinking water for millions of Californians as well as billions of dollars
worth of crops and urban infrastructure, according to an annual report on
the country's most important waterways. The Sacramento-San Joaquin River
Delta, whose fingers extend from the slopes of Mount Shasta in the north to
vast farm fields near Fresno in the south, is "extremely vulnerable to
catastrophic failure" from over-pumping and declining ecosystems, according
to American Rivers, a Washington, D.C., conservation group.
<more> June 2, 2010 SF Chronicle
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Animal well being workshops get underway in June - - The second in a
series of free educational workshops designed to help dairy producers
prepare for a national animal care and well being program gets underway in
June. The national Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program
has been endorsed by Dairy CARES. The California Dairy Quality Assurance
Program (CDQAP) will conduct the educational workshops to discuss how the
FARM program works, how to best prepare for an on-farm evaluation and what
to expect during an evaluation. There are two sets of workshops. The first
is Introduction to the Dairy FARM program and will provide an overview. The
second workshop is Performance Monitoring of Animal Well-Being and will
cover scoring for locomotion, hocks, body condition and hygiene. The
workshops are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations are not required. The first workshops get underway in Merced
County on June 3 and June 10, followed by Stanislaus County workshops June 8
and June 22, and Kern County workshops June 23 and June 24.
Click here for
the workshop schedule.
CMAB extends kid video application deadline to June 11 - - The CMAB has extended the deadline for entries from California dairy kids to the Real California Dairy Kids Video Contest until June 11. The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) is looking for dairy kids willing to share their unique point-of-view in a video they create for the CMAB. How does it work? Your child (or children, group entries are welcome) fills out an application describing their video concept. Each short video segment needs to address a list of questions but that's when the creativity kicks in - they can do so in any way they want: documentary, animation, reenactment. The sky is the limit. Applications will be evaluated based on content and creativity. Selected applicants (up to 20) will be given a Flip video camera, a list of instructions and two months to film their creation. One winning submission will be selected to win a $1,000 college savings bond. All selected applicants get to keep their Flip video camera. Any child of a California dairy producer under the age of 18 is eligible to participate. Please submit your name, the name and age(s) of your child or children, telephone number, mailing address and e-mail address (if available) to news@cmab.net with a subject line of Real California Dairy Kids. June 2, 2010 CMAB Notice
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Governor Schwarzenegger Declares June 2010 Real
California Milk Month - - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today
proclaimed June 2010 as “Real California Milk Month” in the state of
California for the third year in a row. The proclamation honors the efforts
of California’s more than 1,750 dairy families and the California Milk
Advisory Board (CMAB) to keep the state’s dairy industry healthy and strong.
“The official proclamation of June as Real California Milk Month in
California is a special celebration for our dairy families, particularly in
these tough economic times,” said Stan Andre, chief executive officer of the
CMAB.
<more> June 1, 2010 CMAB Press Release
Milk powder prices eased for a second month at
auction - - Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd., the world’s largest
dairy exporter, said. Whole milk powder for August delivery fell 0.2 percent
to $4,019 a metric ton, in the Auckland-based company’s latest
GlobalDairyTrade auction. It was the second decline and followed a 24
percent surge in prices to $4,092 a ton, a 21-month high, at the company’s
April auction.
<more> June 1, 2010 Bloomberg
Lincoln announces series of Senate farm bill
hearings - - The Senate Agriculture Committee will begin a series of
hearings on reauthorization of the 2008 Farm Bill on June 30, according to
an announcement today from Chairwoman Blanche Lincoln. The date for the
first hearing is the only one that has been announced. The second hearing
will cover the rural economy, the third will cover conservation and wildlife
habitat; and the fourth will cover energy.
<more> June 1, 2010 Feedstuffs
Massive Police Response to Online Threats Against
Ohio Dairy Farm - - Threats of retaliation against the Central Ohio farm
at the center of an animal cruelty controversy led to a massive police
response Monday, but the threat never materialized into action. About 150
law-enforcement officers from eight counties were prepared for violent
clashes at the Conklin Dairy Farms in Union County, where an employee was
fired last week following the release of an undercover videotape depicting
cow abuse.
<more> June 1, 2010 NBC News
Is milk from grass-fed cows better for you? -
- If milk does the heart good, it might do the heart even more good if it
comes from dairy cows grazed on grass instead of on feedlots, according to a
U.S. study. Earlier studies have shown that cows on a diet of fresh grass
produce milk with five times as much of an unsaturated fat called conjugated
linoleic acid (CLA) than cows fed processed grains. Studies in animals have
suggested that CLAs can protect the heart, and help in weight loss.
<more> May 31, 2010 Reuters
CWT Export Assistance Assists Sales of 191 Tons
- - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted one bid from Foremost
Farms and two bids from Darigold for a total of 191.2 metric tons (421,524
pounds) of Cheddar cheese to the Middle East and Asia. The product will be
delivered in June and July 2010. Since CWT reactivated the Export Assistance
program on March 18, 2010, it has assisted members in making export sales of
cheddar cheese totaling 15,843 metric tons (34.9 million pounds) to 17
countries on four continents. June 1, 2010 CWT Press Release
Survey reflects division on immigration - -
Judging by the results of a poll by ImmigrationWorksUSA, there are no easy
answers to the issue of immigration for legislators or U.S. voters.
According to the survey, a majority of voters think the United States needs
an overhaul of the immigration system and policies. Slightly more than half
(52 percent) of respondents believe that immigration "hurts the United
States" more than it helps, while 41 percent believe immigration benefits
the country. But when the results are broken down by the respondents’
political bent, race, age, gender, employment and other demographic
categories, clear divisions emerge:
<more> June 1, 2010 ImmigrationWorksUSA
Delta water rivals to work on compromise - -
The federal government and its environmental allies agreed Friday to try to
reach a compromise with water users over the contentious issue of just how
much water should be pumped from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta through
the end of June. Tom Birmingham, general manager of the Westlands Water
District, made the offer on behalf of urban and agricultural water users
during a short hearing before U.S. District Judge Oliver W. Wanger. The
proposal to talk involves pumping restrictions that protect the threatened
delta smelt.
<more> June 1, 2010 Fresno Bee
June
4 Modesto workshop on measuring lagoon nutrient applications - -
A workshop on measuring lagoon nutrient applications will be held Friday,
June 4 in Modesto. This hands-on workshop, sponsored by UC Cooperative
Extension, will demonstrate practical techniques for measuring and
calculating application rates of dairy lagoon nitrogen. The morning session
will focus on methods that do not require installing a flow meter. After
the industry sponsored lunch, attendees will learn how to select, install
and use flow meters for nutrient management and recordkeeping. There will be
hands-on displays and demonstrations of the different types of flow meters
and manufacturer’s representatives will be on hand to answer your questions.
There is no charge for the workshop however new UC publications on choosing
and installing flow meters and measuring flow will be available for a small
fee to cover printing costs. RSVPs are not required but are appreciated.
The session runs from 10:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in Harvest Hall, Stanislaus
County Ag Center, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto. For more information contact
Marsha Campbell Mathews or Marie at (209) 525-6800. May 21, 2010
UCCE Notice.
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Friday, May 28, 2010
Federal judge hands delta water users second victory - - For the second
time in nine days, a federal judge has handed a victory to urban and
agricultural water users who are seeking to increase pumping levels in the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Released late Thursday, U.S. District Judge
Oliver W. Wanger's 126-page decision involving the threatened delta smelt
has many similarities to one issued last week on endangered salmon. As with
the salmon ruling, Wanger found that water officials must consider humans
along with the smelt in limiting use of the delta for irrigation. He also
found that water users made convincing arguments that the federal
government's science didn't prove that increased pumping from the delta
imperiled the smelt.
<more> May 28, 2010 Modesto Bee
Bill
seeks to exempt milk from oil spill prevention plan - - Michigan
Congresswoman Candice Miller has introduced legislation to direct the
Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to change their designation of milk as
an environmental hazard. Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA instituted a
program called the Oil Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Program
which directs producers to have an oil spill prevention plan (SPCC plan).
The goal is to prevent oil from entering the navigable waters of the United
States. However, the EPA rule states that because milk contains a certain
percentage of animal fat, which is a non-petroleum oil, it is considered to
be oil for the purposes of the SPCC program and should therefore require a
facility that stores, transfers or uses milk to develop and implement an
SPCC plan.
<more> May 28, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Tougher animal protection bill wins CA assembly approval - - On Monday,
the California Assembly approved Assembly Bill 2012, authored by
Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance), which will increase the penalty for
animal neglect from a maximum of six months to up to one year of
incarceration. AB 2012 will also instigate a possible fine of up to $20,000
for animal cruelty and animal neglect offenses.
<more> May 28, 2010 SF Chronicle
House
Passes Revisions to Ohio’s Animal Cruelty Laws - - Months before the
current controversy of alleged animal cruelty by employees of Conklin Dairy
Farms, Rep. Williams and Combs introduced H.B. 55 to revise portions of
Ohio’s animal cruelty law. Yesterday, the Ohio House passed the animal
cruelty bill, which had been introduced last March. H.B. 55 focuses largely
on cruelty to “companion animals,” which includes dogs, cats, and any animal
kept inside a residential dwelling. In regards to cruelty to animals other
than companion animals, H.B. 55 adds a new penalty provision. The penalty
remains a second degree misdemeanor for first offenses, but increases to a
first degree misdemeanor for subsequent violations of the law. Current law
addresses each offense as a second degree misdemeanor.
<more> May
28, 2010 Ohioaglaw
Animal
well being workshops get underway in June - - The second in a series of
free educational workshops designed to help dairy producers prepare for a
national animal care and well being program gets underway in June. The
national Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program has been
endorsed by Dairy CARES. The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP)
will conduct the educational workshops to discuss how the FARM program
works, how to best prepare for an on-farm evaluation and what to expect
during an evaluation. There are two sets of workshops. The first is
Introduction to the Dairy FARM program and will provide an overview. The
second workshop is Performance Monitoring of Animal Well-Being and will
cover scoring for locomotion, hocks, body condition and hygiene. The
workshops are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations are not required. The first workshops get underway in Merced
County on June 3 and June 10, followed by Stanislaus County workshops June 8
and June 22, and Kern County workshops June 23 and June 24.
Click here for
the workshop schedule.
Burn-ban exemptions OK'd -- with bow to Florez - - State air regulators
on Thursday approved exemptions to the Valley's crop-burning ban, but with a
catch -- they will revisit the changes if state Sen. Dean Florez can prove
they aren't needed. At a meeting in San Diego, the state Air Resources Board
by a unanimous vote concurred with a finding by the San Joaquin Valley Air
Pollution Control District that the final phases of the ban need to be
delayed for some crops because alternatives to burning are too costly. But
the state board kept some control over the process by setting a 2012
expiration date, at which time officials said they would reconsider the
exemptions. Regulators said they would act sooner if Florez can prove that
alternatives are indeed feasible.
<more> May 28, 2010 Fresno Bee
Central Valley part of major air pollution research program - The
California Air Resources Board and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration are taking to land, sea and air to address the most
challenging aspects of California’s air quality problem: measuring
greenhouse gases and air pollutants. The $20 million project is employing an
unprecedented number of airplanes, ships and researchers to examine the
nexus between air pollution and climate change. The Central Valley, with its
persistent air pollution, will be a major part of the study.
<more> May 28, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
California Senate bans sports drinks during school hours - - Aiming to
slim down overweight children, California's state senators voted 21-11 today
to ban the sale of sugared sports drinks at public schools during class
hours. Soft drinks are already banned during school hours. But
sugar-sweetened electrolyte replacement beverages -- a.k.a. sports drinks --
are still available and have surged in popularity among kids, said Sen. Alex
Padilla, D-Pacoima, author of Senate Bill 1255.
<more> May 28, 2010 Sacramento Bee
China:
The 800-pound gorilla in the room - - There has been a lot happening in
the protein market over the past year. There has been a dramatic rebuilding
of U.S. and global oilseed stockpiles. Prices are down from 2007-2010 values
though it is unlikely that they will return to the ranges seen from 1998 to
2006, Joel Karlin from Western Milling in Goshen, Calif., told audience
members at the California Animal Nutrition Conference this week.
<more> May 28, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
New
Brochure Available: Cost of Johne’s Disease to a Dairy Herd - - Within
the dairy industry, Johne’s disease isn’t a “it could never happen to my
herd” event. After all, National Animal Health Monitoring Systems research
shows that slightly more than two out of three U.S. dairy operations have
Johne’s disease. The big question then becomes “Once the bacteria known to
cause Johne’s disease—Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis—invade my herd
and my cows are clinically affected, what is it costing my bottom line?” A
new 12-page booklet developed by the National Johne’s Education Initiative
shares facts about Johne’s disease, explains the “iceberg phenomenon” and
provides three ways to calculate the potential cost of Johne’s disease
within a dairy herd. The booklet is free to dairy producers, veterinarians
and others within the dairy industry. To learn more about Johne’s disease or
to obtain your free copy of the new Johne’s disease booklet, go to
www.johnesdisease.org or
call the National Institute for Animal Agriculture at (719) 538-8843.
May 28, 2010 NIAA Press Release
Put
More Nitrogen into Milk, Not Manure - - The more efficient dairy farmers
are in managing nitrogen, the more milk their cows will produce and the less
nitrogen will be wasted in manure and urine, according a study by
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and cooperators. ARS soil
scientist J. Mark Powell at the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center in
Madison, Wis., worked with ARS agricultural engineer Clarence Rotz at the
ARS Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit in University
Park, Pa., and Australian colleagues to calculate nitrogen use efficiency
ratings to guide dairy farmers.
<more> May 28, 2010 ARS Press Release
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
June 1 deadline for funding for dairy water quality projects - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other agricultural water enhancements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
CWT announces
herd retirement. Bids being accepted May 28 through June 25 - -
After reviewing a number of
economic benchmarks including cull rates and cull cow prices, Cooperatives
Working Together (CWT) announced Thursday that it will conduct a herd
retirement. Bids will be accepted starting Friday, May 28 with a cutoff date
of Friday, June 25. “It is our belief that a herd retirement at this time
will add to the positive momentum already building and should result in
speeding up the milk price recovery already in progress,” said Jerry Kozak,
President and CEO of NMPF, which manages CWT.
<more> May 27, 2010 CWT Press Release
Ohio dairy farm worker charged with animal
cruelty - - A dairy farm worker was charged Wednesday with 12 counts of
cruelty to animals after a welfare group released a video it says shows him
and others beating cows with crowbars and poking them with pitchforks. The
video was recorded in an undercover investigation at Conklin Dairy Farms
Inc., said Mercy For Animals, a not-for-profit group that publicizes what it
calls cruel practices in the dairy, meat and egg industries and promotes a
vegan diet. The video shows workers holding down newborn calves and stomping
on their heads. It shows one worker wiring a cow's nose to a metal bar near
the ground and repeatedly beating it with another bar while it bleeds.
<more> May 27, 2010 AP
Western United Dairymen condemns Ohio dairy cow
abuse video - - Western United Dairymen today strongly condemned an
undercover video in which an Ohio dairy farm worker
is seen beating cows and calves. The worker has been fired by his employer
and was charged Wednesday with 12 counts of cruelty to animals. The video
was recorded in an undercover investigation at Conklin Dairy Farms Inc.,
said Mercy For Animals, a not-for-profit group that publicizes what it calls
cruel practices in the dairy, meat and egg industries and promotes a vegan
diet. The video, released on May 26, shows a worker repeatedly abusing the
livestock. “While viewing this video, I was filled with disgust and anger,”
said WUD President Jamie Bledsoe. “The actions depicted on this video do not
in any way represent the methods used by California dairy families while
caring for their cows. We care deeply about the health and safety of our
cows. Their care is my number one priority not only because a healthy cow
produces high-quality milk but because it is the right thing to do.”
<more> May 27, 2010 WUD Press Release
National Milk issues statement on Ohio dairy
video - - The National Milk Producers Federation has issued the
following statement on the undercover video of animal abuse at an Ohio
dairy: “The dairy industry takes claims about animal mistreatment very
seriously. Any evidence of animal abuse should be taken promptly to the
appropriate state and local authorities whose job it is to investigate those
claims, which has finally happened today with the situation in Ohio. The
video released on May 26 is deeply disturbing and depicts practices that are
absolutely unacceptable. Ohio’s dairy farmers, and those across the rest of
the country, do not countenance this type of treatment. In fact, Ohio’s
animal cruelty laws prohibit acts of unnecessarily or cruelly beating
domestic or livestock animals, and we support a further investigation into
the situation on the farm. On a national level, many farms are now beginning
to adopt the
new National Dairy Farm program’s care standards. Those standards
disavow maliciousstriking or dragging of animals. Responsible animal
stewardship is a good thing for people and cows, and
the FARM program,
developed by NMPF, is designed to promote the best practices in animal care
that consumers have come to expect from the dairy sector.” May 27, 2010
NMPF Press Release
Activist Video Not Representative of Dairy Industry says Ag Alliance- -
The Animal Agriculture Alliance is disturbed by the images of alleged animal
cruelty documented in a video released this week by an animal rights
activist group. The Alliance has long condemned the abuse and mistreatment
of animals raised for food and works to promote animal care guidelines on
all farms across the United States. If an investigation finds the video to
be genuine, we believe that the severest penalties allowed by law should be
imposed on all parties involved, as well as those who failed to stop and
report these actions immediately to the proper authorities.
<more> May 27, 2010 AAA News Release
Agriculture Responds
to Activist Video - - Members of the agriculture community are speaking
out against the mistreatment depicted in a recent video released by an
animal rights activist group while showing support for the farmers and
ranchers that work every day to ensure proper animal welfare standards are
met. Here is a sample of the articles that have been posted recently.
<more> May 28, 2010 Animal Ag Alliance
Animal Ag’s Role In Greenhouse Gas Production Is
June 11 Webinar Topic - - University of California-Davis associate
professor and air quality specialist Frank Mitloehner traces much of the
public confusion over meat and milk’s role in climate change to two
sentences in a 2006 United Nations report, titled "Livestock's Long Shadow."
On June 11, Mitloehner will present his views in the free webinar "Animal
Ag’s Role in Greenhouse Gas Production: A Closer Look.” Rick Stowell,
University of Nebraska Extension specialist focusing on air quality in
animal agriculture, is the moderator. The presentation begins at 1:30 p.m.
Central Time. It is part of eXtension’s Livestock and Poultry Environmental
Learning Center monthly webcast series.
More information about the center, its webcasts and how to participate
is available on the eXtension site.
<more> May 27, 2010 CattleNetwork.com
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
June 1 deadline for funding for nutrient management projects - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Ohio Dairy Responds to Undercover Video - -
The Plain City dairy farm targeted in an undercover video released by Mercy
for Animals (MFA) this week responded swiftly to animal abuses depicted in
the footage. A spokesman for the farm confirmed the employee prominently
featured willfully abusing animals was fired immediately Wednesday morning
following the video's release. "As fourth-generation farmers, our family
takes the care of our cows and calves very seriously," the Conklin statement
said. "We take equally seriously the allegations that have been made about
our farm operation and the mistreatment of our animals."
<more> May 26, 2010 Buckeyeag.com
Ohio dairy latest undercover video source - -
Another undercover video of animal abuse has surfaced, this time it’s an
Ohio dairy farm. The animal rights organization Mercy For Animals released
undercover video shot at the Conklin Dairy Farm near Plain City, Ohio that
quite honestly is disturbing and reaction from around the country, from
farmers and agricultural organizations range from outrage, to disbelief, to
condoning any type of animal abuse. ABN Radio in Ohio is reporting on their
Web site that the employee shown in the video has been terminated.
<more> May 26, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Mercy for Animals goes undercover at an Ohio
dairy farm, obtains graphic video -- An animal activist group based in Ohio
and Illinois has video of "shocking, malicious cruelty to calves and cows"
at a dairy farm just west of Columbus. A news conference is scheduled for 11
a.m. today in Cleveland, where Mercy for Animals Director Nathan Runkle will
discuss the video. An investigator hired by the non-profit group got a job
at the farm and recorded activities there in April and May. The video shows
workers beating cows in the face with crowbars, stabbing them with
pitchforks, breaking their tails, and punching, throwing and kicking calves.
<more> May 26, 2010 Cleveland Plain Dealer
Fresno judge lifts delta pumping restrictions
- - A federal judge in Fresno on Tuesday temporarily lifted Sacramento-San
Joaquin Delta pumping restrictions designed to help endangered salmon,
siding with urban and agricultural water users who said the move would not
harm the fish. The order by U.S. District Judge Oliver W. Wanger will be in
place until June 15. For west-side agriculture -- including farmers and
ranchers in the Westlands Water District -- that could mean an extra 200,000
acre-feet of water, said Tom Birmingham, Westlands' general manager. In
real-world terms, he added, it will mean an additional 75,000 acres of
farmland could be put back into production -- and with it more people put to
work.
<more> May 26, 2010 Fresno Bee
Farmers sue over water for fish - - In
another skirmish in the century-old California war over water, the
California Farm Bureau Federation is suing the state Department of Fish and
Game, saying it exceeded its authority by threatening to restrict irrigation
water that farmers want. The lawsuit, filed in Siskiyou County Superior
Court. says that on three occasions this spring, the Department of Fish and
Game sent letters to farmers and ranchers along the Scott and Shasta rivers
in Northern California, warning them of possible civil and criminal
penalties if they did not notify the department of their water use and
potentially obtain a permit from the agency. That permit, known as a Lake
and Streambed Alteration Agreement, has never before been required for
farmers who use water from the rivers to irrigate crops without actually
altering the riverbed itself, the lawsuit says.
<more> May 26, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
June 1 deadline for funding for nutrient management projects - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Fonterra Likely to Pay Farmers 8.2% More for Milk
-- Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd., the world’s largest dairy exporter,
will likely pay New Zealand suppliers 8.2 percent more for milk in 2011
because of rising demand and constrained supply. The company forecast a
payout of NZ$6.60 ($4.43) for each kilogram of milk solids supplied in the
year ending May 31, 2011, up from a forecast NZ$6.10 this year, the
Auckland-based company said today in a statement.
<more> May 25, 2010 Bloomberg
Florez may seek cut in Valley air district's
budget -- Making good on a threat made last week, state Sen. Dean Florez
on Monday asked a legislative committee to withhold some state money from
the Valley air district if it allows exemptions to a farm burning ban. "If
the district acts to reduce air pollution from ag burning, it will continue
to see all of the financial benefits the Legislature provides to air
districts," he said in a letter outlining his proposal to a Senate budget
subcommittee. "If it doesn't, it will no longer be able to count on the
state to subsidize its activities." The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution
Control District gets about two-thirds of its $150 million budget from the
state.
<more> May 25, 2010 Fresno Bee
Farm Bureau: Pass tax bill - - The U.S. House
of Representatives is expected to vote soon on legislation that includes a
number of tax provisions vital to farmers and rural America. The American
Farm Bureau Federation is urging the House to pass the “American Jobs and
Closing Tax Loopholes Act.” In a letter sent to members of the House Monday,
AFBF President Bob Stallman called for prompt passage of the bill to
reinstate many tax provisions that expired at the end of 2009. Among these
are extension of tax incentives for biodiesel and renewable diesel,
five-year depreciation for farming business machinery and equipment and a
number of other tax deductions that farmers and ranchers rely on to manage
cash flow.
<more> May 25, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Future California biofuels production - -
Steve Kaffka paints an optimistic picture of the future of California
biofuels production. Weather, water availability, and state and federal
policies, Kaffka says, will help determine if California agriculture one day
serves as a larger biofuels energy producer to help the state achieve a less
petroleum-based, renewable energy future. Kaffka is director of the
California Biomass Collaborative, a statewide association of government,
industry, environmental groups, and educational institutions administered
for the state by UC Davis.
<more> May 25, 2010 Western Farm Press
Here's your chance to win the "Get ready for
grilling” package - - Answer a few easy questions about your beef
checkoff investment and you're automatically entered to win a grilling
package including a stadium blanket, grilling utensils, cooler, potholder,
Chef Richard Chamberlain’s spice rub, beef checkoff cap and instant read
thermometer.
Take the beef checkoff trivia challenge. May 25, 2010 Beef Checkoff
notice
New food-safety rules threaten small, organic
farms - - Tom Willey is so concerned about food safety he is willing to
bet the farm on it. Literally. Willey and his wife, Densesse, own an organic
farm just outside of Madera in the central San Joaquin Valley, where they
grow lettuce, carrots, cabbage and nearly 50 other hand-harvested
vegetables. They supply 800 local families and West Coast retailers with a
year-round supply of fresh produce. But in the last three years, a dark
cloud has gathered over Willey's farm. He and other organic farmers say
stricter food-safety regulations, developed after a cluster of outbreaks of
bacterial contamination in spinach and lettuce in 2006, threaten the
principles upon which their farms are based.
<more> May 25, 2010 San Jose Mercury News
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
June 1 deadline for
funding for nutrient
management projects - - Dairy producers in the Central
Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management
infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to
address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP).
The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to
assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered
with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy
producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy
producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary
conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to
agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement
activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and
ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the
funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations.
Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing
Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP
funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and
applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
2009 leaders honored with JFK Profile in Courage Award - - The four legislative leaders who hammered out the February 2009 budget deal were honored with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award this morning. The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation selected Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, former Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, former Senate Republican leader Dave Cogdill and former Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines for showing courage in reaching a deal to close a $40 billion budget deficit in February 2009. <more> May 25, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Monday, May 24, 2010
Flap over California 'Happy Cows' ad sparks
Assembly vote - - The message is clear: Never again should a California
Happy Cows commercial be filmed in New Zealand. The Assembly voted Monday to
require that California state agencies, commissions or departments shoot
commercials inside the Golden State if they are promoting California
products with public funds. Assemblyman Ted Lieu proposed the bill, Assembly
Bill 1778, after the California Milk Advisory Board sent a production crew
to New Zealand to film 10 commercials that claim California cows are happy.
On the Assembly floor Monday, Lieu, a Torrance Democrat, said such
promotional funds "should be spent in California to employ California
workers, support the economy and provide jobs." AB 1778 is sponsored by the
California Teamsters Public Affairs Council and has no formal opposition.
The bill passed the Assembly by the bare-minimum number of votes required,
41-13, with no GOP support. It now goes to the Senate.
<more> May 24, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Watchdog website to be shut down if HSUS donates
50% of its revenues to shelter- - A
full-page ad in this morning's Washington Post highlights the failure
of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to donate a significant
portion of the public's donations to America's underfunded dog and cat
shelters. And the sponsor of the ad, the nonprofit Center for Consumer
Freedom (CCF), is pledging to shut down its popular HumaneWatch.org website
if HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle donates just 50 percent of his group's income to
hands-on pet shelters in the United States. In February, HumaneWatch exposed
HSUS's practice of giving less than half of one percent of its budget to dog
and cat shelters.
<more> May 24, 2010 Center for Consumer Freedom news release
Organic milk sales increase - - Ag Marketing
Service reports Organic fat-reduced milk sales in March were 114 million
pounds up 3.6 percent from March of 2009. For the first quarter of the year,
fat-reduced organic sales totaled 315 million pounds, up 2.4 percent
compared to the first three months of 2009. Organic Whole Milk sales in
March were 34 million pounds, up 3.5 percent compared to March of 2009.
Year-to-date organic whole milk sales are up 3.7 percent at 96 million
pounds for the first three months of the year. AMS says organic milk
production is increasing seasonally providing more milk for other organic
dairy products. Organic yogurt and ice cream are the fastest-growing
products.
<more> May 24, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
State ag board looks at renewal energy issues
Wednesday - - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will
discuss renewable energy technology at its May 26 in Sacramento . The
meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California
Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street –Main Auditorium,
Sacramento. “California farms and ranches can no longer be seen as just
being suppliers of food, fiber and forage,” said CDFA Secretary A.G.
Kawamura. “Renewable energy technology, with scalability and alignment,
offers solutions and exciting opportunities for on-farm energy production. “
The state board will hear from a variety of renewable energy companies,
local and regional government agencies, and farmers who have implemented
green energy technologies on their farming operation. Speakers include
Casey Houweling, Houweling’s Hothouse Group; Professor Scott Samuelsen,
National Fuel Research Center and Pamela Creedon, Center Valley Regional
Water Quality Control Board. May 24, 2010 CDFA Press Release
Soda tax uncaps a fight - - Makers and
sellers of soda and other sweet drinks have intensified a fight against
proposed taxes on their products, as a growing number of cities and states
are weighing the measures to help fill depleted coffers. A soft-drink
bottler offered what it called a $10 million good-will-gesture donation for
health and recreation programs in Philadelphia, as city officials there
considered a proposal for an excise tax to help plug a budget hole and fight
obesity. The tax, proposed by Philadelphia's Democratic Mayor Michael
Nutter, would amount to two cents an ounce on soda and other sweet drinks.
Industry officials are also considering trying to organize a referendum in
Washington state to repeal a three-year excise tax on carbonated beverages
of two cents on every 12 ounces. The moves come as officials in at least 20
cities and states have proposed new taxes or the removal of tax exemptions
on non-alcoholic beverages so far this year.
<more> May 24, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Ecologist who wrote delta report dismissed --
A University of Maryland scientist who published a paper this week
concluding that ammonium-laden waste-water discharges from Sacramento are at
the root of the delta's ecological demise has been dismissed from a
prestigious panel of scientists studying the decline. Patricia Glibert, a
respected ecologist, determined that increases in ammonium downstream of the
Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District's sewage treatment plant
fundamentally altered the kinds of plankton that thrive in the
Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, and that change rippled up the food web
in ways that led to the decline of native fish. Glibert was asked to resign
Thursday from a panel assembled by the National Academy of Sciences because
the paper laid down firm conclusions while the committee is still trying to
work through the delta's problems.
<more> May 24, 2010 Contra Costa Times
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
June 1 deadline for funding for nutrient management projects - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Friday, May 21, 2010
New TV
ad campaign puts face on California dairy families - - California dairy
producers, including several members of Western United Dairymen, will soon
appear on a television near you with the debut of the California Milk
Advisory Board’s (CMAB) “Family Farms” advertising campaign. The campaign
features nine 30-second commercials featuring real California dairy families
sharing their personal stories and love for dairy farming. The campaign also
will include an online element that draws consumers to the
www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com site. The commercials can be viewed online and will
be available at www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com along with twenty Real California
Dairy Families documentaries and three video companion pieces – on
sustainability, cow comfort practices and dairy in California.
<more> May 21, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
NRCS,
California dairies invest $12 million in water quality practices - -
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm Bill conservation
programs will invest approximately $11.8 million in 2010 for contracts with
California dairy and other livestock farmers to implement conservation
practices that will help them comply with regulations, manage and use the
manure from their animals to fertilize their crops and improve water
quality. "Manure that is applied in proper concentration and at the proper
time is taken up and used by crops," said Ed Burton, State Conservationist
for NRCS California State Office. "Nitrogen and other nutrients can be put
to work so they cannot wash or percolate into water and become pollutants."
<more> May 21, 2010 NRCS Press Release
Cheese
prices and stocks move higher - - The cheese market continued its slow,
steady climb for the week as demand seems to be pretty solid ahead of the
Memorial Day weekend. Barrels on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange gained 6
cents for the week and blocks were 3.75 cents higher than last Friday. The
monthly Cold Storage Report from the National Ag Statistics Service shows
cheese stocks continue to build.
<more> May 21, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
State Water
Project increases allocations to 45% - -
The California Department of
Water Resources announced Friday it is increasing its final 2010 State Water
Project allocation to 45 percent of requested amounts, thanks to late season
storms. The 45 percent allocation, although an increase from the 5 percent
originally estimated for this year, will still leave many communities, farms
and businesses with limited alternative supplies, DWR predicts.
<more> May 21, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
June
4 Modesto workshop on measuring lagoon nutrient applications - -
A workshop on measuring lagoon nutrient applications will be held Friday,
June 4 in Modesto. This hands-on workshop, sponsored by UC Cooperative
Extension, will demonstrate practical techniques for measuring and
calculating application rates of dairy lagoon nitrogen. The morning session
will focus on methods that do not require installing a flow meter. After
the industry sponsored lunch, attendees will learn how to select, install
and use flow meters for nutrient management and recordkeeping. There will be
hands-on displays and demonstrations of the different types of flow meters
and manufacturer’s representatives will be on hand to answer your questions.
There is no charge for the workshop however new UC publications on choosing
and installing flow meters and measuring flow will be available for a small
fee to cover printing costs. RSVPs are not required but are appreciated.
The session runs from 10:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in Harvest Hall, Stanislaus
County Ag Center, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto. For more information contact
Marsha Campbell Mathews or Marie at (209) 525-6800. May 21, 2010
UCCE Notice.
Is raw milk better?
- - Raw milk is on the legislative agenda of a number of states these days.
And a seemingly increasing segment of consumers have been clamoring for
access to unpasteurized products. However, raw milk can also be accompanied
by health risks, as evidenced by a slew of news stories in recent weeks
about food-borne illnesses linked to unpasteurized milk consumption. The
issue has several interrelated facets, and where you stand generally comes
down to taste, health or consumer choice.
<more> May 21, 2010 AgriTalk
CWT Export Assistance assists sales of 108 tons - -Cooperatives
Working Together (CWT) this week accepted one bid from Darigold and one bid
from Land O’Lakes for export assistance on a total of 108.4 metric tons
(239,000 pounds) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to the Middle East and
Asia. The product will be delivered in June and July 2010. Since CWT
reactivated the Export Assistance program on March 18, 2010, it has assisted
members in making export sales of cheddar cheese totaling 15,652 metric tons
(34.5 million pounds) to 17 countries on four continents. May 21, 2010
CWT Press Release
Fonterra eyes massive organic growth by 2014 - - Fonterra says it
expects its organic business - selling the milk from 20,000 cows certified
as organic livestock - to surge by 140 percent over the next five years on
the back of burgeoning global demand for organic dairy ingredients. "Dairy
is the fastest-growing category in the international organic market, and
having seen 60 percent growth over the past two years we are well placed to
build on this," said Fonterra's organic global category manager Rick Carmont.
<more> May 21, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
International skimmed milk powder contracts launch Monday - - CME Group
will launch trading in international skimmed milk powder futures and options
contracts on Monday, as the Chicago-based exchange operator and others angle
for a piece of a $6.7 billion global market. The CME’s contracts will
provide the dairy industry its first international risk-management tools
following wide swings in milk powder prices in recent years, the exchange
said. “As price volatility increased over the past several years, the need
has grown for a skim milk powder futures contract to help industry
participants better manage their risk,” said John Harangody, the CME’s
director of commodity products.
<more> May 21, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
New
Zealand's dairy growth set for sharp slowdown - - The rocketing pace of
milk production growth in New Zealand, the world's biggest dairy exporter,
is to decline sharply as red tape and weighty debts curb farmers'
willingness to invest. New Zealand's milk production has grown by an average
of 4.6% a year over the past two decades, lifted by productivity
improvements and doubling to 4.4m head in the country's cow herd. However,
analysts believe the growth rate will slow to 2-3% in the "near-to-medium
term", curbed by financial and regulatory hurdles, the US Department of
Agriculture's Wellington bureau said in a report.
<more> May 21, 2010 Agrimoney.com
Farmers, conservative groups cheer water ruling - - Valley farming
interests and conservative political groups Wednesday hailed a court ruling
that questions pumping restrictions to Valley farmers. Judge Oliver Wanger
ruled Tuesday in Fresno's U.S. District Court that the federal government
did not form an adequate plan when it restricted pumping from the
Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to farms and urban residents in Central
and Southern California. Wanger had planned to rule Wednesday on possibly
lifting pumping restrictions on a temporary basis, but delayed any decision
until early next week.
<more> May 21, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
Air
board OKs ag burns; Florez threatens funds - - Grape and citrus growers
Thursday got a reprieve from a farm burning ban that takes effect June 1,
but millions of dollars in state funding for Valley air quality may now be
at risk. State Sen. Dean Florez threatened to start a campaign to cut off
funds for the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District if the
agency went ahead with plans to let certain growers continue burning farm
waste. Florez wrote the 2003 law requiring the practice to end this year.
<more> May 21, 2010 Fresno Bee
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
June 1 deadline for funding for nutrient management projects - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Second Meeting
of Dairy Industry Advisory Committee June 3-4
- – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the second
meeting of the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee will be June 3-4 at USDA
headquarters in Washington, D.C., in room 104-A of the Jamie L. Whitten
Building. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is
to discuss farm milk price volatility and dairy farmer profitability, review
current USDA programs and federal dairy policy, hear proposals from dairy
industry groups and hear comments from the public. The public can submit
written comments for the committee's consideration and find additional
information on the committee website at
www.fsa.usda.gov/diac. May
20, 2010 USDA Press Release
Arkansas Senate
race pits California's farmers vs. its liberals- -
California farmers are going far
afield to help re-elect the chair of their favorite Senate committee. The
state's citrus, raisin, almond and peach producers, among others, have been
steering thousands of dollars to embattled Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln
of Arkansas. Lincoln chairs the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
Committee, and is fighting for her political life. But Lincoln's Democratic
primary challenger, too, has been tapping California's deep pockets.
Consequently, distant Arkansas has become an unlikely arena for a proxy
contest between Central Valley farm interests and San Francisco Bay Area
liberals.
<more> May 20, 2010 McClatchy Newspapers
Florez
fumes at air district for exempt ag burns - - Valley air officials want
to allow some agricultural waste burning beyond the June 1 deadline for
permanently ending the practice. Alternatives are too expensive for some
farmers, air leaders say. But state Sen. Dean Florez, who wrote the 2003 law
phasing out farm burning, says the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control
District is inflating the costs and giving some farmers a free pass. Florez
said he will ask the district board today to delay the exemptions -- which
are allowed under the law -- so he can schedule a Senate Agriculture
Committee hearing on the district's analysis.
<more> May 20, 2010 Fresno Bee
Farmers hail water ruling - - Irrigators are hailing a ruling by a
federal judge that says the National Marine Fisheries Service needs better
science to support pumping reductions from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
as a means of helping salmon populations. Farm interests see the ruling as a
validation of arguments that irrigators have been making for months and say
it could impact a similar lawsuit concerning the protected Delta smelt,
which the same judge is hearing in the next few weeks.
<more> May 20, 2010 Capital Press
NRCS funds available for on-farm energy audits -
- USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced funding
is available for individual on-farm energy audits designed to save both
money and energy when fully implemented. California is one of 29 states
receiving funding for on-farm energy audits in fiscal year 2010 through the
2008 Farm Bill’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). As much as
$225,000 is available in California to assist up to 150 farmers and ranchers
with audits. The energy audits will be individually tailored to assess each
farm’s primary energy uses such as milk cooling, irrigation pumping, heating
and cooling of livestock production facilities, manure collection and
transfer, grain drying and other similar on-farm activities. NRCS California
will pay for the initial audits and the associated Agricultural Energy
Management Plan (AgEMP). The AgEMP provides producers a roadmap for future
implementation of energy-efficient practices. Applications are due at local
NRCS offices on or before June 18, 2010. Funding is available on a
first-come, first-serve basis. If approved for funding, producers will be
asked to select an NRCS-certified local Technical Service Provider, or
contractor, to perform the audit and develop the AgEMP. For more
information, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center or visit
www.nrcs.ca.usda.gov/programs.
May 20, 2010 NRCS Press Release
Kerry-Lieberman Bill Uses 'Fewer Buckets' in Giving Out Highly Prized
Allowances - - The Senate climate and energy bill unveiled Wednesday
takes a fresh stab at how to distribute hundreds of billions of dollars in
emission allowances among carbon-heavy industries and a variety of other
highly touted interests. Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Joe Lieberman
(I-Conn.) claim their legislation's approach is the most efficient effort
yet at slicing and dicing up who gets the valuable credits, no easy task
given competing demands from everyone from power companies to Big Oil,
highway builders, environmentalists and religious leaders.
<more> May 20, 2010 NY Times
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
June 1 deadline for funding for nutrient management projects - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Ruling may increase water for Southern
California, San Joaquin Valley - - More water may be headed to the
Southland and the San Joaquin Valley after a judge concluded Tuesday that a
federal agency acted arbitrarily when it imposed pumping limits to protect
migrating salmon and steelhead. The decision by U.S. District Court Judge
Oliver W. Wanger is the latest development in a tangle of legal challenges
to restrictions based on the Endangered Species Act that are cutting water
exports from the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta, east of San Francisco. Wanger
sharply criticized some of the scientific rationale for the pumping curbs,
but stopped short of jettisoning them, saying he needed more information
before deciding on a cure. The 134-page decision gave something to both
sides in the pumping wars, which have grown more intense with the state's
recent drought.
<more> May 19, 2010 LA Times
CMAB Spotlights Family Dairy Farms in New
Commercials --California dairy producers will soon appear on a
television near you with the debut of the California Milk Advisory Board’s (CMAB)
“Family Farms” advertising campaign. The campaign features nine 30-second
commercials featuring real California dairy families sharing their personal
stories and love for dairy farming. The campaign also will include an online
element that draws consumers to the RealCaliforniaMilk.com site. “In
California, 99 percent of our dairies are family farms. This heritage comes
through in the care they take with their animals and in preserving the
family farm for future generations. You can sense the real, personal
connection that is made with each family when you view these commercials.”
The commercials, produced by the CMAB, begin airing nationally on May 24 and
are an extension of the Real California Dairy Families documentary series
originally produced by Deutsch LA in 2009 to give consumers a clearer
understanding of where dairy products come from and showcase the people who
produce them. The unscripted documentary videos have received hundreds of
thousands of viewings since they debuted on the RealCaliforniaMilk.com site.
<more> May 19, 2010 CMAB Press Release
One Moos and One Hums, but They Could Help Power
Google - - Hey diddle diddle. Guess what the cow has done this time?
America’s dairy farmers could soon find themselves in the computer business,
with the manure from their cows possibly powering the vast data centers of
companies like Google and Microsoft. While not immediately intuitive, the
idea plays on two trends: the building of computing centers in more rural
locales, and dairy farmers’ efforts to deal with cattle waste by turning it
into fuel. With the right skills, a dairy farmer could rent out land and
power to technology companies and recoup an investment in the waste-to-fuel
systems within two years, Hewlett-Packard engineers say in a research paper
to be made public on Wednesday. According to H.P.’s calculations, 10,000
cows could fuel a one-megawatt data center, which would be the equivalent of
a small computing center used by a bank.
<more> May 19, 2010 NY Times
Wisconsin raw milk bill vetoed - - Wisconsin
Gov. Jim Doyle vetoed Senate Bill 434, legislation authorizing the sale of
raw, unpasteurized milk at dairy farms. The veto was praised by the health
and farmer groups including the Dairy Business Assn., Wisconsin Cheese
Makers Assn., and the Wisconsin Veterinary Medicine Assn. In an
unprecedented moment last week, Wisconsin's dairy farmers and health care
professionals stood united against the commercial sale of raw milk in
Wisconsin given recent Center for Disease Control reports that consumption
of raw can cause serious illness or death.
<more> May 19, 2010 Feedstuffs.com
NMPF and IDFA Thank Wisconsin Gov. Doyle for
Vetoing Raw Milk Bill - - National dairy organizations thanked Wisconsin
Gov. Jim Doyle today for vetoing a state bill that would have allowed raw
milk sales direct to consumers in that state, saying that his action
“demonstrates a commitment to health and safety,” according to the National
Milk Producers Federation and the International Dairy Foods Association.
<more> May 19, 2010 NMPF Press Release
Calgren launches ethanol plant in Pixley - -
Calgren Renewable Fuels completed start-up of its 55-million-gallon corn
ethanol plant in Pixley, Calif., Biofuels Digest said, now using an
ultra-low nitrous oxide gas turbine generator that can produce about 5,800
kilowatts of electricity and process steam. Biofuels Digest said the
technology results in a 20 percent to 25 percent reduction of steam
consumption compared to the industry norm. The Calgren plant also will
produce up to 400,000 tons of dried distillers grains. May 19, 2010
Biofuels Digest
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Funding for nutrient management projects available - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Fish ruling in Fresno sides with farmers - -
A federal judge in Fresno ruled today that people matter as much as fish,
siding with farm and urban water agencies fighting water cutbacks from
Northern California. U.S. District Judge Oliver Wanger said federal agencies
did not comply with environmental law in protection plans for winter- and
spring-run chinook salmon, Central Valley steelhead, green sturgeon and a
population of killer whales.
<more> May 18, 2010 Fresno Bee
U.S. milk production up 1.5% in April - -
Total milk production in the United States in April was 16.135 billion
pounds, 1.5 percent more than a year ago. Production per cow increased 61
pounds to average 1,801 while the dairy herd slipped 186,000 cows to 9.096
million head. California milk production held steady in April at 3.43
billion pounds. The Golden State dairy herd declined 69,000 head to 1.752
million cows but production per cow jumped 75 pounds to average 1,960.
<more> May 18, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Dairy Farmer, FDA Score Points in Raw Milk Case
- - A California raw milk dairy farmer has managed to fend off the federal
government's legal attempt to put him and his dairy under tighter scrutiny
through strategies such as unannounced inspections. But in the same case,
the federal court, Eastern District of California, in its recent April 20
decision (pdf), granted the federal Food and Drug Administration's motion
for summary judgment, which prohibits the dairyman, Mark McAfee; his dairy,
Organic Pastures Dairy Company; and others associated with the dairy from
delivering or introducing raw milk or raw milk products in any
form--including raw milk labeled at pet food--across state lines.
<more> May 18, 2010 Food Safety News
Sonoma county dairy value drops 33% - - The
value of Sonoma County’s crops and livestock surged 12 percent last year,
driven primarily by an increase in the value of the county’s wine grape
crop, according to the 2009 Sonoma County Agricultural Crop Report. Dairy
took one of the sharpest hits, declining 33 percent in value as the unit
price of milk declined 33 percent, from $18 per hundred weight of milk to
$12.
<more> May 18, 2010 Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Two studies blame Delta fish decline on
wastewater -- Two new studies point to Sacramento's wastewater as the
culprit behind declining fish populations in the Delta. The studies -- one
partly funded by water users -- likely will intensify pressure on the region
to upgrade its sewage treatment, which could cost ratepayers $1 billion.
Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District already is engaged in a
pitched battle with dozens of urban and rural water agencies that depend on
water from the Delta. The question: Is sewage or water diversions to blame
for the decline of fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta? On Monday,
Patricia Glibert of the University of Maryland said the Delta's
environmental problems are more likely tied to wastewater pollution than to
water diversions.
<more> May 18, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Nutrient Management Plan implementation field day
May 26 - - Make plans today to attend the Nutrient Management Plan (NMP)
Implementation Field Day on May 26. You will get firsthand experience in
understanding your NMP and using your flow meter to meet crop nutrient needs
and water quality regulations. This workshop will be held at Wyeth Dairy,
7319 Beckwith Road in Modesto beginning at 10 a.m. To register for this
workshop or more information, contact Joe Choperena at
jchoperena@suscon.org or
call (415) 977-0380 ext. 320. May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly News Update
Dean Florez: No free pass on ag burning - - For
nearly 60 years, California agriculture was handed a free pass to pollute
the air. Even as the San Joaquin Valley emerged as the smoggiest region in
the nation, farmers continued to enjoy a special status, burning their
uprooted trees and vines in big bonfires and plowing their fields into great
clouds of dust. Agriculture's exemption from air pollution laws was supposed
to end in 2003. I know because I wrote the legislation banning open field
burning and other arcane farm practices that were making our air even more
intolerable to breathe. Farmers were given plenty of time -- until June 2010
-- to wean themselves from burning. But now on the eve of this deadline,
our local air pollution control district is pulling a fast one. At the
behest of the most reactionary members of the farm lobby, the air district
is ignoring the very emissions that cause so many heart attacks and
premature deaths in the valley and force our schoolchildren to never leave
home without their steroid inhalers.
<more> May 18, 2010 Fresno Bee
Sacramento farm-to-table advocate raises food for
thought - - The peeling paint, chain-link fences and abandoned lots in
central Oak Park belie what's beyond a modern wood fence at the end of a
driveway on Seventh Avenue. Through the gate is a backyard oasis where two
rows of seed potatoes have just been nestled into the ground. Sage, oregano
and thyme grow in pots. And a two-story chicken coop houses five hens who
don't seem to mind that their eggs continually disappear. This is the yard of
Paul Towers, state director of the nonprofit Pesticide Watch, illicit
chicken owner and grass-roots activist who believes everyone should be able
to eat fresh food and drink clean water. As the
know-where-your-food-comes-from movement swells nationally, Towers is
planting seeds locally.
<more> May 17, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Funding for nutrient management projects available - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Monday, May 17, 2010
San Joaquin County Farmland values stable;
dairies fall - - San Joaquin County farmland values leveled off in 2009
except for dairy properties, which fell along with milk prices, according to
a recent publication. Farmland prices were little changed in 2009 from 2008,
according to the survey from the California Chapter of the American Society
of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. Dairy prices showed a noticeable
skid, however. In considering sales in Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin
counties, the appraisers found prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,500 per cow
in 2009, markedly lower than the $1,800 to $3,600 found in 2008.
<more> May 15, 2010 Stockton Record
The Story Told Straight from the Horse's Mouth
- - To most farmers, ranchers and dairy producers, the idea of live
video feeds and direct communication online may seem like an intimidating
approach to building consumer confidence. But innovative producers are
embracing the idea and the potential the Internet holds for direct
communication with consumers. “We need to go where consumers are having
conversations and join in those conversations,” said Dino Giacomazzi.
<more> May 14, 2010 Kings County Farm Bureau
National ads hit back at HSUS - - Full page
ads from the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) appear in today’s
New York Times and the Washington, DC edition of The Wall Street Journal,
highlighting the failure of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
to donate a significant amount of its members’ contributions to America’s
underfunded dog and cat shelters. The ad encourages readers to visit
HumaneWatch.org, CCF’s website devoted to analyzing the activities of HSUS.
<more> May 17, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Governor names 11 to state water panels - -
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed members to two state agencies last
week. Schwarzenegger named nine people to a commission that will decide
whether dams will be built if voters approve an $11.1 billion water bond
measure in November. He also named two people to a new conservancy that is
intended to promote ecosystem restoration and economic improvement in the
Delta. The California Water Commission, which has been idle during
Schwarzenegger's term, was charged last year with deciding whether to spend
$3.5 billion on new dams should voters approve the massive water bond. But
each of the appointments requires Senate confirmation, and there is little
incentive for the Democratic-controlled Senate to confirm a Republican
governor's appointments so late in his term. The commission appointments
include state Sen. Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto, who has announced he is not
running for re-election.
<more> May 17, 2010 Contra Costa Times
Stakeholders work to find funding for Williamson
Act -- Proponents of California's defining farmland-preservation law,
the Williamson Act, are trying to rework its funding as they face the
prospect of permanent program cuts. As expected, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
on Friday proposed keeping the program unfunded in the 2010-11 state budget.
He first enacted the cut last summer, then in January proposed holding to it
for the coming fiscal year. His May revised proposal offered no change.
<more> May 17, 2010 Capital Press
Nitrate contamination spreading in California
communities - - The water supply of more than two million Californians
has been exposed to harmful levels of nitrates over the past 15 years – a
time marked by lax regulatory efforts to contain the colorless and odorless
contaminant, a California Watch investigation has found. Nitrates are now
the most common groundwater contaminant in California and across the
country. A byproduct of nitrogen-based farm fertilizer, animal manure,
wastewater treatment plants and leaky septic tanks, nitrates leach into the
ground and can be expensive to extract.
<more> May 15, 2010 California Watch
Study suggests pesticides in foods may contribute
to attention-deficit disorder in kids - - A new analysis of U.S. health
data links children's attention-deficit disorder with exposure to common
pesticides used on fruits and vegetables. While the study couldn't prove
that pesticides used in agriculture contribute to childhood learning
problems, experts said the research is persuasive. "I would take it quite
seriously," said Virginia Rauh of Columbia University, who has studied
prenatal exposure to pesticides and wasn't involved in the new study. More
research will be needed to confirm the tie, she said.
<more> May 17, 2010 AP
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Funding for nutrient management projects available - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Cheese
market makes some nice gains - - Some nice gains in cheese prices for
the week as seasonal demand picks up ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, some
national pizza promotions are helping as well. Cash cheese barrels on the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange gained 4.5 cents for the week to close at
$1.4175 per pound while blocks jumped 8.75 cents to close at $1.4675. Milk
production remains strong across the country and plants are running heavy
schedules to handle it all.
<more> May 14, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
EPA
finalizing emissions rule that would lessen impact on small businesses -
- The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it is
finalizing a rule aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions from the largest
emitters in the United States, a proposal that would soften the regulation's
impact on small businesses but is sure to face a court challenge. The
decision is significant because it shows the Obama administration's
determination to move ahead with regulating carbon dioxide under the Clean
Air Act, even as the prospects of enacting climate legislation this year
appear uncertain.
<more> May 14, 2010 Washington Post
EPA Sets Thresholds
for Greenhouse Gas Permitting Requirements - - The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a final rule to address greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions from the largest stationary sources, while shielding
millions of small sources of GHGs from Clean Air Act permitting
requirements. The phased-in, common-sense approach will address facilities
like power plants and oil refineries that are responsible for 70 percent of
the greenhouse gases from stationary sources that threaten American’s health
and welfare. EPA’s phased-in approach will start in January 2011, when Clean
Air Act permitting requirements for GHGs will kick in for large facilities
that are already obtaining Clean Air Act permits for other pollutants. Those
facilities will be required to include GHGs in their permit if they increase
these emissions by at least 75,000 tons per year (tpy). Under this rule,
dairy facilities of less than 16,000 cows would not be subject to Clean Air
Act permitting requirements, according to Paul Martin, WUD’s director of
environmental services. May
14, 2010 EPA Press Release
Improving
Central Valley’s air is aim of Congressional bill
- - Legislation aimed at improving air quality in the San Joaquin Valley by
allowing its eight counties to seek designation as an “Air and Health
Quality Empowerment Zone” has been authored by Rep. Jerry McNerney,
D-Pleasanton, with Reps. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, and Jim Costa, D-Fresno,
joining as co-sponsors. Companion legislation has also been introduced in
the Senate by Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. H.R. 5296 would allow San
Joaquin, Kern, Fresno, Stanislaus, Madera, King, Merced, and Tulare counties
to receive federal grants for programs that help residents voluntarily
replace or retrofit polluting engines.
<more> May 14, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Water
bond campaign splits the Berryhills - - How divisive is the $11 billion
water bond on November's ballot? It's split one political family in two.
Assembly Member Bill Berryhill, R-Ceres, kicked off the 'no' campaign at a
Capitol event Thursday alongside several other lawmakers who criticized it
as a pork-filled measure the state cannot afford. But his brother Tom
Berryhill, an Assembly member from Oakdale, promises to campaign for the
bond, saying it is "desperately needed for the the quality of life of future
generations."
<more> May 14, 2010 Fresno Bee
'War
is on' for water bond - - With the statewide primary fast approaching,
all eyes have been on candidates and measures going before voters June 8.
But with the general election still more than 170 days away, the battle over
the $11.14 billion water bond that legislators placed on the November ballot
has already begun. "The war is on," said Assemblyman Bill Berryhill,
R-Ceres, after a Capitol press conference today to kick off the campaign
opposing the bond. A bipartisan group of legislators slammed the
legislation as flawed policy that will throw California deeper in debt
without providing a real fix to the state's water woes.
<more> May 14, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Farmers, water interests oppose California's Prop. 16 - - The California
Farm Bureau Federation and several irrigation districts oppose a measure
that would make it more difficult for public utilities to enter, or expand
services in, electricity retail. Proposition 16, on California's June
primary ballot, would amend the state constitution to require a two-thirds
vote of residents in an affected area before a local government can expand
or create electricity services.
<more> May 14, 2010 Capital Press
CMAB
looking for kid produced videos- - The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB)
is looking for dairy kids willing to share their unique point-of-view in a
video they create for the CMAB. How does it work? Your child (or children,
group entries are welcome) fills out an application describing their video
concept. Each short video segment needs to address a list of questions but
that's when the creativity kicks in - they can do so in any way they want:
documentary, animation, reenactment. The sky is the limit. Applications will
be evaluated based on content and creativity. Selected applicants (up to 20)
will be given a Flip video camera, a list of instructions and two months to
film their creation. One winning submission will be selected to win a $1,000
college savings bond. All selected applicants get to keep their Flip video
camera. Any child of a California dairy producer under the age of 18 is
eligible to participate. Please submit your name, the name and age(s) of
your child or children, telephone number, mailing address and e-mail address
(if available) to news@cmab.net
with a subject line of Real California Dairy Kids. Applications will be
accepted through May 31, 2010. Winning participants will be selected and
announced by June 15, 2010. Final video submissions will be due August 16,
2010. May 14, 2010 CMAB Notice
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
CWT Export
Assistance Increases Assisted Sales by 9.5 Million Pounds
- - Cooperatives Working Together
(CWT) accepted one bid from Foremost Farms and seven bids from Dairy Farmers
of America for export assistance for a total of 4,316 metric tons (9.5
million pounds) of Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gouda cheese to the Middle
East and Asia. The product will be delivered June through November 2010.
Since CWT reactivated the Export Assistance program on March 18, 2010, it
has assisted members in making export sales of Cheddar cheese totaling
15,544 metric tons (34.3 million pounds) to 17 countries on four continents.
May 14, 2010 CWT Press Release
Cheese
enhances the immune system of the elderly, says research - - Scientists
in Finland have discovered that cheese can help preserve and enhance the
immune system of the elderly by acting as a carrier for probiotic bacteria.
The research, published in FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology, reveals
that daily consumption of probiotic cheese helps to tackle age-related
changes in the immune system. "The increase in the proportion of aged
individuals in modern society makes finding innovative ways to thwart the
deterioration of the immune system a priority," says lead author Fandi
Ibrahim from the University of Turku in Finland. "The intake of probiotic
bacteria has been reported to enhance the immune response through other
products and now we have discovered that cheese can be a carrier of the same
bacteria."
<more> May 14, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Dairy
Goddess aims to connect to consumers through social media, farmstead cheese
- - The Dairy Goddess label hasn't always been attached to Barbara
Martin, though many people know her as that now. Before she became the
social media diva for the dairy industry, Martin actually ran though some
horrible luck before the economic downturn that everyone has had to live
through the past two years. To come through it all not only advocating for
the industry that nearly took away everything she and her husband had, but
optimistic about the future, should give us all reason to believe we can get
stronger – if we do it together.
<more> May 14, 2010 Progressive Dairyman
Nitrates in Our Drinking Water, Part 1 - The Present Threat - -
California is facing a hidden threat to its drinking water supply. Nitrate
pollution is a problem for both cities and rural areas, and it could get
worse as the state's population grows. Yet, regulators aren't really paying
attention. Nitrates are a salt -- they're a byproduct of fertilizer, dairy
farms, and leaky septic tanks. They often leach into groundwater. State
records show over the last fifteen years, nitrates have contaminated public
drinking water sources for more than two million Californians in both urban
and rural areas. Although cities are required to remove nitrates before they
reach the tap, many communities don't have access to that kind of cleanup
technology.
<more> May 14, 2010 California Report
Funding for nutrient management projects available - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Congress starts to work early on 2012 Farm Bill -
- Don’t get too comfortable with the policies and programs contained in the
current federal farm bill: That was the message that the chairman of the
House Agriculture Committee brought to farmers and ranchers attending a
field hearing in Fresno last week. Dairy farmer Jaime Bledsoe of Riverdale
told committee members that an effective and fair economic safety net is a
must for dairy producers, especially now when “dairy families all over the
state are losing what took them years and even generations to build.” “The
economic situation facing the California dairy industry this past year was
ruinous,” Bledsoe said. “While things have improved slightly, dairy families
are still experiencing negative margins. In fact, May will mark at least the
18th consecutive month of low milk prices and high input costs.” An economic
safety net based on milk price alone will no longer be sufficient, Bledsoe
said.
<more> May 12, 2010 Ag Alert
Senate climate and clean energy bill introduced
- - Senators John Kerry and Joe Liebermann introduced their climate and
energy bill on Wednesday. It is a much less-ambitious effort to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions than Waxman-Markey bill passed by the House and
relies more on nuclear energy than alternative sources. It does contain a
cap-and-trade system for carbon emissions. The bill was altered a bit by the
oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, while it still encourages off-shore
drilling for oil, it would allow states to prohibit drilling within 75 miles
of their shoreline.<more>
May 12, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Dirty Jobs’ Mike Rowe takes a look at the future
of farming - - By Mike Rowe, Dirty Jobs - - I returned to
Indianapolis a lot cleaner, and a lot less anonymous, to deliver the keynote
address at The 82nd National Convention of The Future Farmers of America. As
I spoke with various farmers that evening, I realized that I had asked the
wrong question. “Why?” is too easy. Obviously, today’s farmers need a PR
Campaign because they are beset by an army of angry acronyms, each
determined to change modern agriculture in a way that better reflects their
particular worldview. The better question is “How.” How is it that 300
million Americans – all addicted to eating – have become disconnected from
the people who grow our food? What new priorities have captured our shared
concern?
<more> May 12, 2010 MikeRoweWorks.com
Dairy a part of Wal-Mart's $2 billion
food-donation plan - - Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., plans to contribute more
than 1.1 billion pounds of food over the next five years as part of a $2
billion donation toward U.S. hunger-relief efforts. Donations will include
fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products for food banks and other
charity groups, as well as refrigerated trucks to ship food, Wal-Mart said
in a statement today. The donation is expected to provide more than 1
billion meals for needy families, Wal-Mart said.
<more> May 12, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Record setting year for conservation practices by
CA farmers- - Last year was a record-setting year for conservation
practices installed by California landowners with USDA conservation
programs. “We had the most contracts in Farm Bill conservation programs —
2,350 — that we’ve ever had in California,” says Ed Burton, state
conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. “Those
contracts resulted in $77 million of cost-share funding for conservation
measures, which was matched with landowner and conservation partners. So
overall, in 2009 more than $150 million in conservation improvements were
made in California.”
<more> May 12, 2010 Farm Progress
Cal/OSHA starts heat safety campaign - - The
state is going to try a multi-faceted approach to protecting California’s
outdoor workers from heat illness and injuries that includes a combination
of education, outreach and enforcement efforts, says the California
Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and
Health (Cal/OSHA). It will be the first time Cal/OSHA has reached out to
workers through paid radio and billboard advertisements to complement
training provided to employers and employees.
<more> May 12, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
June 11 deadline for 2010 Conservation
Stewardship Program- - The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
invites landowners to apply now for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The deadline to be considered for
the next ranking and funding period is June 11, 2010. "CSP is an opportunity
tailor-made for our conservation-minded ranchers and farmers to continue to
achieve even higher levels of conservation stewardship," says Ed Burton,
NRCS State Conservationist in California. Authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill,
CSP offers payments to producers who maintain a high level of conservation
on their land and who agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship. Eligible
lands include cropland, pastureland, rangeland and non-industrial
forestland. Individuals, entities, and Indian Tribes operating agricultural
or private non-industrial private forestland may be eligible for the
program.
<more> May 12, 2010 NRCS Press Release
Water pollution overseer under fire for not
disclosing husband's income - - The chairwoman of a board that oversees
wastewater releases into Central Valley rivers may be fined this week for
failing to disclose hundreds of thousands of dollars in earnings by her
husband - who lobbies on behalf of wastewater dischargers. The state Fair
Political Practices Commission proposes at its Thursday meeting to fine
Granite Bay attorney Katherine Hart $600 for failing to report her husband's
income in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
<more> May 12, 2010 Stockton Record
Win
Michael Marsh's money at June 7 golf tourney - - Golfers will
have an opportunity to win $100 when they go up against Western United
Dairymen CEO Michael Marsh in a closest-to-the-hole competition at the 8th
annual North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament on Monday, June 7, at Diablo
Grande Golf Course.
Also this year, anyone who plays in the tournament and buys raffle tickets
will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize—a flat screen television that
has been donated by WUD Board President Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the
popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen federal political
action committee. Registration materials will be mailed and posted to the
WUD website in the coming weeks. Click here to download a golf tourney registration form. May 7, 2010
Funding for nutrient management projects available - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Crucial Senate vote on greenhouse gas imminent
- - Dairy Herd Management has learned that according to key Senate
staff, a vote on Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s (R-Alaska) resolution of disapproval,
S.J. Res 26, is expected as soon as next week. This legislation would
prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from continuing their
efforts to regulate greenhouse gases (GHG) under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Farmers are urged to contact their Congressman or Congresswoman to show
support for this measure.
<more> May 11, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
USDA Estimates Record Corn Production, Supplies
- - USDA put out its first estimate of the size of this year's corn crop
today, and not surprisingly, it projects an all-time record 13.4 billion
bushels of corn. Here are some of the key points from today's report: * Corn
supplies are projected at a record 15.1 billion bushels, 325 million higher
than in 2009/10. This is the first time corn supplies have ever surpassed
the 15 billion bushel threshold.* Corn production for 2010/11 is projected
at a record 13.4 billion bushels, up 260 million from 2009/10.
<more> May 11, 2010 Ethanolrfa.org
NMPF and IDFA Criticize Wisconsin Raw Milk Bill -
- With Wisconsin’s governor poised to sign legislation allowing raw milk
sales direct to consumers in that state, the National Milk Producers
Federation and the International Dairy Foods Association today criticized
elected officials for downplaying the food safety risks inherent in raw
dairy products, and urged federal lawmakers to take measures restricting
such sales. Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has indicated he will sign a bill,
approved earlier this spring by the state legislature, which would allow
dairy farms to sell milk directly to consumers over the next two years. With
Doyle’s signature, Wisconsin will join approximately 28 other states that
allow some form of raw milk sales or distribution, either commercially or
directly from farms.
<more> May 11, 2010 NMPF Press Release
Raw milk stirs passions - - Most of the milk
from the dairy cows on South Pork Ranch ends up pasteurized — heat treated
to reduce the chance that the people who drink it will get sick. But every
month, 300 gallons of the milk are sold raw, much of it to about five dozen
regular customers who arrive at the central Illinois farm toting their own
containers to tap the creamy drink from a squat, stainless steel vat in a
room next to the milking stalls. That choice has put the farm’s owners,
Keith Parrish and Donna O’Shaughnessy, at the center of a particularly
American food fight between passionate defenders of personal choice and
health officials who warn that drinking farm-fresh milk can be
life-threatening.
<more> May 11, 2010 Chicago Tribune
Caution urged for raw milk consumers - - As
the debate about the health attributes and risks of raw milk spills into
capitols and courts across the country, a food-safety expert in Penn State's
College of Agricultural Sciences urges people to think carefully about the
risks before consuming unpasteurized dairy products. Pushing to make it
easier for consumers to buy unpasteurized dairy products, proponents of raw
milk claim that pasteurization — the process of heating milk to destroy
bacteria and extend shelf life — destroys important nutrients and enzymes.
The introduction of laws and lawsuits is leading to confusion.
<more> May 11, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Win
Michael Marsh's money at June 7 golf tourney - - Golfers will
have an opportunity to win $100 when they go up against Western United
Dairymen CEO Michael Marsh in a closest-to-the-hole competition at the 8th
annual North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament on Monday, June 7, at Diablo
Grande Golf Course.
Also this year, anyone who plays in the tournament and buys raffle tickets
will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize—a flat screen television that
has been donated by WUD Board President Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the
popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen federal political
action committee. Registration materials will be mailed and posted to the
WUD website in the coming weeks. Click here to download a golf tourney registration form. May 7, 2010
Funding for nutrient management projects available - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Dean Foods’ quarterly profit drops 43 percent -
- Dean Foods Co. said quarterly profit plunged 43 percent amid price
competition from cheaper private-label brands. The company also plans to lay
off 350 to 400 people in its Fresh Dairy Direct-Morningstar unit, in
addition to 150 jobs that have already been eliminated so far this year, as
part of cost-cutting efforts, according to a statement today. Share of
Dallas-based Dean Foods sank as much as 28 percent to the lowest level in at
least 10 years.
<more> May 10, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
CWT accepts eight more export assistance bids
- - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted three bids from Darigold,
two bids each from Dairy Farmers of America and Foremost Farms, and one bid
from Land O’Lakes for export assistance for a total of 1,409 metric tons
(3.1 million pounds) of Cheddar cheese to the Middle East and Asia. The
product will be delivered May through November 2010. Since CWT reactivated
the Export Assistance program on March 18, 2010, it has assisted members in
making export sales of cheddar cheese totaling 10,628 metric tons (24.8
million pounds) to 15 countries on four continents. May 10, 2010
Brownfield Ag News
Farmers: Immigration reform needed for ag workers
- - Even during the recession, foreign workers harvested vegetables, milked
cows and picked apples on many U.S. farms, doing work that farmers say
Americans don't want to do. Most Americans shy away from jobs such as
hand-picking tomatoes or cutting cabbage because the work is seasonal,
physically tough, out in the elements and often in remote areas, farmers
say. To get the jobs done, many farmers hire foreign workers, including some
who are illegal, and they say a crackdown on illegal immigration combined
with changes to a visa program for temporary workers could make it even
harder for them to find reliable employees. Farmers want Congress to pass an
"AgJobs" bill that would enable those who have worked in U.S. agriculture
for at least 150 days in the previous two years to get some kind of legal
status. They also say the visa program for temporary workers needs to be
simplified. Without those changes, some farmers say they may have to cut
back production because of a shortage of reliable labor.
<more> May 10, 2010 AP
Win
Michael Marsh's money at June 7 golf tourney - - Golfers will
have an opportunity to win $100 when they go up against Western United
Dairymen CEO Michael Marsh in a closest-to-the-hole competition at the 8th
annual North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament on Monday, June 7, at Diablo
Grande Golf Course.
Also this year, anyone who plays in the tournament and buys raffle tickets
will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize—a flat screen television that
has been donated by WUD Board President Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the
popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen federal political
action committee. Registration materials will be mailed and posted to the
WUD website in the coming weeks. Click here to download a golf tourney registration form. May 7, 2010
Funding for nutrient
management projects available - - Dairy producers in the Central
Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management
infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to
address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP).
The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to
assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered
with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy
producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy
producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary
conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to
agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement
activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and
ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the
funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations.
Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing
Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP
funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and
applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Dairy
futures reclaim Thursday’s losses - - Class III futures on the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange on Friday more than reclaimed what they gave up on
Thursday. Traders saw 10 to 31-cent increases from May 2010 through March
2011 contracts. Thursday’s drop was in reaction to the financial markets.
Friday was the busiest day of the week in the cash cheese market with a
dozen sales. Barrels and blocks remained unchanged on the day but lost 0.75
on the week. Class III futures for May, June and July also slipped for the
week while the remaining 2010 contracts gained.
<more> May 7, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
U.S.
fluid milk industry contributes 2% of greenhouse gas emissions, says
analysis - - In the U.S., the Applied Sustainability Center at the
University of Arkansas is completing a GHG life cycle assessment (LCA) of
fluid milk for the U.S. dairy industry. The LCA provides the U.S. dairy
industry with a scientific baseline of the carbon footprint of fluid milk in
each part of the supply chain so that we can measure improvements against
our goals. The data also will serve as the foundation for the creation of
best practices and decision-support tools for farmers, processors and others
throughout the dairy supply chain. Based on this data, in conjunction with
secondary sources, the University of Arkansas attributes an estimated 2
percent of total U.S. GHG emissions to U.S. dairy.
<more> May 7, 2010 USDairy.com
Tiffany LaMendola to join Blimling companies June 14 - -
Tiffany LaMendola, WUD’s Director of Economic Analysis for the past nine
years, will be joining the dairy market research and consulting firms of
Blimling and Associates Inc. and Roger W. Blimling, Inc. effective June 14.
She will fill the newly created position of Director of Publications and
Western Producer Programs, working out of an office in Jamestown in Tuolumne
County. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the past nine years with Western United,”
said Tiffany. “I extend a big thank you to the staff, board of directors,
and members for their friendship and positive working environment. I look
forward to continued interaction with everyone in my new role at Blimling.”
Phil Plourd, President of Blimling and Associates, Inc., and Roger W.
Blimling, Inc., said, “We are thrilled to add Tiffany to our team. She
brings extensive knowledge about the dairy industry - - particularly from a
producer and Western Perspective - - to our efforts to provide customers
with world class information and services. Tiffany comes to us from an
outstanding organization with a long history of distinguished service to
dairy producers in the West. And, Tiffany leaves a positive impression on
everyone she encounters.” Speaking on behalf of WUD staff and members, CEO
Michael Marsh commented, “We have mixed feelings obviously about Tiffany
leaving our team after nine years. We are thrilled at the opportunity she is
being offered, while at the same time we are very sad to see her leave. She
has earned a first-rate reputation throughout the U.S. dairy industry for
her knowledge and expertise as an economic analyst. She is well respected
and well liked for her integrity and her knowledge. We wish her nothing but
the best as she takes on this exciting challenge of working for one of the
leading dairy market research and consulting firms in the country.” Marsh
said that a search has been launched for a replacement and that Tiffany, in
her role at Blimling, will be available as needed to aid in the transition.
May 7, 2010 WUD Headline News
Good
first quarter for Kraft - - It was a very good first quarter for Kraft;
sales grew at its existing operations as well as in the newly acquired
Cadbury division. The company posted a profit of $1.88 billion, or $1.16 a
share, up from $660 million or 45 cents a share in the first quarter last
year. Excluding acquisition-related costs and other items, the company said
operating earnings from continuing operations rose to 49 cents a share from
41 cents.
<more> May 7, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Carcass composting project unearthed in California - - Options for
disposal of dairy cow carcasses are limited in California and can lead to
tough decisions for producers faced with a catastrophic event. Several of
those events have been realized in recent years. Statewide, the heat spell
of July 2006 caused the deaths of more than 20,000 cows. Rendering plants
were overwhelmed and many cows were buried in landfills. The enormous
carcass disposal crisis in 2006 was a call to action to look for
alternatives,” said Jim Sullins, director of Tulare County’s Cooperative
Extension office. Sullins was joined in mid-March by University of
California researchers, county agriculture officials and representatives
from regulatory agencies for a look at a two-year cow composting project at
the UC Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center in Tulare.
<more> May 7, 2010 Progressive Dairyman
Win
Michael Marsh's money at June 7 golf tourney - - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win $100 when they go up against Western United Dairymen CEO
Michael Marsh in a closest-to-the-hole competition at the 8th annual North
Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament Monday, June 7, at Diablo Grande Golf
Course.All proceeds from the popular event will benefit Western United
Dairymen's federal political action committee.
Click here to download a golf tourney registration form. May 7, 2010
Lawsuits rip feds'
air-cleanup efforts in Valley - - Air-quality activists filed three
lawsuits Thursday against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, claiming
federal officials are neglecting cleanup plans for the San Joaquin Valley.
Two suits were filed in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San
Francisco, challenging EPA's approval of the Valley's cleanup plan for the
one-hour ozone standard. Such appeals of approved air plans go directly to
the appellate court. Activists say officials failed to analyze the vehicle
rules accounting for the biggest ozone reductions. Now the Valley, one of
the nation's most-polluted air basins, is on the verge of missing the Nov.
15 cleanup deadline for the standard.
<more> May 7, 2010 Fresno Bee
FDA
plans new standards for food, livestock transport - - The U.S. Food and
Drug Administration is asking commercial food transporters to follow new
guidance the agency is issuing today to reduce the chances of physical,
chemical, biological and other risks during transportation of foods while
the agency reviews current food safety transportation regulations. In an
advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) published in today's Federal
Register, the FDA has requested input on writing the new rules from all
interested parties, including the food and transportation industries and
consumer interest organizations. The ANPRM is the first step in creating new
regulations to govern sanitary practices by shippers, carriers by motor
vehicle or rail vehicle, receivers, and others engaged in the transportation
of food products for people and animals.
<more> May 7, 2010 Food System Insider
Minilab Can Quickly Identify Antibiotic Residues in Milk - - No one
wants antibiotic residues in their milk. But antibiotics are sometimes used
even in the dairy barn. The routine tests conducted nowadays take hours to
produce a result and do not test for all of the typical antibiotics. This
gap can now be closed, thanks to a fully automated minilab developed by
scientists from the TUM in cooperation with the LMU Muenchen and gwk
Praezisionstechnik GmbH.
<more> May 7, 2010 Science Daily
Algae Advances as a “Green” Alternative for Improving Water Quality - - Algae--already being eyed for biofuel production--could be put to use right away to remove nitrogen and phosphorus in livestock manure runoff, according to an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist. That could give resource managers a new eco-friendly option for reducing the level of agricultural pollutants that contaminate water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. <more> May 7, 2010 ARS Press Release
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Former Humboldt
Creamery CEO Ghilarducci pleads guilty to fraud - -
Former Humboldt Creamery CEO Rich
Ghilarducci pleaded guilty Wednesday to the single felony fraud charge he
faced in U.S. District Court. ”Are you pleading guilty because you are, in
fact, guilty?” U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer asked Ghilarducci
during Wednesday's change of plea hearing. ”Yes,” Ghilarducci answered under
oath. In entering into the plea agreement -- in which he pleaded guilty to a
single count of making false statements to an agricultural credit bank --
Ghilarducci admitted to falsifying the creamery's financial statements from
2005 through 2008 and, specifically, to inflating the value of the
creamery's accounts receivable and inventory in various financial statements
prpared for the creamery's lender, CoBank.
<more> May 6, 2010 Eureka Times-Standard
Milk-pricing imbalance prompts dairy herd sales - - Brian Smith needed
convincing to enter the barn where he milked dairy cattle for 17 years. "I
haven't been in here since I got rid of the cows," Smith said as he stepped
around an empty bulk milk tank. He turned on the electrical power, flipped a
light switch, stood along a wall and glanced at empty pens as a bleating
Holstein calf broke the silence. Cats scurried about, outnumbering livestock
in the stable. Smith, 47, a Wayne County commissioner who operated dairy
farms for 27 years, sold his 45 milking cows April 21 in Lancaster County.
He is among the latest casualties in the ranks of dairy farmers trampled by
a cost-payment imbalance devastating the industry.
<more> May 6, 2010 AP
Failure to find labor solution will destroy U.S. agriculture, producers warn
-- Farmers used a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on the 2012
Farm Bill here May 3 to push for immigration reform for farmworkers. "As
important as the farm bill has become to America's specialty crop
industries, it is difficult to have a serious discussion about the future
success of specialty crop producers without acknowledging the elephant in
the room: farm labor," said Jon Reelhorn, owner of Belmont Nursery in
Fresno. "We fully recognize that farm labor is not a traditional farm bill
issue. Nonetheless, we raise it for this simple reason: Lack of timely and
thoughtful resolution of the farm labor crisis will hasten the offshoring of
our specialty crop and livestock agriculture."
<more> May 6, 2010 Capital Press
Butte
County Billboards Aim To Share Agriculture Story - - California farmers
and ranchers have designed and posted a few
billboards
that share the real story of animal agriculture and food production. The
Butte County Cattlemen’s Association placed their billboards on heavily
traveled highways on beautiful ranches located along the interstate leading
into Chico, CA, where nearly 15,000 students from Los Angeles and San Diego
attend Chico State University (CSU). The local producer group hopes the
messages in the billboard resonate with urban voters. These messages
encourage travelers to enjoy the untamed scenery and wide open spaces,
preserved by the American tradition of cattle ranching. The billboards
remind consumers that ranchers are the original environmentalists, having
had taken care of the land for hundreds of years.
<more> May 6, 2010 Beef Daily Blog
More
water flows to Westside farmers - - The spigot got cranked open a little
wider Tuesday for thirsty Kings County farmers dependent on water from the
northern Sierra. California's biggest snowpack since 2006 means more water
flowing through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta into canals snaking into
the San Joaquin Valley's vast farmland. The allocation for both the State
Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project climbed to 40 percent
of Valley farmers' historic contracts. That's up from 30 percent announced
last month.
<more> May 6, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
China
Farm Gets Shocking Amount of Power From Cow Poop - - China does
everything big, and cow poop-to-power projects are no exception. A
250,000-head dairy operation in northeast China plans to open the world's
largest cow manure-fed power project in September, according to General
Electric Co., the company supplying four biogas turbines to the Liaoning
Huishan Cow Farm in Shenyang. For comparison, the largest U.S. dairy farms
have 15,000 cattle. China's newest livestock digester will reduce piles of
dung, yield fertilizer and heat, and will supply 38,000 megawatt-hours of
power annually to the state's power grid, enough to meet the average demand
of some 15,000 Chinese residents.
<more> May 6, 2010 NY Times
PUC,
shifting position, blocks rule on renewable energy - - The state Public
Utilities Commission, in an abrupt and dramatic shift of position, voted
Thursday to block its rule limiting to 25 percent the level of out-of-state
renewable power that utilities can use to count toward their
California-imposed renewable energy goals. The 4-1 decision was viewed as a
defeat for environmentalists and labor, who argued that a greater the level
of in-state credits would be more beneficial to the environment and provide
jobs within the state.
<more> May 6, 2010 Capitol Weekly
Opinion: Farmers use less water than people think - - Some people
believe farmers use too much water. However, the amount of water actually
used to grow our food is far less than many people believe. I am a
second-generation family farmer. We produce rice and walnuts in the
Sacramento Valley. Like most family farmers, we don’t take water for
granted. We often use the same water over and over again as it moves from
farm to farm. We also pay for our water. Farm families use the latest
technology and best available science to grow high quality and affordable
food with the least amount of water. While there is always room for some
improvement, it must be viewed as incremental. As Dr. Charles Burt, Chairman
of the Irrigation Training and Research Center at California Polytechnic
State University, San Luis Obispo, said recently “We can’t squeeze more
water out of California’s already highly efficient agricultural areas.”
<more> May 6, 2010 Capitol Weekly
New
education program addresses shortage of veterinarians - - High school
students across the United States will prepare for careers as veterinary and
medical paraprofessionals under a new education program developed by the
National Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense (FAZD
Center) and funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The One
Health Career-Oriented Youth Educational National Program is designed to
address a national shortage in paraprofessionals to provide support to human
and animal medicine. The program’s goal of qualifying students as
paraprofessionals – as well as its emphasis on the public health and
regulatory aspects of zoonotic and exotic diseases – will provide graduates
with a high probability of employment.
<more> May 6, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Methyl iodide:
DPR says new fumigant to have 'stringent' limits - -In
a closely watched decision, the state Department of Pesticide Registration
has proposed registration of the fumigant methyl iodide, under what DPR
called a comprehensive set of use restrictions "much more stringent" than
those required by the federal government. Farmers who grow strawberries and
other crops see methyl iodide as an alternative to the fumigant methyl
bromide, which is being phased out of use because studies indicate it causes
damage to the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. Methyl iodide does not
harm the ozone layer.
<more> May 7, 2010 Ag Alert
Sen. Lincoln Plan to Allow Swaps Desk to Go in Affiliate - - A controversial derivatives regulation plan would allow large banks to spin off their derivatives operations into an affiliate under the same parent company, an aide to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln (D., Ark.) said Wednesday. The statement from Courtney Rowe, a spokeswoman for Ms. Lincoln, clarifies confusion about a fundamental part of the financial-overhaul bill, which many believed could have forced banks to completely spin off their derivatives desks into separate entities. The legislative language in the financial-overhaul bill was ambiguous about whether complete spinoffs would be required. <more> May 6, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Supreme Court could give OK to high-tech hay
- - Kings County's estimated 200,000 dairy cows could be munching on
high-tech hay if a Supreme Court case goes the manufacturer's way. Biotech
giant Monsanto Co. put genetically engineered alfalfa on the market in 2007.
The common local crop grows like grass, is periodically mowed and ends up in
the stomachs of local cattle. Monsanto's version includes a gene that makes
the crop resistant to weed killer, allowing growers to spray right over the
top without harming the plants. Local seed company officials said the seed
sold briskly as soon as it became available. But the new variety ran afoul
of environmentalists and organic farmers concerned that the gene could get
into their crops through cross-pollination. Organically certified crops
cannot be genetically engineered. A lawsuit was filed, and a federal judge
in San Francisco barred the planting of biotech alfalfa nationwide until the
government could adequately study the crop's potential impact on organic and
conventional varieties.
<more> May 5, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
Rebates available for electric ag ATVs - -
Applications are now being accepted by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution
Control District for rebates for new, electric utility terrain vehicles (UTVs)
for agricultural use state-wide. Nearly $1 million is available to offset
the cost of purchasing agricultural ATVs and UTVs through the Agricultural
UTV Rebate Project, awarded by the state Air Resources Board. The grant
provides rebates of 15 percent of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price,
up to $2,500 per vehicle, for new, certified zero-emission vehicles. The Air
District is administering the statewide program. “This program is greatly
needed by the agriculture industry to offset the costs of zero-emissions
vehicles that will benefit all of us through cleaner air,” said Samir
Sheikh, the director of the District’s Strategies and Incentives department.
Individuals, businesses, public agencies and entities, and nonprofit
organizations involved in California agricultural operations are eligible
for the rebate. There is no limit on the number of vehicles purchased per
applicant.For more information about eligibility, vehicles and rebate
amounts, or to obtain a rebate application, visit the District’s website at
www.valleyair.org or call
559-230-5800. Applications may be submitted online or through the mail.
May 5, 2010 Air District Press Release
Growers pledge to help Valley families - -
Agriculture groups vowed Tuesday to step up their efforts to donate food for
needy San Joaquin Valley families suffering from the lingering effects of
the drought. Representatives from the California Rice Commission and Western
Growers made the pledge during a California State Board of Food and
Agriculture meeting in San Joaquin. Western Growers, a trade association
that represents 3,000 members in California and Arizona, already has donated
carrots, potatoes, tree fruit and grapes, but it plans to do more.
<more> May 5, 2010 Fresno Bee
California shows continued losses in farmland -- California mirrors national development trends that found that one third of all of the land ever developed in the lower 48 states has been developed in the last 25 years. The finding comes from the National Resources Inventory, a national land use survey released every five years. Results have just been released for the period 2002-2007. California has converted 2.1 million acres to urban uses between 1982 and 2007. At the same time losses were experienced in cropland (900,000 acres), rangeland (1,600,000 acres), and forestland (500,000 acres). The rate of urban gains has not been equal over time and the seven percent increase in development for the just-released 2002-2007 time period, is lower than for other five-year periods since the survey began. Within the overall story of development and farmland loss there are other trends of note: The loss of prime farmland, those soils best suited to produce food with the fewest inputs and the least erosion, is particularly troubling and California ranks fourth nationwide in losing such soils between 1982 and 2007. However, between 2002 and 2007 the loss of prime farmland in California stabilized and even experienced a minute increase. Another trend shows a significant change in the make-up of California agriculture regarding cultivated (typically annual) crops vs. non-cultivated crops (fruits, nuts, hay, and horticulture). In 1982, cultivated crops represented 68 percent of California’s 10.5 million acres of cropland. In 2007, non-cultivated crops with 4.8 million acres have become the majority (51%) of California’s cropland. The increase in non-cultivated crops was due to minor increases in vineyards and berries and large increases in nuts and hayland. May 5, 2010 NRCS Press Release
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Milk Prices Ease From 21-Month High, Fonterra
Says -- Milk powder prices eased from a 21- month high at auction,
Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd., the world’s largest dairy exporter, said.
Whole milk powder for July delivery fell 1.1 percent to $4,027 a metric ton,
in the Auckland-based company’s latest GlobalDairyTrade auction. It was the
first decline in three months and followed a 24 percent surge in prices to
$4,092 a ton at last month’s auction, the highest since July 2008.
<more> May 4, 2010 Bloomberg
Valley farmers air concerns to House panel -
- Help for struggling dairies, incentives for reducing air pollution and
support for a legal farm work force are among the items on California
agriculture’s wish list for the 2012 Farm Bill. Nearly a dozen farmers
testified to members of the House Agriculture Committee during a hearing
Monday at the Fresno City Council Chambers. Jamie Bledsoe, a Riverdale dairy
operator and president of Western United Dairymen, detailed how high
production costs and low dairy prices have put many California dairymen in a
financial tailspin for at least the last 18 months. Bledsoe urged the
committee members to create a farm safety net program that looks not just at
low milk prices, but also the high costs of grain, forage and energy.
<more> May 4, 2010 Fresno Bee
WUD tells Ag Committee dairy hard hit - -
Representative Jim Costa tells The House Agriculture Committee, "Our state
grows 99% of the almonds, pistachios, peaches, plums, almonds, and kiwis,
olives, dates, figs, artichokes, and walnuts. That's a mouthful." And you
wash that mouthful down with milk from the state's number one industry–
dairy farms. Dairy farmer Jamie Bledsoe says, "Typical farms like mine
generates $33 million in economic activity and 232 jobs." But dairy farms
like Bledsoe's are getting hit hard by economic conditions and government
regulations. He tells the committee, "Milk prices lingered at just over
half the cost of production for a large portion of 2009, and dairy families
all over the state are losing what took decades and generations to build."
<more> May 4, 2010 KMPH
The diversity of California agriculture evident
at farm bill hearing - - California dairy producers were among those
testifying at the House Agriculture Committee farm bill hearing in Fresno on
Monday. Western United Dairymen president Jamie Bledsoe told the Committee
while butter and nonfat dry milk prices are moving up, the rest of the dairy
industry remains unprofitable due mainly to those huge cheese inventories.
“Though prices are expected to increase as we move through the second half
of 2010, a return to breakeven simply will not undo the damage done to dairy
farmers over the past 18 months. Producers will continue to go out of
business as it becomes clear that equity is gone and lenders are
reevaluating operating loans with a new set of rules they must live by.
Farmers must have access to adequate operating capital to continue to
weather this storm.” Bledsoe also told the representatives the Milk Income
Loss Contract (MILC) program was not working because it is capped to favor
smaller producers.
<more> May 4, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Central Valley water deliveries boosted to 40% -
- Spring storms with their sierra snowfall will allow the California
Department of Water Resources to increase its 2010 allocation of State Water
Project deliveries to 40 percent, the department says Tuesday. The SWP
allocation had been raised to 30 percent of contractors’ requests at the end
of April. The final snow survey of the year was conducted last week, and
showed statewide Sierra snowpack water content was143 percent of normal for
the date. <more>
May 4, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Feds set up California water task force --
The Obama administration on Monday set up a new task force to wrangle
California water decisions, with long-term hopes of consolidating
protections for smelt and salmon. The new task force eventually envisions
one unified environmental management plan assisting the fish species
dependent upon the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta. Guided by an Interior
Department veteran with considerable California experience, the task force
has shorter-term goals, as well.
<more> May 4, 2010 Fresno Bee
Kings County dairy seeks expansion - - The
Sozinho dairy east of Hanford wants to expand beyond the size that is
customarily allowed. For the conditional use permit process, which will
require an expansive environmental review under state law, Kings County
wants the cost reimbursed by the family. On Tuesday, the Kings County Board
of Supervisors is scheduled to consider approving an agreement for
reimbursement of the extraordinary cost that will be incurred by the review
process. <more>
May 4, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
AB 32 opponents turn in signatures for November
measure - - Setting up what is expected to be a multimillion-dollar
political battle between oil companies and Silicon Valley tech leaders,
opponents of California's landmark global warming law turned in about
800,000 signatures Monday for a November ballot measure to suspend the law.
Opponents of the law, known as AB 32, say it will cost California jobs
during a bad economy by increasing the price for fuels such as gasoline, and
electricity bills. Supporters say the law — the latest example of California
leading the rest of the nation on environmental reform — already is helping
the state's green tech and renewable energy industries by driving demand for
cleaner energy.
<more> May 4, 2010 San Jose Mercury News
USDA, EPA to promote renewable energy generation
- - U.SDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson
today announced a new interagency agreement promoting renewable energy
generation and slashing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock operations.
The agreement expands the work of the AgSTAR program, a joint EPA-USDA
effort that helps livestock producers reduce methane emissions from their
operations.
<more> May 4, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Battle over slow food heats up in heartland -
- From Pennsylvania church ladies to Iowa dairymen, the locavore,
small-is-good, organic food movement born in Northern California has
penetrated America's heartland, where it is waging a pitchfork rebellion,
much of it on the Internet, against the agricultural establishment. After
long dismissing the new food movement as a San Francisco annoyance, the
establishment is fighting back. "Alice should drown in her own waters," said
High Plains Journal's Larry Dreiling of Berkeley food guru Alice Waters. On
one side of this culture war is the tiny but fast-growing segment of U.S.
farming that sells local and grows organic. On the other are commodity farms
that make up the great bulk of production and sell into a global food chain.
In Denair, near Modesto, Ray Prock Jr. runs the 500-cow RayLin Dairy and has
a Twitter following of 10,000. Prock is trying to reach a middle ground. His
operation would be technically defined as a CAFO, but he argued the term is
widely misused and his cows are treated handsomely. "Instead of
automatically thinking conventional ag is the enemy, and instead of
conventional ag always thinking that organic and local food is the enemy, we
need to sit down and figure out where we can work together," Prock said.
<more> May 4, 2010 SF Chronicle
PETA & HSUS: The pickpocket & the con man - - Make no mistake, says David Martosko of the Center for Consumer Freedom and editor of www.HumaneWatch.org, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) are pretty much one and the same. “The more people we can get to understand that, the better off we’ll be,” he said. “Everyone knows PETA is a bunch of lunatics with their crazy stunts,” said Martosko, speaking at the 2010 Animal Agriculture Alliance meeting last week in Arlington, Va. “It’s whole purpose is to make HSUS look reasonable by comparison.” <more> May 4, 2010 Bovine Veterinarian magazine
Monday, May 3, 2010
WUD President Bledsoe tells Ag Committee hearing
"profitability distant prospect" - - Testifying today before the House
Ag Committee hearing in Fresno on the upcoming farm Bill, WUD President
Jamie Bledsoe told committee members that “ Some commodity prices are moving
upward (butter and nonfat dry milk) but profitability remains a distant
prospect for most dairy farmers.” Bledsoe, a Riverdale dairy producer,
noted, “California, with a great deal of cheese production (39% of
California’s pool utilization in March), will continue to suffer from
depressed cheese prices until a drawdown in inventories is witnessed. The
pressure current massive cheese inventories place on farm milk prices affect
farmers everywhere in the country equally. Optimistic projections for the
remainder of 2010 weigh heavily on demand recovery that outpaces milk
production.” Looking to the future, Bledsoe said, “Though prices are
expected to increase as we move through the second half of 2010, a return to
breakeven simply will not undo the damage done to dairy farmers over the
past 18 months. Producers will continue to go out of business as it becomes
clear that equity is gone and lenders are reevaluating operating loans with
a new set of rules they must live by. Farmers must have access to adequate
operating capital to continue to weather this storm.” To read Bledsoe’s
complete remarks,
please click here to download his testimony. May 3, 2010
House Agriculture Committee Conducts Farm Bill
Hearing in San Joaquin Valley- - Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) and the
House Agriculture Committee held a field hearing in Fresno today to review
U.S. agriculture policy as the Committee begins the process of writing the
2012 Farm Bill. Congressman Cardoza is a member of the Committee and the
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture. “The
Farm Bill is of the utmost importance to California agriculture interests
and to those I represent. I could not be more pleased that we were able to
conduct this hearing in the San Joaquin Valley, a region where we grow more
than 350 different crops and provide half of our nation’s fruits, vegetables
and tree nuts,” said Congressman Cardoza. “The information received today
will be critical to our efforts as we move forward in developing the 2012
Farm Bill.”
<more> May 3, 2010 Cardoza Press Release
2010 Agriculturalist
of the Year Award to be presented to Bill Lyons, Jr. - - The
California Exposition and State Fair has announced the recipient of the 2010
Agriculturalist of the Year Award: Bill Lyons, Jr. of Modesto, California. This
distinguished award recognizes exceptional service through the promotion of
agriculture. Lyons was nominated by Western United Dairymen.
“Bill
Lyons, Jr. has been a tireless advocate for agriculture both statewide and
locally. Bill has taken an active leadership role in many farm related boards
and panels and has helped ensure that the issues of importance to California’s
dairy farm families and farmers are heard,” said Michael Marsh, CEO, Western United Dairymen. “In addition to his farming interests, Bill has been
active in the community and helped numerous charitable organizations. As an
entity that promotes leadership within the agricultural industry, we can think
of no one more deserving to be recognized as the 2010 Agriculturalist of the
Year.”
Bill is a lifelong resident of Modesto, and currently runs his family’s 8,000-acre cattle ranching and farming operations. As former Secretary of the
California Department of Food and Agriculture under the Gray Davis
Administration, Bill developed a reputation as a strong leader who could build
consensus among diverse stakeholder groups. During his tenure with the
Administration, Bill became known nationwide for his advocacy of the inclusion
of specialty crops in our nation’s investment in agriculture. Bill has a wide
breadth of experience and a unique understanding of all aspects of agriculture
and is a passionate advocate for California agriculture.
<more> May 3, 2010 WUD Press Release
Tour takes in green farm tech - - The dairy
cows at Fiscalini Farms showed off their contribution to the clean-energy
movement Wednesday. The farm west of Modesto was among the stops on a tour
showing how manure and other waste can supplant fossil fuels.
Click here to
view a Channel 3 KCRA-TV report on this tour. The tour was organized
by Sustainable Conservation, a San Francisco group that works with farms and
other businesses. The contingent included people from business, government
and environmental groups. At Fiscalini, which is known for its cheese, owner
John Fiscalini talked about the system that extracts methane from manure and
burns it to produce electricity for the Modesto Irrigation District. The
system, which started running last June, is the first in Stanislaus County.
<more> May 1, 2010 Modesto Bee
Cheese production increased in March - -
Total cheese production in the United States in March was 890 million
pounds, 2.3 percent more than March of last
year.
Italian output up 5.8 percent from a year ago at 380 million pounds,
American type production totaled 362 million pounds, 0.6 percent below March
of 2009. Total cheese production in California up 2.8 percent from a year
ago to 186.24 million pounds. The Golden State saw a 10.7 percent increase
in Italian-type cheese production, 116.18 million pounds. American
production decreased 6 percent compared to a year ago at 52.96 million
pounds; Cheddar output declined 2.6 percent to 30.5 million pounds.
Rounding out the top five cheese-producing states: Idaho, 72.3 million
pounds, up 0.4 percent compared to March of 2009. New York, 64.6 million
pounds up 5.6 percent from a year ago and New Mexico, 61.8 million pounds up
23.5 percent compared to last March.
<more> May 3, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
CWT Export Assistance Helps Sell Another 2.7
Million Pounds of Cheese - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT)
accepted four bids from Dairy Farmers of America for export assistance for a
total of 1,219 metric tons (2.7 million pounds) of Cheddar cheese and
Monterey Jack to the Middle East and Asia. The product will be delivered in
June and July 2010. Since CWT reactivated the Export Assistance program on
March 18, 2010, it has assisted members in making export sales of cheddar
cheese totaling 9,219 metric tons (21.7 million pounds) to 15 countries on
four continents. The Export Assistance program was reactivated when economic
analysis indicated that sizeable cheddar cheese inventories overhanging the
market are hampering a recovery in producer milk prices. Assisting CWT
members in exporting cheddar cheese will provide the most immediate way to
positively impact producer milk prices. CWT will pay export bonuses to the
bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of
the required documentation. May 3, 2010 CWT Press Release
Funding for
nutrient management projects available - -
Dairy producers in the Central
Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management
infrastructure or need other improvements can apply for funds for addressing
those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The
deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Services (NRCS) office. Western United Dairymen partnered
with USDA-NRCS to bring this additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to
dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy
producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary
conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to
agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement
activities on agricultural land for the purposes of conserving surface and
ground water and improving water quality.
<more> April 30, 2010 WUD
After milk prices plunge, some dairy farmers
decide to cut losses - -Andrew Hagenow grew up with milk in his veins.
But after the prices Hagenow and other farmers received for their milk
plunged to levels not seen in years, the fourth-generation dairy farmer from
Rockford, Mich., sold the bulk of his herd last year for beef. It was a
decision he said was necessary -- but one he has struggled with personally.
"I didn't want to see our cows go like that," he said of the herd that
started with two registered Holsteins his grandfather bought 75 years ago.
"They represented a lot of who I am. I've always seen myself as a dairy
farmer, and that's not the case anymore." While Hagenow plans to continue
crop farming and may enter the specialty beef market, he will no longer be a
part of the dairy business, which represents the largest part of Michigan's
$71.3-billion agriculture industry.
<more> May 3, 2010 Detroit Free Press
Congressional leaders question ‘Know Your Farmer’
campaign - - Three Congressional Republican are expressing concern with
the direction of USDA’s “Know Your Farmer-Know Your Food” campaign. In a
sharply worded letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Senators John
McCain of Arizona and Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, and Representative Pat
Roberts of Kansas, criticize the spending of 65 million dollars on the
program. They claim the effort is “aimed at small, hobbyist and organic
producers whose customers generally consist of affluent patrons at urban
farmers markets.” And they accuse the USDA of prioritizing Rural
Development grant and loan programs for so-called “locavore projects” in
urban areas, at the expense of rural communities with greater needs.
<more> May 3, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Methyl iodide is on course for approval by state regulators - - A potent farm chemical that has stirred fierce debate about its possible health effects is on course for approval in California under a proposal that the state Department of Pesticide Regulation announced Friday. Methyl iodide is a fumigant used to eradicate weeds, pests and diseases in soil. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency already has registered it for use as a replacement for methyl bromide, a chemical that has been phased out for agricultural use in the U.S. because it damages the Earth's ozone layer. California would take a stricter approach toward methyl iodide than the 47 other states that have approved it, said Mary-Ann Warmerdam, director of the state pesticide department. <more> May 1, 2010 Fresno Bee
Friday, April 30, 2010
Farmers have beef with Monterey aquarium's cow - - The Monterey Bay
Aquarium has altered an exhibit about climate change
after
some California farmers were offended. At the center of the controversial
exhibit, "Hot Pink Flamingos: Stories of Hope in a Changing Sea," is a
plastic life-size cow. Cynthia Vernon, vice president of research programs
for the aquarium, said the cow's head was fitted with a gas mask in a
light-hearted and humorous attempt to capture people's attention. "We
thought that it was not necessary for the gas mask to be there to really
tell our story, so we decided to take the gas mask off the cow," Vernon
said. A sign near the muzzle of the cow that read "Buurp! I can't believe
I'm saying this, but what the world needs now is less methane and that means
fewer cows," also was removed, Vernon said.
<more> April 30, 2010 Monterey Herald
Chinese market to remain open for U.S. dairy products - - The U.S. Dairy
Export Council (USDEC), the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and
the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today applauded the
announcement by China granting the U.S. 30 days to work with Chinese
authorities to secure agreement on a new health certificate for food-grade
dairy exports to China. Industry leaders also praised the Chinese government
for its recognition of the need to allow trade to continue while resolution
of this complex issue is addressed by technical staff. <more>
April 30, 2010 USDEC Press Release
Funding for
nutrient management projects available - -
Dairy producers in the Central
Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management
infrastructure or need other improvements can apply for funds for addressing
those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The
deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Services (NRCS) office. Western United Dairymen partnered
with USDA-NRCS to bring this additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to
dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy
producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary
conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to
agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement
activities on agricultural land for the purposes of conserving surface and
ground water and improving water quality.
<more> April 30, 2010 WUD
Dairyline: Butter supplies expected to tighten - - The April federal
order benchmark milk price inched 14 cents higher Friday, April 30, to
$12.92 per hundredweight, $2.14 above April 2009. That put the 2010 average
at $13.62, up from $10.33 a year ago, but far below $17.78 in 2008. Futures
portend more gains to come. The May contract was trading late Friday morning
at $13.32, June was at $13.90, July $14.55, August $14.98, with a peak of
$15.09 in September before heading back down seasonally. The April Class IV
price is $13.73, up 81 cents from March, and $3.91 above 2009.
<more> April 30, 2010 Capital Press
Michael Pollan makes TIME’s Top 100 Most Influential People List - -
A few people involved in agriculture are
among TIME Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People of 2010. The list
includes controversial film producer Michael Pollan, who vilifies modern
farming methods in his documentary “Food, Inc.” TIME cites Pollan’s
consideration of “the ethical bonds that connect our bodies, farms and
food.” Also on the list are EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, USDA Deputy
Secretary Kathleen Merrigan and Temple Grandin. No one from production
agriculture made the cut.
<more> April 30, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
California’s snowpack well above average - - On the heels of late season
storms, manual and electronic readings Friday indicate that water content in
California’s statewide mountain snowpack is 143 percent of normal, the
Department of Water Resources says. “This is good news after three years of
drought, but we still face water shortages in many parts of the state,” says
DWR Director Mark Cowin. Lake Oroville in Butte County, the State Water
Project’s principal storage reservoir, is at 59 percent full or 71percent of
normal for the date, DWR says. <more>
April 30, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Drive
to suspend AB 32 will submit voter signatures Monday - - Leaders of a
drive to suspend California's landmark greenhouse gas emissions law claim
they will submit enough voter signatures Monday to place the issue before
voters. The California Jobs Initiative Campaign will submit more than the
required 435,000 voter signatures to qualify for the November ballot,
spokeswoman Anita Mangels said. "We're headed to the ballot," she said.
<more> April 30, 2010 Sacramento Bee
US Senate Democrats Release Immigration 'Framework'- - Senate Democrats on Thursday unveiled a "framework" for immigration legislation, despite widespread sentiment that action on the contentious issue will be an uphill struggle in an election year. Democrats' emphasis of the issue comes just a week after a controversial bill that would crack down on illegal immigrants was passed in Arizona. Despite a loaded calendar in the Senate, which has yet to pass a financial regulatory overhaul and still must debate several important tax and spending measures, Democrats are seeking to highlight their openness to address an issue that is a top priority for many Hispanic voters. <more> April 30, 2010 Dow Jones Newswires
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Aquarium removes gas mask from cow - - The
Monterey Bay Aquarium has removed the controversial gas mask from the cow
that is part of its “Hot Pink Flamingos” exhibit on climate change, it was
announced
today. The dairy cow remains as part of the exhibit showcasing alternate
energy solutions. Aquarium officials said they are modifying nearby exhibit
graphics to tell an alternative energy story. The action comes after a
recent meeting between Monterey Bay Aquarium management and representatives
from California Milk Advisory Board, Western United Dairymen and the
California Beef Council where they shared new climate change data and
feedback from the dairy and beef industries. “This is a very welcome and
positive result,” said WUD President Jamie Bledsoe. “We appreciate the time
and effort that aquarium management spent discussing this issue with
industry representatives. We are glad that we had the opportunity to share
the science-based information about how California dairy families are acting
in an environmentally responsible manner and that the aquarium management
listened to our concerns.”<more>
April 29, 2010 WUD
House ag committee holds Fresno hearing Monday
- - Members of the House Agriculture Committee will be in Fresno on Monday
as part of a series of nationwide meetings to gather input on the 2012 farm
bill. Western United President Jamie Bledsoe was selected as the dairy
witness for Monday's hearing. The
hearing is open to the public. Live video of the hearing will be available
on the House Agriculture Committee website
http://agriculture.house.gov/hearings/audio.html for those who
can't attend in person. The hearing begins at 9 a.m. at Fresno City Hall.
<more> April 29, 2010 Fresno Bee
Got
milk? Only if it comes from a cow, says NMPF - - Got milk? The National
Milk Producers Federation says you don't, not if what you grab from the
dairy case today is soy, rice or almond milk. For the second time in 10
years, the federation has written to the Food and Drug Administration asking
that the term "milk" be reserved for cow's milk, although it's OK with also
using the word for goat, sheep or water buffalo milk — any of the various
"mammalian lacteal secretions." The federation says the FDA should require
that plant-based beverages be labeled something else, noting terms such as
"drinks," "beverages" or even "imitation milk." The FDA is "letting the
bastardization of dairy terms proliferate," says federation spokesman
Christopher Galen. The group has even launched a Facebook page: "They Don't
Got Milk."
<more> April 29, 2010 USA Today
FDA should stop imitation products from using milk terms, says NMPF - -
A decade after it first asked the federal Food and Drug Administration to
crack down on the misappropriation of dairy terminology on imitation milk
products, the National Milk Producers Federation has sent another petition
to the FDA, asserting that the practice has gotten worse in the past 10
years. In its petition submitted April 29, NMPF contends that not only have
the terms “soy milk” and “soymilk” continued to proliferate, but also other
dairy-specific terms like “yogurt,” “cheese,” and “ice cream” are now being
used by products made out of a wide variety of non-dairy ingredients.
<more> April 29, 2010 NMPF Press Release
China
threatens to cut-off U.S. dairy imports - - In letters to U.S. Trade
Representative Ron Kirk and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the
International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is urging swift bilateral
action to settle a dispute which threatens U.S. dairy exports to China. On
April 22, the Chinese government informed U.S. government officials that
China would block imports of U.S. dairy products beginning May 1 due to
alleged deficient export certification.
<more> April 29, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Dairy
analyst: World wants milk - - A dairy industry analyst for Rabobank
expects global demand to grow for dairy products and short-term prices to
remain steady before increasing long term. Mark Voorbergen of Rabobank, an
international banking and financial services provider that specializes in
agri-business, offered his assessment of the dairy industry during an online
conference on April 26. Voorbergen said global dairy demand is expected to
continue to grow after falling off in 2008 in response to high dairy prices.
India, Pakistan and China will account for 60 percent of that growth.
<more> April 29, 2010 Capital Press
Hardesty named new USDEC chairman - - Colorado dairyman Les Hardesty was
elected chairman of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) in a special
election to fill the seat made vacant by Tom Camerlo’s unexpected passing
last autumn. He is the third elected chairman in the organization’s history,
following Elwood Kirkpatrick (1995-2004) and Tom Camerlo (2004-2009). Paul
Rovey has served as interim chairman since Camerlo’s passing. Hardesty milks
700 cows on the Painted Prairie Dairy in Greeley, Colo., and also owns the
smaller showcase Cozy Cow Dairy educational facility. Hardesty is chairman
of the Mountain Area Region of Dairy Farmers of America and of the National
Dairy Council, and serves on the board of National Milk Producers Federation
and United Dairy Industry Association. He has been an active member of the
USDEC board for the last seven years. April 29, 2010 USDEC Press Release
14th
District Senate seat attracts GOP rivals -- When state Sen. Dave Cogdill
unexpectedly announced last year that he would not seek a second term, he
opened up a coveted Republican-controlled seat anchored in eastern Fresno
County. But some of Fresno's bigger political players passed on a run for
the 14th District, leaving the GOP field to an incumbent Assembly member
from the North Valley and four relative newcomers to politics. Based on
endorsements and fundraising, the GOP favorite looks to be Tom Berryhill of
Oakdale, a second-term Assembly member.
<more> April 29, 2010 Fresno Bee
Fight
for 19th District stirs tension, national attention - - The reliably
Republican 19th Congressional District -- which has been in a political
slumber for well over a decade -- has awoken with a bang this year as four
ambitious members of the GOP scramble for a rare open seat. Two are trying
for a comeback. Two are seeking a promotion. Their four-way fight has gotten
nasty, and it's attracting money and attention nationwide.
<more> April 29, 2010 Modesto Bee
Federal salmon plans unveiled in Fresno - - About 50 people listened
Wednesday as federal officials made their long-awaited first announcements
in Fresno about plans to restore chinook salmon runs in the San Joaquin
River. But there were not a lot of answers to big questions. Instead, people
learned that this was just the first step in designing a specific plan to
put fish back in the river by December 2012.It was still a landmark meeting
for restoring the river and salmon runs, which died off after Friant Dam was
built in the 1940s.
<more> April 29, 2010 Fresno Bee
Study: consumers curious about food producers, production - - A new study indicates consumers think favorably of farmers, but they have questions about how food is produced. The study, referred to as SegmenTrak, was done by Demeter Communications. Demeter Senior Partner Claudine Wargel, who is based in Clinton, Illinois, says the survey explores what consumers want to know from farmers about food production.“They have a real interest in knowing the potential impact of this on the end product from a health standpoint,” said Wargel, during an interview with Brownfield. <more> April 29, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Land O'Lakes to close Tulare cheese plant - -
Land O' Lakes, one of the area's largest employers, will shut down its
Tulare cheese operation and eliminate the jobs of 80 workers, officials
announced Tuesday. (To read a copy of the official LOL press release,
click here.) The company's South M Street plant, which in 2009
employed 640 people, will continue to manufacture butter. The plant now
produces several varieties of cheese for industrial food-manufacturing
customers. Milk shipments will be directed to the butter operation, said
Gary Germaine, the plant's director of operations, butter and cheese. The
move will take place "sometime during the latter half of the year," he said.
<more> April 28, 2010 Visalia Times Delta
VIDEO: Central Valley stars in biomethane tour-
- Sustainable Conservation brought a busload of government regulatory
officials, environmentalists and
farmers on a tour of state-of-the-art biomehtane systems Wednesday. The tour visited Livermore’s Waste Management
Inc site to view the world’s largest plant converting purified landfill gas
to liquefied methane to fuel garbage trucks. Next stop was Fiscalini Farms
in Modesto
where WUD member and cheesemaker John Fiscalini provided an up-close look at
his 1,500 cow operation that provides manure for a methane digester
operation that has seen significant regulatory challenges placed in its
path. Fiscalini talked about those obstacles in
this video interview provided by the Central Valley Business Times. The tour proceeded to Hilmar Cheese Company to
view the first cow-powered truck in the U.S. delivering milk from the dairy
of WUD member Rob Hilarides. The tour's final stop was the Turlock Municipal
CNG Fueling Station which is hailed as a bridge to future biomethane fueling
stations. To view a gallery of photos taken at the Fiscalini Farms tour,
please click here. April 28, 2010
Regulations hampering dairy economic recovery,
WUD tells Stanford food symposium - - Complex, confusing and
contradictory regulatory requirements are impeding the California dairy
industry’s economic recovery, Western United Dairymen told those gathered
Friday for Stanford University’s annual Law and Policy Review Food Policy
Symposium. Paul Martin, WUD’s Environmental Services Director, appeared on a
panel on the environmental impact of food production and policy. Martin
presented data on the severe economic crisis facing the state’s dairy
industry, which is a huge economic driver for both the Valley and the
state’s economy. As California dairy families try to dig out from underneath
the collapse of milk prices, “The process of many of these over-lapping
regulations often impedes progress,” said Martin. The panel discussed what
the term sustainability means to various economic sectors. Martin used the
example of a three-legged milking stool to show how economics, ethics and
science support the “seat” of local cultural mores. “I encouraged the
audience members to buy local, real California milk as a way to show support
for sustaining California dairy families,” he said. Martin also held up the
California Dairy Quality Assurance Program as an example of how
collaborative efforts are more effective than government intervention.
April 28, 2010
Struggling dairies hope to hang on as milk prices
rise - - Compared to where they were last year, California dairy farmers
have reason to breathe a little easier. The price of milk will get a boost
in May. Dairy exports are up. And with signs of an improving economy, there
is hope that the worst is behind them. Whether they can pay their bills
will depend largely on whether they'll be able to get operating loans, and
some farmers are having a tough time with their lenders, said Michael Marsh,
chief executive officer of Western United Dairymen.
<more> April 28, 2010 Ag Alert
San Joaquin Valley's air again fails to make
grade - - The American Lung Association says many places in California
and the rest of the country made big improvements in air quality. But in
terms of dust, soot and other specks, the San Joaquin Valley's air got
dirtier. In the association's annual air-quality report, the Valley accounts
for five of the 10 urban areas with the highest spikes in fine particle
pollution -- the worst showing of any air basin in the country. The
association said some of the increase was probably due to thousands of
California wildfires in 2008. The rankings are based on data from 2006 to
2008, the latest information available. All eight Valley counties received
"F" grades.
<more> April 28, 2010 Fresno Bee
A different primary culprit for Valley air -
- If there was a theme song for the study of dairies' role in San Joaquin
Valley's notorious ozone pollution, it could be titled "Looking for
emissions in all the wrong places." Researchers at the University of
California, Davis, recently concluded that millions of tons of cow feed
stacked in huge silage piles appears to be dairy's biggest contribution to
"volatile organic compounds" - gases that help form ozone in the atmosphere.
The take-home is that feed sources might be more important than all of the
things we've been caring about in the past," said Michael J. Kleeman, a
professor in UC Davis' department of civil and environmental engineering who
was the study's lead investigator.
<more> April 28, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
New Hampshire dairy death reinforces need for
safety measures - -By Anthony P. Raimondo - - An eleven year old
boy died recently at a New Hampshire
dairy
after a feed pile collapsed on him. The boy was riding his bicycle on the
farm, and entered an open silage storage area. He rode near a feed pile
that collapsed and buried him. Although adults on the scene attempted CPR,
the boy died after two days in the hospital. All dairies should be alert to
safety issues on the farm. Dairy farms are among the most dangerous work
environments in the United States, and dairy producers should be alert to
the risks and hazards for employees, their families, and visitors to the
dairy. To prevent accidental injuries and deaths, and to protect against
the liability that can flow from such accidents, all dairies should have a
premises safety plan that includes the following: • Access Control: All
dairies should have a policy that visitors (including vendors, salesmen, and
the like) must check in with a designated representative and receive
specific permission to enter the areas of the dairy where they need to go.
The designated representative should inform the visitor of hazards in the
area to be visited (like stacked hay or feed piles that can fall, or traffic
lanes for trucks and equipment), and should direct the visitor only to the
area where access is permitted. Visitors should not be given free reign to
wander around the ranch. Where appropriate, escort the visitor to where
they need to go.
<more>
April 28, 2010
Martosko: HSUS is “cleaning your clock” - -
David Martosko is not one to mince words. Martosko is the director of
research for the Center for Consumer Freedom and the editor of
Humanewatch.org, the new web site that is taking on the Humane Society of
the United States and other animal activist organizations. Martosko spoke
to the Animal Ag Alliance about his efforts to expose what he calls the
“activists’ true agenda” and whether it will ultimately have an effect on
consumer attitudes about groups such as HSUS. And, yes, he thinks the
animal ag industry has a lot of work to do to get back in the game.
<more> April 28, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
California farmers adopt reduced tillage
practices - - With asthma and economic challenges plaguing California’s
Central Valley, local farmers are simultaneously clearing the air and
reducing their costs, according to a new study published today by a group of
academic, farming and environmental leaders. Between 2004 and 2008, Central
Valley farmers switched to “reduced tillage” practices on nearly 20 percent
of land used to grow row crops like corn and wheat silage.These tillage
practices cut the number of tractor passes needed to prepare fields for
planting, which means lower fuel and labor costs for farmers, and less dust
and diesel pollution in the air. Local farmers save money while they protect
clean air for their neighbors.
<more> April 28, 2010 Sustainable Conservation
Maldonado: from strawberry picker to lieutenant
governor - - The lieutenant governor of California's job has been
disparaged by some as insignificant, but not for Abel Maldonado, who almost
seemed as if it were his wedding day after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger swore
him in to the post Tuesday. His parents were there, his kids and siblings,
and an assortment of other relatives, standing in the back of the governor's
press room with cameras and camcorders. He shook hands with the reporters
who covered the event and thanked them for coming. It was portrayed by
Maldonado and Schwarzenegger as a kind of inspirational story of making it
in America: the son of a bracero who arrived penniless from Mexico in 1963
became the first Latino Republican to hold statewide office in California in
130 years (Maldonado took the oath on the same bible as did the last one,
Romualdo Pacheco, in 1871).
<more> April 28, 2010 LA Times
Huber's Delta canal bill goes down quietly - - Assemblywoman Alyson Huber's effort to place a new hurdle in front of the peripheral canal would not pass out of committee Tuesday - that much was clear. But as it turned out, there wasn't even a vote. After Mariko Yamada, D-Davis - the only Delta legislator on the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee - made a motion to pass the bill, Huber, D-El Dorado Hills, asked for a second as a "courtesy." No one offered. The bill died. <more> April 28, 2010 Stockton Record
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
State updates ag employers on labor laws - -
- - Few employers look forward to surprise inspections from state
regulators. But being aware of current laws and regulations will go a long
way toward a trouble-free visit, state officials said Monday.
Representatives from the state agency charged with rooting out unscrupulous
employers held a seminar aimed at preparing the agriculture industry for an
enforcement inspection. About 50 farmers, farm labor contractors, and other
farm employers attended the workshop sponsored by State Compensation
Insurance Fund.
<more> April 27, 2010 Fresno Bee
Supreme Court questions ban of biotech alfalfa
-- U.S. Supreme Court justices on Tuesday sharply questioned a lower
court's decision that has prohibited biotech giant Monsanto Co. from selling
genetically engineered alfalfa seeds, possibly paving the way for the
company to distribute the seeds for the first time since 2007. The case has
been closely watched by environmentalists and agribusiness. A federal judge
in San Francisco barred the planting of genetically engineered alfalfa
nationwide until the government could adequately study the crop's potential
impact on organic and conventional varieties.
<more> April 27, 2010 AP
Senate Climate Bill Trio Headed in Different
Directions - - Prospects for the Senate climate bill grew even dimmer
yesterday after the trio working on a comprehensive measure emerged from a
closed-door meeting headed in separate directions -- both literally and
figuratively. Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and
Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) made no joint statements following a 45-minute
meeting in the Capitol, their first chance to huddle in person since Graham
threatened over the weekend to abandon the talks because of the Democratic
leadership's decision to also tackle the hot-button issue of immigration.
Instead, each senator went his own way.
<more> April 27, 2010 NY Times
Fresno Bee Letter to Editor: Cows are family - -
The "Beakman Jax" feature on the April 22 Scoopy Squad page on dairy was
funny indeed in how many errors were included. It is sad to see such
blatantly false information shared with young children who may have no
experience with agriculture. As a California dairy farmer, my cows are my
family and their health and comfort is my No. 1 job. Caring for the land
where I farm, and hopefully future generations will farm, is just as
important. I am part of a proud tradition of dairy families in this state --
still strong at 1,750 despite these tough times -- that help create more
than 440,000 jobs. We are dedicated to producing quality California milk. I
welcome anyone to see how we dairy at my blog:
www.dairygoddess.wordpress.com. Barbara Martin, Lemoore April
27, 2010 Fresno Bee
Drought to claw back gains in Fonterra milk price
rise - - Fonterra is increasing the forecast milk price payout for the
current season by 40c to $6.10 per kilogram of milk solids, and says farmers
are set to receive a similar amount next season. The increase to the
second-best payout on record was on the back of continued strength in global
dairy prices, and growth in demand beginning to outstrip supply, chairman
Sir Henry van der Heyden said. The increase is the first since the forecast
milk price was raised by $1.10 last November.
<more> April 27, 2010 Otago Daily Times – New Zealand
Kings County agricultural setbacks to be
discussed - - Kings County decision-makers are reviewing the county
zoning regulations regarding setback limits on property used for dairy
operations in a study session on Tuesday. In response to inquiries, the
county community development department has conducted a comparison of
agricultural setbacks for all San Joaquin Valley counties and evaluated the
need for policy modifications.
<more> April 27, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
Coalition Cranks up Push For Williamson Act -
- Tulare County supervisors, local Farm Bureau leaders and others will head
to Sacramento Wednesday on a mission to convince state leaders, especially
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, that the Williamson Act is essential to
California's agricultural future. Local leaders will join with California
State Association of Counties (SCAC), the California Farm Bureau, the
Regional Council of Rural Counties (RCRC) lobbyists and farmers of the Save
the Williamson Act coalition for meetings with targeted legislators,
including leaders and budget chairs and other Williamson Act champions
seeking re-instatement of tax subventions.
<more> April 27, 2010 Valley Voice
Scholarships for future dairy leaders - -
Dairy producers, through their checkoff investment, will award 20 academic
scholarships to students currently enrolled in programs that emphasize dairy
and who have shown potential to become future dairy leaders. The National
Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB), the 36-member dairy producer board
that oversees the national dairy checkoff program, through Dairy Management
Inc., which manages the national dairy checkoff, annually awards up to 19
$1,500 scholarships and one $2,500 scholarship to eligible undergraduate
students.
<more> April 27, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
RFID Tagged Cows Start Tweeting - - A herd of
dairy cows from the University of Waterloo might be the first of the bovine
species to use Twitter. The cows brag about milk production, RFID
transponder glitches, eating habits, technical issues with the “Mr.
Terminator” milking machines and the specific nuances of which teats perform
best. Some of the cattle even let loose with an occasional literary
quotation from Virgil. We’re hoping for Twitpics soon.
<more> April 27, 2010 Mashable.com
‘Ongoing food crisis’ to be part of Food and
Agriculture board meeting - - The California State Board of Food and
Agriculture will meet in the city of San Joaquin in Fresno County May 4 to
address what it calls “the ongoing food crisis within the Central Valley.”
Says CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura, “Working together with local communities
and California’s farmers we can develop lasting solutions to provide
emergency food assistance across this state. As Fresno County continues to
experience ongoing impacts of drought, I encourage farmers and the public to
come forward in addressing this crisis.”
<more> April 27, 2010 CDFA Press Release
Reminder: Turn in acreage reports - - Val
Dolcini, state executive director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in
California, reminds producers to submit their annual report of acreage to
their local FSA county office to meet FSA program eligibility requirements.
Accurate acreage reports are necessary to determine and maintain eligibility
for various programs, including the direct and counter-cyclical program and
newer programs authorized in the 2008 farm bill.
<more> April 27, 2010 Western Farm Press
WUD
Golf Tournament: Grand raffle prize announced - - Mark your calendars
for the 8th annual WUD North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament set for Monday,
June 7, at the Diablo Grande Golf Course. Anyone who plays in the tournament
and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize - - a
flat screen television donated by WUD Board President Jamie Bledsoe.
Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen
federal political action committee. Registration materials will be mailed
and posted to the WUD website in the coming weeks. April 23, 2010
Alliance: Activists threaten U.S. food security - - Are animal rights activists jeopardizing the food security of the United States? That question will be one of the topics of discussion at this week’s Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit in Arlington, Virginia. The group’s executive vice president, Kay Johnson Smith, says if activists continue to be successful in imposing tougher restrictions on the nation’s livestock industry, many producers may just leave the business. <more> April 27, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Monday, April 26, 2010
Use of low-dust farm practices rise - -
Central Valley farmers have greatly increased their use of practices to
reduce soil disturbance and dust, according to a survey released this week.
The practices grew sixfold from 2004 to 2008 in the nine survey counties, an
alliance of farmers, researchers and other experts reported. The result was
cleaner air for valley residents and reduced tractor use by farmers, the
alliance said. The findings could be especially valuable to dairy farmers,
who grow much of their own feed. They have faced low milk prices on one hand
and high costs for fuel and pollution controls on the other. "My philosophy
is that good environmental stewardship must be profitable to be
sustainable," Hanford-area dairy farmer Dino Giacomazzi said in a news
release. "Our conservation tillage program has been helpful to our family
business during these hard economic times."
<more> April 25, 2010 Modesto Bee
CWT accepts more export assistance bids for
cheese - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted bids from
Darigold, Land O’Lakes, Foremost Farms, and Dairy Farmers of America for
export assistance for a total of 2,452 metric tons (5.4 million pounds) of
Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack to the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and
Europe. The majority of the product will be delivered May through July 2010
with a quarter of the total quantity extending delivery into September.
Since CWT reactivated the Export Assistance program on March 18, 2010, it
has assisted members in making export sales of cheddar cheese totaling 8,600
metric tons (19.0 million pounds) to 15 countries on four continents.
Originally the assistance was only available for Cheddar cheese, now it has
been expanded to other varieties including Monterey Jack. April 26, 2010
Brownfield Ag News
California Milk Advisory Board holds Media Training Boot Camp for California Dairy Producers - - Telling your stories and shaping the messages that reach consumers are an important way to build demand for California milk and dairy products. Having the right messages and knowing how to deliver them can be a challenge. The California Milk Advisory Board is presenting a Media Training Boot Camp program to help give California dairy producers the tips and tools they need to be able to represent our industry – both in media situations and when interacting with consumers who have questions. The training schedule is listed below – you can attend any session that fits with your schedule. E-mail Jennifer Giambroni at the CMAB: jgiambroni@cmab.net to reserve your space. Or call (650) 871-6459, x304 for more information.
Cow power helps fill your gas tank - - Cows
help you fill your cereal bowl, bake your cake and adorn your pizza. Now
right here in Tulare County — cows will help you fill your gas tank. Calgren
Renewable Fuels, the Pixley-based ethanol plant, has been awarded a $4.68
million matching grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to
utilize dairy cow gas to make ethanol. The money will go to construction of
a digester used to break down manure to make clean burning biomethane — the
green equivalent of natural gas.
<more> April 26, 2010 SIERRA2THESEA NEWS SERVICE
USDA/Justice Dept workshop on dairy June 25 in
Wisconsin - - The USDA and Justice Department have announced that they
will hold a public workshop focused on the dairy industry on June 25 in
Madison, Wisconsin. The specific areas of focus will include concentration,
marketplace transparency and market dynamics in the dairy industry. The
workshops, which were first announced by Attorney General Eric Holder and
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Aug. 5, 2009, are the first joint
Department of Justice/USDA workshops ever to be held to discuss competition
and regulatory issues in the agriculture industry. The goals of the
workshops are to promote dialogue among interested parties and foster
learning with respect to the appropriate legal and economic analyses of
these issues, as well as to listen to and learn from parties with experience
in the agriculture sector. Attendance at the workshops is free and open to
the public. April 26, 2010 USDA Press Release
Maverick Valley dairy owner 'rescues' cows -
- To hear the folks at Organic Pastures dairy tell it, Louise and McQueen
were all but bound for the slaughterhouse or an industrialized farm. The two
organic dairy cows were living in crowded, cold conditions, and their
financially troubled owner needed to get rid of them. They faced an
uncertain future. Organic Pastures offered these milkers a lifeline by
recruiting sponsors to save them at $1,800 apiece. It worked. Since March,
Organic Pastures supporters have "rescued" 40 cows -- including Louise and
McQueen. An additional 20 are expected to arrive next week at the green
pastures of its Fresno County ranch. While dairy officials admit Organic
Pastures' plan is unique, it has raised the ire of some farmers who object
to the idea that cows need rescuing from nonorganic dairies. "It is unfair
to assume that if a cow is going to a conventional dairy, it will somehow be
tortured," said Tony Azevedo, a Merced County dairyman and president of
Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance. "Ninety-nine percent of the
conventional dairies are doing a great job taking care of their animals."
<more> April 26, 2010 Fresno Bee
California free to ban downer cows in food supply
-- for now - - It's been two years since a covertly recorded videotape
of non-ambulatory cows being abused at a slaughterhouse led to the largest
beef recall in the nation's history, but the scandal is still having
repercussions. A federal appeals court recently reinstated a California law
passed in the wake of the video's release that banned using animals in the
human food supply if they're too weak to stand.
<more> April 26, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
It's not just cattle fouling Sierra streams --
it's people, too - - An exclusive story from McClatchy News Service
quotes Dr. Robert Derlet about bacterial contamination in Sierra streams
from lots of cattle answering the call of nature as they graze. Here's what
the story didn't say: "In a mountain range boasting giant sequoias, Half
Dome and Mount Whitney, Derlet has confirmed there are bacteria linked to
human feces in lakes and streams." That was in a story I wrote from a lake
near Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park where I followed Derlet one
September morning nearly five years ago.
<more> April 26, 2010 Fresno Bee
California's Fields, Parched by Drought and
Conservation Rules, Will Get More Water - - There's a trickle of new
hope in California's drought-stricken farm economy, as water agencies open
irrigation spigots a little more this year, allowing farmers to increase
planting and hiring. This winter brought California its biggest snowpack
since 2006, partially refilling depleted reservoirs. The Interior Department
this month increased water allocations to 30% of normal for users with the
least amount of water rights, such as in the Westlands district, up from 25%
in March and 5% or less earlier this year. The California Department of
Water Resources upped the water allocations it expects to give cities and
farms this year to 20% of normal from 5%. That allocation could increase if
California gets much more precipitation, agency officials say.
<more> April 26, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Maldonado gets the OK as lieutenant governor
- - The Senate voted 25-7 this afternoon to confirm Sen. Abel Maldonado's
lieutenant governor nomination, clearing the way for the embattled pick to
finally fill the vacant post. It's been a bumpy road for the Santa Maria
Republican, who was first nominated to the post in November. Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger renominated Maldonado in February after the Assembly derailed
his first confirmation attempt. Last week, the Assembly voted 51-17 to
approve his nomination, with leaders saying his willingness to work with
Democrats on jobs caused the change of heart..
<more> April 26, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Derivatives Provisions Are Dividing Democrats
- - Ahead of a pivotal vote Monday on financial regulation, divisions are
emerging among Senate Democrats over how best to strengthen oversight of the
market for the exotic financial instruments known as derivatives. All 59
members of the Democratic caucus are still expected to stand together Monday
on whether to begin action on legislation overhauling regulation of the
financial system. But the differences underscore the complexity of the
coming debate, and will have to be resolved later this spring. At issue is
whether the derivatives oversight bill written by Senate Agriculture
Chairman Blanche Lincoln (D., Ark.) will be folded into the broader
regulatory overhaul. The Lincoln measure would beef up oversight and
increase transparency of the market, and includes a proposal that could push
Wall Street banks to spin off their derivatives trading operations.
<more> April 26, 2010 Wall Street Journal
NZ Fonterra Eyes Mideast As Milk Thirst Grows - - The world's biggest dairy exporter, New Zealand's Fonterra Cooperative Group, expects a double digit jump in Middle East and Africa sales over the next year as the region's thirst for milk products grows and populations swell, its chief executive officer said. "What you have already in the Middle East is reasonably high dairy consumption," Andrew Ferrier told Zawya Dow Jones in a telephone interview recently. "You've also got a large population and consumers looking for increasingly healthier foods. We're in that category, so we see good growth." <more> April 26, 2010 Dow Jones Newswires
Friday, April 23, 2010
WUD, CMAB, CBC
meet with Aquarium officials to discuss ‘gas mask' cow display
- - Western United Dairymen CEO
Michael Marsh, Environmental Services Director Paul Martin, California Milk
Advisory Board Director of Communications Jennifer Giambroni and California
Beef Council Executive Director Bill Dale met with Monterey Bay Aquarium
officials Tuesday to discuss their climate change exhibit, "Hot Pink
Flamingos: Stories of Hope in a Changing Sea," and the concerns the
California beef and dairy industries have with how cattle are portrayed.
Marsh said the group had a "very open and frank dialogue about the exhibit.
We discussed how the image of a gas mask wearing cow conveys a message of
toxic or harmful emissions coming from dairy cows' milk and dairy products,
and how unsettling that message can be to consumers as well as to California
dairy families." <more>
April 23, 2010 WUD Weekly News Update
More
dairy cows went to market - - A very nice end of the week for Class III
dairy futures. Even though cash cheese held steady on the Chicago Mercantile
Exchange on Friday, Class III contracts for 2010 saw double-digit increases.
The push came from the monthly cattle slaughter report, National Ag
Statistics Service says a total of 256,000 dairy cows went to slaughter in
March, 33,000 more than in February and 18,000 more than March of last year.
<more> April 23, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Senate
Ag Committee bill wants a look at carbon markets - - That financial
reform package passed by the Senate Ag Committee earlier this week not only
would place strict regulations on the trading of derivatives, it also calls
for a study on transparency in the carbon trade market in the U.S. Senator
Blanche Lincoln’s bill would have the Treasury Department, USDA, the EPA,
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Securities and Exchange
Commission, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Federal Trade Commission,
the Energy Information Administration and the independent statistics arm of
the Department of Energy take a close look at the emerging market “to ensure
an efficient, secure, and transparent carbon market, including oversight of
spot markets and derivative markets.”
<more> April 23, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Study:
Cow feed may be causing air problem in California - - Air officials for
years have blamed dairy cow emissions for the unusually high ozone levels in
California's San Joaquin Valley, but a new study points more to what goes
into the animals than what comes out. The study — funded by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, California Air Resources Board and the San
Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District — initially was intended to
measure the impact of animal manure, urine and flatulence on ozone levels.
University of California, Davis researchers, however, found that the bigger
ozone culprit appears to be millions of tons of fermenting cattle feed. This
previously unrecognized source is likely the reason why ozone levels have
not dropped even as the region has implemented control programs, scientists
said. "The take-home is that feed sources might be more important than all
of the things we've been caring about in the past," said Michael J. Kleeman,
a professor in UC Davis' department of civil and environmental engineering
who was the study's lead investigator.
<more> April 23, 2010 AP
It
wasn't cow belches, toots or manure - - By Mark Grossi, Fresno Bee-
- Five years ago when I first reported that cow belching, flatulence and
manure created more of one ozone-making gas than cars, I got a lot of mail
and calls. The story couldn't be right, they said. Turns out, they were
right. Most of the bad gas is not coming from either end of the cow. Most of
the bad gases are coming from the corn silage piled up nearby. They're
called reactive organic gases, a fancy term for chemicals wafting off of the
fermenting pile.
<more> April 23, 2010 Fresno Bee
DWR
raises 2010 water delivery projection to 30% - - Citing April’s wintry
Sierra storms, the California Department of Water Resources on Friday
increased its 2010 allocation of State Water Project deliveries to 30
percent. The SWP allocation had been set at 20 percent of contractors’
requests earlier in April. The initial 2010 allocation estimate, made in
December 2009, was 5 percent. That projection rose incrementally as snowpack
accumulated during winter and early spring. Later in May, DWR expects to
make a final allocation announcement. “The spring storms have been good to
California’s snowpack, allowing us to increase our water deliveries to
communities, farms and businesses this year,” says DWR Director Mark Cowin.
<more> April 23, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
WUD
Golf Tournament: Grand raffle prize announced - - Mark your calendars
for the 8th annual WUD North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament set for Monday,
June 7, at the Diablo Grande Golf Course. Anyone who plays in the tournament
and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize - - a
flat screen television donated by WUD Board President Jamie Bledsoe.
Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen
federal political action committee. Registration materials will be mailed
and posted to the WUD website in the coming weeks. April 23, 2010
This
cartoon makes you want to cry - - A damaging cartoon on dairy farming
practices appeared in the comic strip “Beakman
and Jax” in newspapers this past Sunday. The comic strip’s author, Jok
Church, typically answers children’s science questions in a cartoon
question-and-answer format. In response to a question about the age of
dairy animals when they first give birth, the strip made a number of false
claims including: * “Almost all dairy cows are raised in factories where
they’re fed surplus corn and soy – not the grass that is a cow’s natural
food.” * “Factory cows get more diseases, so they are medicated constantly.
Their food includes drugs like antibiotics and hormones. They also get gas,
which can hurt their 4-part stomachs.” * “Factory cows live from 3-4 years
before they die. Cows that eat grasses in meadows live and produce milk for
up to 20 years. They’re ones farmers name and don’t number.”
<more> April 23, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Ag has
'good story to tell,' Modesto ex-mayor says - - Carol Whiteside imagines
a place with a year-round farmers market and other attractions celebrating
food from the Central Valley. That's one way that the region can promote its
agriculture in the face of critics, said Whiteside, founding president of
the Great Valley Center, in a Thursday evening talk at California State
University, Stanislaus. "Agriculture does have a good story to tell," she
said. "They just aren't very good at telling it on their own behalf."
<more> April 23, 2010 Modesto Bee
It
won’t be your granddaddy’s Farm Bill - - By Steve Kopperud - -
Forewarned is forearmed, as they say, and if you care about federal farm
policy, programs and payments, consider this fair warning. Oh so quietly
major commodity organizations are forming task forces, food processing
companies are examining options and folks on the Hill are holding fingers in
the air, gauging which way the very early political winds are blowing when
it comes to the future of federal economic support of farmers and federal
farm programs. We’re talking about the 2012 Farm Bill. Based on early
indications, this omnibus farm legislation will look like no other before
it.
<more> April 23, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Committee slows pesticide-buffer bill -- Assemblyman Sandré Swanson,
D-Oakland, is hitting a roadblock trying to get a pesticide-control bill
through the Assembly agriculture committee. Swanson's AB1721, titled the
Healthy and Safe School Zone Act, sought to keep pesticide applications for
commercial ag and state pest-control programs at least a quarter-mile from
schoolyards. Swanson further sought to extend that buffer to a half-mile for
chemicals that the state restricts. But when Swanson saw his bill lacked the
necessary votes from the ag committee, he promised amendments. The bill
would now restrict only aerial applications that are "likely to cause
off-site movement of pesticides," and sets a uniform buffer at a quarter
mile.
<more> April 23, 2010 Capital Press
UNICEF director Veneman prepares to step down - - Globe-trotting Modesto native Ann Veneman carries a full passport and poignant memories as she departs her job heading UNICEF. Some aspects of her five-year stint can be easily summed. The 72 countries she's visited. The 17 separate trips to Africa she's made. The 11,000 workers in more than 100 countries she's overseen as executive director of the United Nations organization. "I've had a lot of vaccines," Veneman said with a laugh. "I've taken a lot of malaria pills." But as Veneman approaches her April 30 departure date, part of her resume defies simple accounting. <more> April 23, 2010 McClatchy News
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Cheese
stocks surpass 1 billion pounds - - The monthly Cold Storage Report form
USDA on Thursday shows total cheese
stocks
went over the 1 billion pound mark as of the end of March - -
1,000,778,000 pounds to be exact. That represents a 2 percent increase from
February and 9 percent more than at the end of March in 2009 and the largest
cheese inventory since November of 1984. On the “plus” side, butter stocks
were down 3 percent from last month and 7 percent lower than a year ago at
196.585 million pounds.
<more> April 22, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Study:
Cow feed may be causing Valley air problem - - A new study is shedding
light on what may be the real cause of unusually high ozone levels in
California's San Joaquin Valley. For years, scientists have focused on dairy
cow manure and flatulence, but now scientists believe it's more about what
goes into the animals than what comes out. Tons of fermenting cattle feed
may be the answer to why smog is highest in the valley, despite having less
vehicle traffic than large cities. The study by University of California,
Davis researchers found that gasses emitted as silage ferments turns oxygen
into ozone.
<more> April 22, 2010 AP
Inspector General seeks tighter residue monitoring for cull dairy animals,
veal - - An audit by USDA’s Inspector General released this week
reported major problems with monitoring residues in beef and veal for
veterinary drugs including antibiotics pesticides, and heavy metals. “Plants
handling dairy cows and bob veal (meat from male calves) were, in 2008,
responsible for over 90% of residue violations found,” according to the
report entitled “FSIS National Residue Program for Cattle.” The report noted
that Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plans that do not include
controls for residues were not sufficient for cull dairy cows and bob veal.
“We found that residue is a hazard ‘reasonably likely to occur’ in the
absence of preventive controls,” according to the IG report.
<more> April 22, 2010 Feedstuffs
Assembly approves Maldonado for lieutenant governor - - The Assembly
voted 51-18 to approve GOP Sen. Abel Maldonado's lieutenant governor
nomination today. The vote signals an end to a five month confirmation
saga. Maldonado, first appointed to the vacant post by Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger in November, was re-nominated to the job in February after he
failed to clear the 41-vote hurdle in the Assembly. The Senate, which
approved the nomination the first go-round, is expected to vote as soon as
Monday. If confirmed, Maldonado will fill the remainder of the term started
by Democrat John Garamendi, who was elected to Congress in November. He is
also running for a full term in the GOP primary.
<more> April 22, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Aghazarian named to legislative post at CDFA - - Former Assemblyman Greg
Aghazarian has been appointed to a position with the state Department of
Food and Agriculture. On Wednesday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced
that Aghazarian, 45, was appointed to be deputy secretary for legislation
and special assistant to the secretary of the department. Compensation for
the position is $115,000 per year and does not require Senate confirmation.
Aghazarian was Republican Caucus chairman in 2006 during his three terms in
the Assembly, from 2002 to 2008. He represented the 26th District, which
includes part of Stockton. In 2008, he ran unsuccessfully for state Senate.
<more> April 22, 2010 Stockton Record
Truck
rule based on flawed data, ARB staff admits - - A computer model that
the Air Resources Board used to justify historic restrictions on diesel
emissions from off-road construction equipment may have attributed twice as
much pollution to those heavy trucks as they actually produce, according to
interviews with ARB staff. That error, coupled with the effects of the
recession on the construction industry, means that the excavators, backhoes
and graders that operate in California are producing only a fraction of the
pollutants that the board believed was the case when it adopted the
regulations in 2007.
<more> April 22, 2010 HealthyCal.org
Calif.
considers delaying diesel-emission rules - - California air regulators
on Thursday considered whether to delay the nation's toughest rules to slash
emissions from diesel-powered construction equipment, saying the poor
economy has left many of the vehicles sitting idle. Members of the
California Air Resources Board said they might give companies more time to
comply because construction activity in California is down about 50 percent
since the regulations were adopted three years ago, and that has
significantly reduced harmful emissions. "Unfavorable economic times make it
more difficult for industry to comply with our regulations and function,"
board chairwoman Mary Nichols said.
<more> April 22, 2010 AP
Rep.
Gallegly introduces new bill to stop the sale of animal cruelty videos -
-When the Supreme Court struck down, on free-speech grounds, a law making it
a federal crime to sell videos depicting animal cruelty, Rep. Elton Gallegly
(R-Simi Valley) had more than a passing interest. He wrote the law. On
Wednesday, Gallegly responded swiftly to the ruling, introducing a "narrowly
tailored" bill aimed at passing constitutional muster. The measure would
target so-called animal crush videos, such as those showing women in high
heels stomping on puppies and kittens.
<more> April 22, 2010 LA Times
Ag
bills get mixed reviews - - Two bills working their way through the
process are drawing particular interest. One would allow farmworkers to
unionize by signing cards and submitting them to the Agricultural Labor
Relations Board rather than going through the secret ballot process. The
other bill, authored by Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, would require growers
to pay overtime to farmworkers after eight hours of work instead of after 10
hours as mandated under current law. Both measures are drawing opposition
from the grower community.
<more> April 22, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
Environmentalists question Merced Irrigation District's water transfer plans
- - By late summer the Merced Irrigation District will release roughly
15,000 acre-feet of water from behind New Exchequer Dam on the Merced River
as part of a mandatory habitat study. But instead of letting that water flow
to the sea unused, the district is in the process of brokering a water
transfer deal in which that flow will go to Westside farmers in need. In the
process MID will make a pretty profit. But some of that water might very
likely end up watering lawns in new subdivisions in Southern California
instead of almond fields in Kern County, said environmental groups that have
been opposing such deals.
<more> April 22, 2010 Merced Sun Star
Growers worry about looming ban on burning agricultural waste - -
Growers who occasionally need to burn prunings or entire orchards or
vineyards are worried about a state program to phase out burning that's
meant to clear the valley's polluted air. SB 705, sponsored by state Sen.
Dean Florez, outlawed the practice of burning agricultural waste in open
fields seven years ago, but it is being implemented gradually for different
crops. Shortly before the newest restrictions on vineyards and various nuts
were to take effect in May 2007, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution
Control District voted to allow burning in orchards of 20 acres or less
until 2010. That was to give small farms more time to identify
cost-effective alternatives.
<more> April 22, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
Food-safety bill would give FDA more enforcement authority - - A
food-safety bill that's expected to reach the Senate floor next week would
update rules that have governed the Food and Drug Administration for more
than four decades and enhance the administration's enforcement authority.
Each year, 300,000 Americans are hospitalized and 5,000 die from food
contamination, according to a Health and Human Services Department report
that was released earlier this month. While the number of food facilities
has increased, the percentage of inspections has decreased, to 22 percent in
fiscal year 2008 from 29 percent in 2004. The bill proposes to give the FDA
more enforcement authority, including the power to issue food recalls.
<more> April 22, 2010 McClatchy
National on-farm energy production survey - - The most recent Census of
Agriculture counted more than 20,000 farms and ranches that were producing
their own energy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will further explore
how this energy is generated when it conducts the first national On-Farm
Energy Production Survey in May. In early May, NASS will mail survey forms
to farmers and ranchers nationwide who indicated on the 2007 Census of
Agriculture that they were engaged in on-farm energy production. Recipients
are required to respond by May 24.
<more> April 22, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
USDA announces Energy Audits to Help Producers Reduce Energy Use - -Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced an initiative designed to help agricultural producers transition to more energy efficient operations. This initiative will make funding available for individual on-farm energy audits designed to save both money and energy when fully implemented. Approximately 1,000 on-farm energy audit evaluations in 29 states, including California, will be funded by $2 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in fiscal year 2010. The energy audits will be individually tailored to ensure coverage of each farm's primary energy uses such as milk cooling, irrigation pumping, heating and cooling of livestock production facilities, manure collection and transfer, grain drying, and similar common on-farm activities. <more> April 22, 2010 USDA Press Release
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
WUD asks for another temporary price support hike - - Western United Dairymen has written to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack asking for implementation of another temporary price support increase. WUD asked for a six-month period hike at the same levels as occurred in August-October 2009:
· Raise the price paid for nonfat dry milk from $0.80 per pound to $0.92 per pound.
· Raise the price paid for cheddar blocks from $1.13 per pound to $1.31 per pound.
· Raise the price paid for cheddar barrels from $1.10 per pound to $1.28 per pound.
Acknowledging that current market prices are above
these levels, CEO Michael Marsh said the main goal of the increase at this
time is “simply to provide floor price guarantee to the industry and those
who support it.” WUD pointed out the current economic crisis has been felt
beyond the farm, affecting many allied industries. “Dairy families need
these service providers to stay committed to the industry,” said Marsh. “A
temporary price support increase will send a strong message of assurance
during a time of continued volatility and uncertainty.” April 21, 2010
Dairy Outlook pushes cash cheese higher - -
Cash cheese barrels gained a half-cent and blocks improved a quarter-cent on
the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The monthly Livestock, Dairy and Poultry
Outlook from USDA on Wednesday nudged milk production estimates for this
year a little higher to 189.9 billion pounds. The report cites a slow-down
in cow culling, moderating feed costs and continued increases in production
per cow as the reasons.
<more> April 21, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
USDA storage data shows heavy cheese hangover
- - The U.S. recession may have ended months ago, but a hangover persists
for the nation’s dairy industry, in the form of excess cheese supplies.
Total cheese stockpiles swelled to 983.6 million pounds at the end of
February, up 10 percent from the same period a year earlier, according to
USDA food storage data. Some dairy traders and analysts believe cheese
supplies may top 1 billion pounds soon, if they haven’t already.
<more> April 21, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Senate Ag passes Wall Street Reform bill - -
The Senate Agriculture Committee passed Chairman Blanche Lincoln’s Wall
Street Reform bill today with bipartisan support. The vote was 13 to 8.
Lincoln says the bill will bring “100 percent transparency to the nation’s
financial markets” while preventing future bailouts. The measure will be
put into the larger financial reform bill the full Senate will consider in
the coming weeks. Lincoln says her bill will bring “the 600 Trillion Dollar
derivatives market out of the dark and into the light of day.”
<more> April 21, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
GOP's Grassley joins Dems in passing limits on
derivatives - - The Senate Agriculture Committee on Wednesday approved
by 13-8 tough new curbs on financial derivatives, including a ban on most
direct bank trading of the tools, which played a big role in exacerbating
the 2008 financial crisis. The ban would require banks to spin off divisions
that trade in the lucrative but opaque financial instruments into
free-standing subsidiaries.
<more> April 21, 2010 McClatchy
National Humane Society no friend to 4-H - -
By Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) - - Farmers and ranchers across the
country have long known what many Americans are just now learning. The
Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is a political machine
masquerading as an umbrella organization for local humane societies. While
most local humane societies perform a much-needed service in their local
communities, the national organization is run by vegetarians with an extreme
anti-meat agenda. The HSUS markets itself as an animal care organization but
spends less than 1 percent of its $100 million annual budget in hands-on pet
shelters.
<more> April 21, 2010 Baltimore Sun
Valley demand for locally grown food booms -
- Finally, the movement to eat locally grown food in the central San Joaquin
Valley is taking off. What started as individual farmers selling food to
shoppers has turned into networks that tackle bigger projects. Collectively,
they're adding farmers markets and expanding other types of direct sales.
The result: the Valley's farm-to-table movement is becoming more
sophisticated and adopting a regional identity, says Edie Jessup, program
development specialist for the Central California Regional Obesity
Prevention Project.
<more> April 21, 2010 Fresno Bee
Poll Shows No Clear-Cut Favorite in 19th
Congressional District - - An exclusive Action News poll conducted by
Survey-USA still shows two candidates lead the GOP pack in the 19th
Congressional District. State Senator Jeff Denham now tops the poll with
27-percent of the support from voters polled. Jim Patterson had 26-percent.
Richard Pombo showed 16-percent and Larry Westerlund rounded out the field
with six-percent.
<more> April 21, 2010 KFSN-TV
Vilsack stresses rural income opportunities - - U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack acknowledged to U.S. House Agriculture Committee members Monday the need for a strong farm safety net, as well as the need to create income opportunities in Rural America. “I think it is important to the basis of Rural America that we continue to focus on job opportunities and to recognize that we need to pay more attention, ‘we’ meaning not just this committee, but the country,” testified Vilsack, “the country needs to pay more attention to Rural America.” <more> April 21, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
New UN report says dairy sector accounts for 4
percent of man-made greenhouse gas emissions - - The dairy sector
accounts for 4 percent of global man-made greenhouse gas emissions, the
United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization said in a report released
today. The dairy sector emitted 1.969 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2)
equivalent in 2007, of which 1.328 billion tons were due to dairy production
and 151 million tons to meat from culled dairy animals, the FAO said. Global
milk production, processing and transportation accounted for 2.7 percent of
the world man made greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the FAO said. This new
data cited for the global dairy sector is significantly less than the 18%
figure cited for global livestock agriculture in the November, 2006 FAO
report, “Livestock’s Long Shadow – Environmental Issues and Options.” The
18% number has often been inaccurately attributed to dairy GHG emissions.
The International Dairy Federation has additional information and a news
release about the FAO report
by clicking here. April 20, 2010 Reuters
U.S. dairies lead world with lowest carbon
footprint - - U.S. dairy farms have the world’s lowest emissions of
climate-changing “greenhouse gases,” according to a report released today by
the United Nations. American dairy farms emit about 45 percent fewer
greenhouse gases per unit of milk produced compared to the global average
for dairies, according to “Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Dairy Sector –
A Life Cycle Analysis,” published by the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO). (Click
here for the FAO news release.)
<more> April 20, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Another “interesting” day for dairy - - A
mixed day in the dairy markets on Tuesday. A very busy day in the cash
cheese market with 22 loads of blocks sold and the price ending up 2 cents
lower on 5 uncovered offers. Barrels slipped a half-cent on one uncovered
offer. The market was reacting to the March milk production numbers released
after the close on Monday.
<more> April 20, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Bob Cropp: Milk price to improve as year
progresses - - Editor’s note: Bob Cropp, professor emeritus at the
University of Wisconsin-Madison, offers the following comments on the
current dairy situation and outlook. “The strengthening of farm milk prices
hinges on what happens to milk production for the remainder of the year.
Milk production will decline during the summer months and the demand for
milk, cheese and butter will increase in the fall and early winter. Dairy
exports should increase as well.”
<more> April 20, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
OSHA inspections reported in Stockton area -
- WUD’s labor law advisor Anthony Raimondo says he has received reports of
state inspections of agricultural operations in the Stockton area on April
20, 2010. Inspectors are examining Cal/OSHA compliance, recordkeeping
compliance, wage and hour compliance, and payroll tax compliance. Members
with questions regarding legal compliance should contact Anthony Raimondo at
(559)433-1300. April 20, 2010
Supreme Court strikes down law banning dogfight
videos - - The Supreme Court has struck down a federal law designed to
stop the sale and marketing of videos showing dogfights and other acts of
animal cruelty, saying it is an unconstitutional violation of free speech.
The 8-1 decision was a defeat for animal rights groups and congressional
sponsors of the legislation. The specific case before the court dealt with
tapes showing pit bulls attacking other animals and one another in staged
confrontations. The justices Tuesday concluded the scope and intent of the
decade-old statute was overly broad.
<more> April 20, 2010 CNN
Michael Pollan speaks at UOP Thursday - - Is
America willing to change the way it eats? Author Michael Pollan will
highlight Earth Day with a speech Thursday to University of the Pacific
students: “In Defense of Food: The Omnivore's Solution.” Pollan has drawn a
link between the food we eat and the health of the planet and its people,
including energy, climate and health care. He has criticized agribusiness
and government subsidies for farmers, stirring some controversy during past
appearances on other college campuses.
<more> April 20, 2010 Stockton Record
Pennsylvania ag secretary tells House Ag
Committee of state’s dairy crisis - - Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary
Russell C. Redding testified today before the U.S. House of Representatives
Committee on Agriculture, saying historic challenges facing the dairy
industry warrant aggressive actions to reform policy and pricing mechanisms
that will ensure a viable future for the nation's producers. From falling
milk prices to depressed land values, Redding said the combination of
economic factors impacting the industry has created difficult operating
conditions for farmers across the state.
<more> April 20, 2010 PA Press Release
Senate Ag Committee Chair Takes on Wall Street
- - Senator Blanche Lincoln, a self-styled "farmer's daughter" facing a
tough re-election race in Arkansas, had not been expected to become the
latest Democrat to rail against the risky practices of Wall Street. Lincoln,
chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is known for working across
party lines on issues, but took Washington by surprise with an aggressive
draft bill to be unveiled on Friday that she hopes will force big banks out
of the $450 trillion over-the-counter derivatives market.
<more> April 20, 2010 Reuters
As Senate Debates Climate Bill, House Members
Wonder if They'll Be Asked to Take It Or Leave It- - In Las
Vegas, the house always wins. In Washington, the House isn't as lucky. A
carefully crafted compromise on climate change that narrowly passed in the
House last June has been stuck for almost a year in the Senate. Now, with
three senators set to unveil their own bill Monday and a floor vote possible
this spring or early summer, House lawmakers are wondering whether there
will be a significant effort to negotiate major differences between the two
proposals or if they will be asked to simply approve the Senate version.
There is no guarantee that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) can
even notch 60 votes to pass such a sweeping measure during a midterm
election year. But if he does, some House Democrats say they would not be
surprised if they were asked to buckle in conference negotiations.
<more> April 20, 2010 NY Times
Proposed NPDES permit for pesticide applications
due soon - - The federal Environmental Protection Agency is expected to
issue a proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
permit process next month for pesticides used in and around water. It will
impact 5.6 million annual pesticide applications by 365,000 applicators
using 500 different active ingredients. The proposed permit “will have
profound implications for American farmers,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
Thomas Vilsack wrote EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson last month as the agency
drew up the proposed permits. Failure to comply with the new EPA permitting
process will result in a fine of $32,000 per day.
<more> April 20, 2010 Western Farm Press
Tulare County farmers, landowners, leaders worry
about loss of Williamson Act - - Tulare County government officials are
gearing up for a fight in Sacramento over the Williamson Act. If
Schwarzenegger doesn't renew funding for the counties — known as subventions
— in the 2010-11 budget, Tulare County and other cash-strapped counties are
threatening not to renew their Williamson Act agreements. Farmers here say
that would be a major financial blow to the Valley's agriculture industry.
<more> April 20, 2010 Visalia Times Delta
State Ag Board encourages Fresno emergency food donations- - CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura and California State Board of Food and Agriculture President Al Montna are encouraging participation by farmers and agricultural associations in Fresno County’s emergency food assistance efforts related to the drought. More than 25,000 people in Fresno County require emergency food assistance each month. “The ongoing food crisis in Fresno County cannot be ignored,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “We as a community need to continue our efforts to find solutions.” <more> April 20, 2010 CDFA Press Release
Monday, April 19, 2010
U.S. milk production up slightly in March; CA
drops 0.7% - - Milk production in the United States in March was 16.576
billion pounds, up 0.6 percent compared to March of last year. The number of
dairy cows in the U.S. slipped 193,000 from a year ago to 9.09 million head
but production per cow increased 48 pounds from last year to 1,824.
Production in the 23 major dairy states in March was 0.9 percent above a
year ago at 15.355 billion pounds. Production per cow in those states
averaged 1,846, a 51-pound increase over a year ago. California milk
production slipped 0.7 percent to 3.48 billion pounds, the Golden State
dairy herd lost 63,000 head to 1.758 million cows while production per cow
increased 55 pounds to average 1,980.
<more> April 19, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Agriculture a source of strength for the San
Joaquin Valley - - Out in the farmland, beyond the foreclosed homes and
vacant storefronts, it might have been hard to hear the crash. Agriculture
has stayed fairly strong amid the economic troubles of the Northern San
Joaquin Valley. Gross farm income nearly doubled from 2000 to 2008, to an
estimated $7.6 billion worth of milk, fruit, nuts, poultry and other
products. While this sector has some troubles of its own -- notably the
still-low prices for dairy farmers -- experts see it as an overall source of
strength for the region over the next few years.
<more> April 18, 2010 Modesto Bee
CWT accepts bids for 4.5 million pounds of cheese
exports - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) last week accepted four
bids from Foremost Farms and six bids from Dairy Farmers of America for
export assistance for a total of 2,046 metric tons (4.5 million pounds) of
Cheddar cheese to the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Central America. The
majority of the product will be delivered April through July 2010, with a
quarter of the total quantity to be delivered into October. CWT also
announced today that it is expanding the types of cheese varieties eligible
for export bonuses to include Gouda, Colby, and Monterey Jack.
<more> April 19, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Farm Bill hearings begin Wednesday; Peterson says
session to be held in Fresno -- House Agriculture Committee Chairman
Collin Peterson, D-Minn., said hearings on the 2012 farm bill will begin
Wednesday with testimony by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and that there
will also be a series of regional hearings this spring, including in Fresno,
Idaho and Wyoming. Peterson told reporters in a telephone news conference
that he intends to hold another hearing in Washington with academics and
economists to give a broad overview of the farm situation and then move to
hearings around the country. Peterson said he plans hearings beginning in
late April in Des Moines, Iowa; Boise, Idaho; Fresno, Calif.; and Cheyenne,
Wyo., and to hold another round of hearings in May in Atlanta and in
Alabama, Texas and South Dakota and one in North Carolina in June. Peterson
also noted the committee will hold a hearing on dairy policy in Harrisburg,
Pa., on Tuesday.
<more> April 19, 2010 Capital Press
Another Central Valley fish might be declared
endangered - - The status of the Sacramento splittail fish is soon to be
determined and that decision could impact water deliveries from the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to the Central Valley. The U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service says it is accepting public comments through May 20
regarding the status review of the fish. To ensure that the review is
comprehensive, the Service says it wants scientific and commercial data, as
well as other information regarding the species.
<more> April 19, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Diverse crop of ag bills is sown -- It's
growing season on the farm -- and in the Legislature too, where an
assortment of agriculture-related bills has sprouted this spring. Lawmakers
are pursuing proposals big and small -- from charging new fees on farm-water
users to creating a commission to oversee the beekeeping industry -- and
they hope to get the bills to the governor's desk by harvest time later this
year. As usual, there will be lobbying battles. Industry leaders are
fighting a bill that would make growers pay overtime to farmworkers who work
more than eight hours in a day. Farmers are exempt from normal overtime
rules today. And for the fourth year in a row, the United Farm Workers union
is pushing a bill that would make it easier for farmworkers to join unions.
<more> April 18, 2010 Fresno Bee
Important bills affecting agriculture employers
pending in state legislature - - - - By Anthony P. Raimondo - -
Two important bills are currently pending in the California legislature. SB
1121, by
Sen.
Dean Florez, D-Shafter, would provide overtime to farm workers who work more
than eight hours a day. Currently, employers are not required to pay
overtime to workers in agricultural occupations until they work more than
ten hours in a day. For many agricultural employers, this will mean a
significant increase in labor costs. AB 1474, by Sen. Darrell Steinberg,
D-Sacramento, would allow unions to be certified as the representatives of
agricultural employees without secret ballot elections. If a majority of
workers sign union authorization cards, the state would certify the union as
their representative. Similar “card check” bills have previously been
approved by the Legislature, only to be vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger.
These two bills are matters of great concern to agricultural employers.
California farmers are already competing in a global market with farmers in
other states and countries who do not face the high cost of production and
difficult regulatory framework that exists in California. Agricultural
employers who are concerned about these bills should contact their industry
associations and representatives to express their opposition to these bills.
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
Anthony Raimondo at McCormick Barstow LLP in Fresno, at (559)433-1300.
Vermont Rep. unveils growth plan for dairy
industry - - U.S. Representative Peter Welch (D-Vt.) has unveiled a plan
to manage growth in the dairy industry. Under the plan, there would
basically be an established amount of production at each farm based on the
farm’s historical production. The plan would allow for some growth. “The
rate of growth each year would be decided by a board of farmers and
producers allowing some growth, but not enough to tip the scale on supply
and demand of milk,” reported WCAX-TV in Burlington, Vt. “If a farmer
produces beyond that, he or she would pay a fee to be pooled and distributed
to other farmers who did not exceed the rate of growth that year.”
<more> April 19, 2010 WCAX-TV, Burlington, Vt.
Kawamura introduces specialized ag license plate
- - At the annual meeting of the Future Farmers of America (FFA)
yesterday in Fresno, CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura introduced an exciting new
project – a specialized license plate reading, “California Agriculture.”
Registration fees from the program will be used to assist secondary students
in agricultural education programs in California through career awareness
activities, training, and leadership development.
<more> April 19, 2010 CDFA Press Release
Pacific Ethanol tries a new bankruptcy plan -
- Pacific Ethanol Inc. of Sacramento, which has idle ethanol plants in
Madera and Stockton in the Central Valley, says Monday that it has submitted
a revised plan to get its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pacific Ethanol Holding
Co. LLC, together with its four wholly-owned ethanol production facilities,
out of bankruptcy. Under the original plan, filed on March 26, the ownership
of the ethanol plants would be transferred to a newly formed holding
company. The amended plan now includes terms under which the lenders may
grant the company an option to purchase up to 25 percent of the total
ownership interests in the new holding company for up to $30 million in
cash.
<more> April 19, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Big job in D.C. for ex-chief of winegrape group
-- Karen Ross's responsibilities have expanded several billionfold since she
left Sacramento and her work representing grape growers. Six months ago,
Ross oversaw a modestly budgeted staff of five as president of the
California Association of Winegrape Growers. Now, as the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's chief of staff, her turf covers some 110,000 employees and an
annual budget exceeding $140 billion.
<more> April 18, 2010 Modesto Bee
PBS to air controversial documentary Food Inc.
- - Many public television stations around the country will air the
controversial documentary Food Inc. Tuesday night, as part of special
programming surrounding Earth Day. Food Inc. has been criticized by many in
the ag community for “demonizing” modern food production. And in several
states, farm groups have gone to their local PBS stations requesting an
opportunity to refute some of the claims made in the movie. <more>
April 19, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Foes of California's global warming law pour
money into a campaign to delay it - - Oil companies and conservative
activists poured nearly $1 million last week into their campaign to place an
initiative on the November ballot that would delay enforcement of
California's global warming law. The effort, which also sought to enlist
“tea party” activists, came as organizers failed to meet their original goal
of gathering the 433,000 necessary signatures by Friday. But with the
infusion of $930,000 to pay signature gatherers, bringing the total
to $1.9 million, "We will all do what it takes to win," said Assemblyman Dan
Logue (R-Marysville), an initiative backer.
<more> April 19, 2010 LA Times
PG&E puts $6 million more into Proposition 16
campaign - - Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has put another $6 million
into Proposition 16, its self-funded ballot initiative that would require
the approval of two-thirds of local voters to create new local electricity
districts. The latest contribution, reported Friday, brings PG&E’s
contributions to $34.5 million – the entire amount of reportable donations
to the campaign. All of the nine donations listed in state financial
disclosure documents came from PG&E. Four of the donations were in seven
figures, and there was one eight-figure donation -- a $13 million
contribution on Feb. 26.
<more> April 19, 2010 Capitol Weekly
New online foundation seeks to boost ag’s Web
presence- - Do you Tweet? Have you Facebooked lately? Do you YouTube? A
new online networking group is designed to help farmers get involved in
social media and get telling their stories online. The AgChat Foundation,
named after the popular online Twitter conversations conducted on a variety
of food and farm topics every Tuesday night, was founded by a group that
includes AgChat’s founder, PR specialist Michele Payn-Knoper of Lebanon,
Ind., and farmers who are active users of social media, including Haley;
Darin Grimm, a grain, oilseed and cattle farmer from Morrill, Kansas; Jeff
Fowle, a grain and cattle farmer from Etna, Calif.; and Ray Prock, a dairy
farmer from Denair, Calif.
<more> April 19, 2010 AgriNews
Social Media Use Becomes Pervasive - - New research shows that social media use has become a regular habit for three quarters of the online population. In a survey of 1,700 U.S. Internet users, Nielsen Online found that 73 percent engaged in social media at least once per week. Engagement was defined as reading a blog, visiting a social network or reading (and/or commenting on) a message board. The research pegs the total U.S. social media audience at 127 million. <more> April 19, 2010 Adweek
Friday, April 16, 2010
USDA
Dairy Industry Advisory Committee meets - - U.S. Ag Secretary Tom
Vilsack’s Dairy Industry Advisory Committee met for the first time this week
in Washington. The Secretary opened the three-day meeting by telling the
17-member panel things cannot go on as they are in the dairy industry.
Vilsack noted that USDA cannot step in to buy additional product or increase
the support prices temporarily like it has in the past and charged the group
with coming up with suggestions by the end of the year. Wisconsin
Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen is one of the committee members; he
says that while the panel is very diverse, representing large and small
producers, processors, government and academia, they all agreed dairy
producers are in serious financial shape. “I’ve been around dairy all of my
life and I don’t ever recall such unanimity.”
<more> April 16, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Ag
burning restrictions are approved - - The San Joaquin Valley Air
Pollution Control District approved restrictions to begin June 1 on burning
vineyards, prunings from walnuts, almonds and other crops, and weeds, along
with other materials. The district is compelled to act because of a state
law, which began a slow phasing-out of agricultural burning seven years ago.
However, district officials may delay some of the restrictions if there are
no cost-effective alternatives to burning. That decision is expected to come
next month. Burning to reduce fire hazard would still be allowed under the
new rules.
<more> April 16, 2010 Stockton Record
Passing: Valley ag radio broadcast
legend Roy Isom - - Valley broadcasting legend and Fresno radio station
KMJ's farm editor Roy Isom passed away Thursday night after a short illness.
He was sharp and savvy, he could tell you stories about stories he'd covered
years ago like they'd happened only yesterday. He was a good hearted, and
good natured newsman who came to KMJ in 1981 after a long stint in
television news, including KFSN Channel 30.
<more>
April 16, 2010 AgOneFoundation
Life
of Farm Vet blog debuts - - Western United Dairymen field representative
Tessa Curti Hall and her veterinarian husband Stu
are
both devoted animal lovers. They have created a blog, A Day in the Life of a
Farm Vet, in hopes of showing the adventures of being a large animal
veterinarian in California. “It is not always a glamorous job and we hope to
show a realistic portrayal of what happens with the animals down on the
farm,” they say. Check out their blog by
clicking here.
April 16, 2010
Farmers push for AgJOBS - - Since the health care overhaul was passed in
March, ag and labor interests have been pushing Congress to take up some
form of immigration reform in the current session. But all sides tend to
agree that in 2010, the push will be an uphill slog, if anything. The
California Farm Bureau Federation supports AgJOBS, as do its Oregon and
Idaho counterparts. But Bryan Little, director of labor affairs with the
California Farm Bureau, expresses acceptance of political roadblocks. He
shares the hope that AgJOBS might move by itself, but says the uphill battle
remains considerable. "I don't know if we're there yet on AgJOBS," Little
said. "I don't know that it can necessarily overcome all of the political
problems surrounding it."
<more> April 16, 2010 Capital Press
Congress worked out health care. Is climate change next? - - Six weeks
ago, it looked as if there was no chance that Congress would approve climate
change legislation this year. The bill that had passed the House was so
long, so complicated, so punitive to the coal-dependent Midwest economy,
involved so many political compromises and so much money to be redistributed
by the federal government, that it became the whipping boy of choice for
conservative politicians and commentators. Now, thanks to the heroic efforts
of two dogged senators -- Democrat John Kerry and Republican Lindsey Graham
-- and the quiet support of the White House, there looks to be a 50-50
chance the Senate will pass a simpler and more moderate version of a bill
this year that would begin to substantially reduce carbon emissions in the
United States.
<more> April 16, 2010 Washington Post
USDA
seeks public comment on biofuel rules - - Agriculture Secretary Tom
Vilsack has invited public comment on several proposed rules designed to
increase the production of advanced biofuels and the development of
biorefineries. The programs are authorized under the Food, Conservation and
Energy Act of 2008 (The Farm Bill). "We view these proposed rules as part of
the strategy to help meet President Obama's goal to accelerate the
commercial production of advanced biofuels and create a viable alternative
fuels industry," Vilsack said.
<more> April 16, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
'Raw milk' advocates, health officials step up dispute- - Maybe you can't cry over spilled milk, but that doesn't mean you can't have big fights if it's unpasteurized. To a small but dedicated community, it's "raw milk," a life-giving, vitamin and enzyme-rich miracle cure for asthma, gastrointestinal disorders and multiple other illnesses. The viewpoint, championed in the past decade by the Weston A. Price Foundation, which follows the nutritional teachings of a mid-century Ohio dentist, has gained a life of its own on the Internet. <more> April 16, 2010 USA Today
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Westside water allocation up to 30% - - Federal officials, citing
improved water conditions, bumped up the allocation of irrigation water for
westside farmers to 30% today, up from 25% announced last month. And
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar renewed his pledge to find another 8%
to 10% for drought-stricken west San Joaquin Valley farmers. Salazar said he
expects to secure another 150,000 to 200,000 acre-feet of water for westside
growers, who have battled three dry years and fallowed thousands of acres.
<more> April 15, 2010 Fresno Bee
Cheese
slips but milk futures increase - - Cash cheese continued to slip lower
but Class III futures moved higher for the second day in a row on the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The futures markets seem to be reacting to news
the milk season is winding down quickly in Oceania. Dairy Market News
reports drought has caused the situation to deteriorate quickly on the North
Island of New Zealand where milk production is running 30 to 40 percent
below last year. Handlers say the drop off is 4 to 6 weeks ahead of normal
and they are quite concerned about being able to fill commitments. In
Australia, conditions are better but milk production for the full season
will probably be around 4 percent lower than a year ago. The monthly
Fonterra milk product auction has seen some significant price increases in
the last month although some speculate they will not be sustained and should
move lower at the next auction.
<more> April 15, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Chicago milk traders' outlook sours despite butter price surge - - A
recent surge in butter prices hasn’t done much to improve a sour mood in the
Chicago’s dairy futures market. U.S. dairy producers haven’t cut herds as
much as they were expected to after last year’s milk price crash, and cheese
stockpiles, up about 10 percent over last year’s levels, remain burdensome,
traders and analysts said. Those factors have helped send milk futures down
almost 10 percent this year, based on the closest-to-expiration contract at
CME Group, the Chicago-based exchange operator. April Class III milk futures
ended trading today at $12.85 per hundred pounds. Nearby futures ended 2009
around $14.22.
<more> April 15, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Employers' workers-comp costs continue to drop - - Employer-paid costs
of insuring against work-related injuries and illnesses continued to decline
in California last year, but payouts to disabled workers and medical care
providers flattened out, thus proving new grist for the perpetual political
machinations over the huge workers' compensation system. The data are
contained in an annual report by the authoritative Workers' Compensation
Insurance Rating Bureau, indicating that the major overhaul of the system
pushed through the Legislature in 2004 by employers and Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger is still having a big effect on its finances.
<more> April 15, 2010 Sacramento Bee
International dairy prices set to soar - - International dairy prices
look set to keep rising as drought-affected New Zealand joins the list of
countries posting reduced milk production. Dairy giant Fonterra is being
forced to juggle customer requirements as supply to key Waikato powder
manufacturing sites dries up.
<more> April 15, 2010 Stuff.co.nz
Climate Legislation
Headed to the Senate Floor - - Bipartisan climate change legislation is
expected to be introduced in the Senate next week on or around Earth Day.
But passage is still viewed as an uphill battle despite the effort by its
authors to attract enough GOP votes to overcome a 60 vote Senate hurdle.
Senators John Kerry, D-Mass., Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., and Lindsay Graham, R-S.C.,
hope to come up with a winning formula that includes more concessions to oil
and gas and nuclear proponents. But even after President Obama's recent move
to open new offshore drilling areas, American Farm Bureau's Rick Krause has
doubts about the bill's prospects.
<more> April 15, 2010 Farmfutures.com
Small
farms see gain in Senate food safety battle - - Several amendments aimed
at lessening the impact on small farms will be adopted in the final version
of the food safety bill headed for the Senate floor next week, a key
sustainable agriculture group announced yesterday. The National Sustainable
Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) reported that "several very important
breakthroughs on important improvements" for its constituents will be
included in the manager's amendment, a package of changes agreed upon by
both sides before floor debate.
<more> April 15, 2010 Food Safety News
Employers' workers-comp costs continue to drop - - Employer-paid costs
of insuring against work-related injuries and illnesses continued to decline
in California last year, but payouts to disabled workers and medical care
providers flattened out, thus proving new grist for the perpetual political
machinations over the huge workers' compensation system. The data are
contained in an annual report by the authoritative Workers' Compensation
Insurance Rating Bureau, indicating that the major overhaul of the system
pushed through the Legislature in 2004 by employers and Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger is still having a big effect on its finances.
<more> April 15, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Sonoma/Marin NRCS deadline April 16 - - The deadline is April 16, 2010, to submit an application for Sonoma and Marin dairies who want to sign up to complete a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) with the Natural Resource Conservation Service. To make an appointment to submit an application, contact Felicia at (707) 794-1242, extension 125. The funding for CNMPs has been obtained through a joint effort between NRCS and Western United Dairymen. NRCS will pay $6,000 toward the cost of the development of a CNMP. A CNMP will be needed for any dairy planning on applying for EQIP funding for projects dealing with manure. Contact NRCS or WUD field representative Leslie Corp at (530) 354-4981 for more information. April 9, 2010 WUD Friday Update
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Butter takes center stage - - Butter climbed
5.5 cents to $1.56 on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange on Wednesday, that is
the highest since November of 2008, Dairy Market News says firm cream prices
and tighter supplies have slowed churning, some butter makers are backing
off with the higher prices while others fear cream supplies will be even
tighter the second half of the year so they better make all the butter they
can now. Here again, a difference of opinion, some think more cream will be
available shortly with the annual spring flush in milk production while
others say the early spring weather means we are already in the flush
outside the upper Midwest.
<more> April 14, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
California Dairy Leaders Class IX selected --
The new program year for California Dairy Leaders is underway with the
selection this week of the members of Class IX. This year’s group includes
three women and five men. This will be the ninth year for the nationally
recognized leadership development program designed to provide an in-depth
study of the major issues faced by California dairy families. The first
session of the year will be in South San Francisco for an introduction to
leadership by Dr. Neil Koenig, a hands-on media training workshop, and
industry leaders discussing their roles in dairy promotion, advertising,
marketing and research. Subsequent sessions will cover state regulatory
processes and legislative advocacy on location in Sacramento; the California
pricing system and how it relates to national dairy pricing; and the panoply
of environmental issues facing the state’s dairy farmers. The highlight of
each year’s program is a trip to Washington, DC, to get a quick immersion in
federal legislative processes. All sessions will cover the main topics and
relate them to customers and communities beyond the farm gate. The mission
of the California Dairy Leaders program is to develop informed producers who
will provide the next generation of leadership in organizations such as
Western United Dairymen. As an example of the success of the program
initiated in 2001, the current 20-member WUD board includes six alumni.
California Dairy Leaders Class IX • Joanne De Raadt, John & Joanne De Raadt
Dairy, Oakdale • Brian Fiscalini, Fiscalini Farms, Modesto • Tessa Hall,
Western United Dairymen, Visalia • Travis Kamper, Mt. Whitney Dairy,
Riverdale • Brian Toledo, Toledo Dairy, Galt • Vonda Van Vliet, Creekside
Dairy, Escalon • Travis Visser, Gerrit Visser & Sons Dairy, Riverdale •
Stephen Weststeyn, Weststeyn Dairy, Linden April 14, 2010
Valley braces for tougher fed air-quality rule
- - Federal officials are expected in August to announce a new ozone
standard that local air leaders say is virtually impossible to achieve by
the 2031 deadline. The new standard would be up to 30% tougher than an
earlier threshold — which the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control
District is struggling to meet by 2024. To meet the new standard just seven
years later, the Valley would have to eliminate gasoline, diesel and other
fossil fuels used in industries and vehicles, said district executive
director Seyed Sadredin.
<more> April 14, 2010 Fresno Bee
Slamming the door on openness - - As a
reporter, I only grow more curious when someone shuts a door in my face and
tells me to go away. I start to wonder what they are hiding and start
looking harder for the truth. That’s the situation I found myself in
recently when the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) held a news
conference in Des Moines. Because I work for an agriculture-affiliated
organization, I was barred from the press conference. HSUS leader Wayne
Pacelle told the Des Moines Register that he shut out ag affiliated folks
because he didn’t want “disruptions.”
<more> April 14, 2010 Iowa Farm Bureau
Whole Foods and PCC Natural Foods pull raw milk
from dairy departments - - In an unexpected "super-sized" version of its
announcement last month that it wouldn't be selling any more raw milk until
it developed a consistent set of national standards, Whole Foods has
recently gone a step further and decided to discontinue raw milk sales
altogether. In its original announcement, the grocery giant had said it
expected to be able to complete the process of coming up with a national set
of standards "in short order." Signs in its dairy departments last month
told customers that it hoped to be able "to offer these products again
soon." But on April 13, Whole Foods spokeswoman Libba Letton told Food
Safety News that she's "not aware of any plans to reintroduce it (raw milk)
into our stores again for sale." <more>
April 14, 2010 Food Safety News
Court of Appeal upholds water ruling against
farmers- - The California Water Resources Control Board has the power to
establish discharge limits for salt and boron into the San Joaquin River and
to require studies about the oxygen demand in the Stockton Ship Channel,
which would then be used to set a standard for dissolved oxygen in the
channel, the Third District Court of Appeal has ruled.
<more> April 14, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
High-speed rail: Officials nix one route, but
another threatens farms - - Depending on where they're located in the
central San Joaquin Valley, farmers say they're pleased or concerned by a
recent decision from the California High-Speed Rail Authority. The authority
ruled out one of three alignments for the Merced-to-Fresno section of the
proposed high-speed rail project last week, but moved forward on another
that would threaten farmland. However, the A-1 route, which runs along the
existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway line east of Highway 99, would
impact agriculture in eastern Merced County, near the communities of Planada
and Le Grand.
<more> April 14, 2010 Ag Alert
New I-9 form to take effect - - By Anthony
P. Raimondo - - All employers must be aware that a new I-9 form was
issued on August 7, 2009, and should be
used
to process all new hires. The prior form, issued April 3, 2009, may still
be used. Versions earlier than the April 3, 2009 version may not be used.
There is a Spanish version of the form, but it may only be used in Puerto
Rico. The new form makes changes to the list of acceptable documents, so be
sure to include the list of acceptable documents when you present the form
to employees. The form is available at
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf.
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
Anthony Raimondo at McCormick Barstow LLP in Fresno, at (559)433-1300.
April 14, 2010
Study Says Overuse Threatens Gains From Modified
Crops - - Genetically engineered crops have provided “substantial”
environmental and economic benefits to American farmers, but overuse of the
technology is threatening to erode the gains, a national science advisory
organization said Tuesday in a report. The report is described as the first
comprehensive assessment of the impact of genetically modified crops on
American farmers, who have rapidly adopted them since their introduction in
1996. The study was issued by the National Research Council, which is
affiliated with the National Academy of Sciences and provides advice to the
nation under a Congressional charter.
<more> April 14, 2010 NY Times
Biotech Crops Are Good For Earth, Report Finds
- - Over the past 14 years, three of the nation's biggest cash crops
have quietly become genetically engineered crops. These days, 80 percent of
the corn, cotton and soybeans are the products of biotech. A report released
Tuesday by the National Research Council committee finds that crops produced
through genetic engineering are on the whole beneficial for farmers who
plant these seeds. But the committee cautions that the technology could lose
some of its power if it's not carefully managed in the future. "What we
found," says David Ervin from Portland State University in Oregon, who
chaired the National Research Council's exploration of the subject, "is that
the farmers who have adopted these genetically engineered crops have
received both environmental and economic benefits."
<more> April 14, 2010 NPR
Ag groups united in call for estate tax relief
- - The American Farm Bureau Federation has joined with other
agricultural groups in a unified call for permanent and meaningful estate
tax relief for America’s farm and ranch families. In a letter to U.S. Senate
leaders, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senate Republican Leader
Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), AFBF and 27 other organizations says that inaction
on fixing the looming estate tax challenge would be disastrous for
agriculture.
<more> April 14, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
WUD launches Facebook page- - Western United
Dairymen has launched a Fan Page on Facebook as part of its expanding
efforts to use social media to tell the many stories of California's dairy
families.
In its initial phase, the page will link to timely news items of interest to
California dairy families and promote the many events and activities
sponsored and promoted by WUD. "This page is an important part of our
outreach activities," explained WUD Communications Director Mark Looker.
"Our initial focus will be on getting the Fan Page established by signing up
WUD members and supporters as fans, and then reaching out to the broader
consumer audiences. We hope the page can be a valuable resource for our
members who want to share the positive news about hard working families that
provide a safe, nutritious product for consumers." WUD members who are
already on Facebook can sign up by clicking on the attached Facebook logo or
by typing Western United Dairymen into Facebook's search window. To join
Facebook, simply go to www.facebook.com
and follow the instructions. There is no cost to join.
Sonoma/Marin NRCS deadline April 16 - - The deadline is April 16,
2010, to submit an application for Sonoma and Marin dairies who want to sign
up to complete a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) with the
Natural Resource Conservation Service. To make an appointment to submit an
application, contact Felicia at (707) 794-1242, extension 125. The funding
for CNMPs has been obtained through a joint effort between NRCS and Western
United Dairymen. NRCS will pay $6,000 toward the cost of the development of
a CNMP. A CNMP will be needed for any dairy planning on applying for EQIP
funding for projects dealing with manure. Contact NRCS or WUD field
representative Leslie Corp at (530) 354-4981 for more information. April
9, 2010 WUD Friday Update
10 myths about dairy foods dispelled - - Milk and dairy foods provide the diet with at least ten essential nutrients which include high quality protein, carbohydrate, vitamins A, D, B12 and riboflavin, and minerals: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and zinc, explains Zey Ustunol Michigan State University professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition. Three servings of milk or equivalent will provide the recommended daily intake of calcium for most people. In addition fermented dairy foods such as yogurt are considered excellent carriers of probiotic organisms and prebiotics — which are known to be important in gastrointestinal health, Ustonol adds. Still, myths about milk and dairy products persist. <more> April 14, 2010 Michigan State Dairy Review
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Temple Grandin backs video at livestock
operations - - Live video feeds of a livestock operation may seem like a
far-fetched idea to gain the confidence of consumers and retailers. But
animal science expert Temple Grandin says that if that's what it takes, it's
worth the effort. Grandin spoke Monday at Fresno State to more than 500
students, community members and faculty. Many in the audience agreed. "We
need to own up to anything that we do that is wrong," said Jon Dolieslager,
an auctioneer at the Tulare County Stockyard in Dinuba. "But a lot of what
we do is right, and people need to know that."
<more> April 13, 2010 Fresno Bee
CWT accepts more cheese export bids - -
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted one bid from Darigold, two bids
from Foremost Farms, three bids from Land O’Lakes, and seven bids from Dairy
Farmers of America for export assistance for a total of 1,572 metric tons
(3.5 million pounds) of Cheddar cheese to the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
The majority of the product will be delivered April through July 2010 with a
small quantity extending delivery into October. Since CWT reactivated the
Export Assistance program on March 18, 2010, it has assisted members in
making export sales of cheddar cheese totaling 4,102 metric tons (9.04
million pounds) to 13 countries on four continents. April 13, 2010
Brownfield Ag News
U.S. EPA tightens air quality rules for Central
Valley - - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday approved
a revised “New Source Review” (NSR) rule that requires new or modified
facilities in the San Joaquin Valley to comply with federal permitting
control and emissions offset requirements. “Air quality in the San Joaquin
Valley is consistently among the worst in the nation,” says Deborah Jordan,
director of the air division for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest region. “New
and modified facilities will now be subject to the most stringent
requirements, which will contribute to the health of our communities,” she
says.
<more> April 13, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Idaho dairies struggle to hang on- - In 2009,
milk prices hit their lowest point in decades, and it will take years for
the Gem State's dairy farmers to recover, experts say. Third-generation
Nampa dairyman Joe Stewart has 700 cows, a modest dairy by Idaho standards.
His grandfather started the farm in 1939 with 25 cows. Since February 2009,
Stewart has lost an average of $100 per month per cow, and he's still paying
off the silage he bought to feed them in September. "You can't starve your
animals," he said.
<more> April 13, 2010 Idaho Statesman
WUD social media seminar discusses how to
personalize dairy’s messages - - At WUD’s recent convention, more than
50 people attended a seminar on
social
media and learned how to participate in the conversation taking place on
such channels as You Tube, Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. WUD members Dino
Giacomazzi and Barbara Martin talked about the importance of dairy advocates
going to where people are having conversations and join those conversations.
“We need to go where consumers are having conversations and join in those
conversations,” said Giacomazzi. Barbara martin talked about how she
tentatively began her own blog,
A Dairy
Goddess's Blog and was amazed by the positive feedback she received. Her
blog has now evolved to a video blog where she uses a small video camera to
chronicle life on the dairy. To watch video of the seminar, broken down into
five separate video clips, please visit the WUD video channel by
clicking
here. WUD members who are interested in learning more about how they can
become involved in social media and become dairy advocates are encouraged to
contact WUD Communications Director Mark Looker at
marklooker@yahoo.com
Sonoma/Marin NRCS deadline April 16 - - The deadline is April 16,
2010, to submit an application for Sonoma and Marin dairies who want to sign
up to complete a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) with the
Natural Resource Conservation Service. To make an appointment to submit an
application, contact Felicia at (707) 794-1242, extension 125. The funding
for CNMPs has been obtained through a joint effort between NRCS and Western
United Dairymen. NRCS will pay $6,000 toward the cost of the development of
a CNMP. A CNMP will be needed for any dairy planning on applying for EQIP
funding for projects dealing with manure. Contact NRCS or WUD field
representative Leslie Corp at (530) 354-4981 for more information. April
9, 2010 WUD Friday Update
WUD launches Facebook page- - Western United
Dairymen has launched a Fan Page on Facebook as part of its expanding
efforts to use social media to tell the many stories of California's dairy
families.
In its initial phase, the page will link to timely news items of interest to
California dairy families and promote the many events and activities
sponsored and promoted by WUD. "This page is an important part of our
outreach activities," explained WUD Communications Director Mark Looker.
"Our initial focus will be on getting the Fan Page established by signing up
WUD members and supporters as fans, and then reaching out to the broader
consumer audiences. We hope the page can be a valuable resource for our
members who want to share the positive news about hard working families that
provide a safe, nutritious product for consumers." WUD members who are
already on Facebook can sign up by clicking on the attached Facebook logo or
by typing Western United Dairymen into Facebook's search window. To join
Facebook, simply go to www.facebook.com
and follow the instructions. There is no cost to join.
Reps. Cardoza and Costa Announce Funding To
Deliver More Water to Valley - - Congressmen Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced)
and Jim Costa (D-Fresno) today announced $20.7 million for the Intertie
project that will link the Delta-Mendota Canal to the California Aqueduct.
The project will deliver water to San Joaquin Valley farmers who are in the
most need of assistance during the water supply crisis. The funds are
provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and are expected
to provide the required funding to complete the project. “As I have said
many times, we need to get the pumps turned on and get water to our
farmers,” said Congressman Cardoza. “Until we obtain long-term solutions to
this regulatory drought, we must also pursue all practical means of
delivering irrigation water to those in need. I have worked hard over the
past year to get the Intertie built and I am pleased to see this real-world
solution finally bearing fruit.”
<more> April 13, 2010 Cardoza Press Release
Reuters’ Special Report: Are regulators dropping the ball on biocrops? - - Robert Kremer, a U.S. government microbiologist who studies Midwestern farm soil, has spent two decades analyzing the rich dirt that yields billions of bushels of food each year and helps the United States retain its title as breadbasket of the world. Kremer's lab is housed at the University of Missouri and is literally in the shadow of Monsanto Auditorium, named after the $11.8 billion-a-year agricultural giant Monsanto Co.. Based in Creve Coeur, Missouri, the company has accumulated vast wealth and power creating chemicals and genetically altered seeds for farmers worldwide. But recent findings by Kremer and other agricultural scientists are raising fresh concerns about Monsanto's products and the Washington agencies that oversee them. The same seeds and chemicals spread across millions of acres of U.S. farmland could be creating unforeseen problems in the plants and soil, this body of research shows. <more> April 13, 2010 Reuters
Monday, April 12, 2010
States woo Calif. dairymen with less regulation
- - The number of dairies in California has plummeted by more than 500
in the past decade, with many moving to other states enticing them with
promises of lower costs and simpler regulations. While officials in other
states offer California farmers a number of reasons to consider moving, one
of the biggest incentives seems to be the promise of fewer regulations. It's
a message that Michael Marsh, chief executive of the Modesto, Calif.-based
Western United Dairymen, said resonates in a state he calls a "regulatory
nightmare for farmers." From air and water quality rules to reporting
odometer readings on farm vehicles, regulations make it difficult for
farmers to do business in California, he said.
<more> April 12, 2010 AP
Actor looks at San Joaquin Valley's manure and
sees energy - - John O'Hurley played J. Peterman, the guy on "Seinfeld"
who put out a clothing catalog filled with elaborate prose. So, what's the
actor up to lately? Scouting the nation for manure. O'Hurley is a partner in
Energy-Inc., a Las-Vegas-based company that turns waste from livestock and
other sources into energy. He said the dairy and poultry industries of the
Northern San Joaquin Valley could be prime sources of the raw material,
though no specific projects have emerged here for the company.
<more> April 12, 2010 Modesto Bee
Cow with gas mask display at Monterey Aquarium
causing a stir -- When people think about pink flamingos, they might
think about kitschy lamps, hideous
lawn
ornaments, a John Waters movie or "Miami Vice." They probably do not think
about the world's changing climate. Its impact on these tropical wading
birds and other creatures, however, is the focus of a new exhibition at the
Monterey Bay Aquarium. "Hot Pink Flamingos: Stories of Hope in a Changing
Sea" also features green sea turtles, Magellanic penguins, a coral reef,
spotted jellies, scarlet and white ibises, roseate spoonbills and cattle
egrets - current or potential casualties of the global climate crisis. Faced
with an issue that is significant but soporific, urgent but mind-numbing in
its complexities, the creators of the exhibition knew they had to make it
fun and engaging. One answer: a flatulent plastic cow that wears a gas mask
to avoid smelling the methane it produces - with full sound effects - when
it belches, breaks wind or evacuates. Although methane is a climate-changing
gas, it also can be used to produce biomass energy. Still, it's not a good
thing on the whole, and the fiberglass ruminant makes that clear.
<more> April 12, 2010 SF Chronicle
New Monterey Bay Aquarium global-warming exhibit
shows steady shift from education to advocacy - - Bright pink Chilean
flamingos. Green sea turtles. A living coral reef, teeming with neon fish.
Visitors to the newest exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium will see the
same marvelous creatures from around the world that have made the aquarium
famous since 1984. But at the end, they won't just wander off to the gift
shop. They'll be asked to type letters at kiosks urging their senators to
pass a global warming law. They'll be coaxed to take a pledge to bike more
and eat less meat. <more>
April 12, 2010 San Jose Mercury News
WUD social media seminar discusses how to
personalize dairy’s messages - - At WUD’s recent convention, more than
50 people attended a seminar on
social
media and learned how to participate in the conversation taking place on
such channels as You Tube, Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. WUD members Dino
Giacomazzi and Barbara Martin talked about the importance of dairy advocates
going to where people are having conversations and join those conversations.
“We need to go where consumers are having conversations and join in those
conversations,” said Giacomazzi. Barbara martin talked about how she
tentatively began her own blog,
A Dairy
Goddess's Blog and was amazed by the positive feedback she received. Her
blog has now evolved to a video blog where she uses a small video camera to
chronicle life on the dairy. To watch video of the seminar, broken down into
five separate video clips, please visit the WUD video channel by
clicking
here. WUD members who are interested in learning more about how they can
become involved in social media and become dairy advocates are encouraged to
contact WUD Communications Director Mark Looker at
marklooker@yahoo.com
Cal Poly, Cornell, Ohio State, UW-Madison earn
1st place at Dairy Challenge - - Teams from California Polytechnic
State University, Cornell University, The Ohio State University and
University of Wisconsin-Madison earned the highest award – First Place
Platinum – in the ninth annual North American Intercollegiate Dairy
Challenge (NAIDC), held April 9-10, in the Visalia area. Hosted by Cal Poly
and California State University-Fresno, NAIDC 2010 attracted teams from 30
universities located throughout the United States and Canada. Each team of
four was challenged to put their textbook and practical knowledge to the
ultimate test – analyzing dairies. The contest started with a walk-through
at one of the four host dairies, followed by the opportunity to ask
questions of the owners and analyze farm-specific data. Teams then used this
information and their observations to develop management recommendations,
and then presented their recommendations to the herd owners and a panel of
five dairy industry judges. Members of the First Place Platinum teams
received $200 scholarships. The Cal Poly team of Anthony Martin, Brian
Medeiros, Katherine Rector and Michael Wesselink was coached by Stan
Henderson. April 12, 2010 NAIDC Press Release
Russian roulette with the corn price - - If
the U.S. corn industry experiences a weather-induced shortfall that
typically has a 10 percent chance of happening in any given year, the price
of a bushel of corn could rise to more than $7, and the impact of this price
spike would be felt throughout the agriculture sector, according to a new
study by the University of Illinois. With biofuel mandates left in place,
the burden for adjustment would fall primarily on the domestic livestock
sector, resulting in financial losses for livestock producers, and
eventually in reduced meat supplies and higher retail prices, the report
states.
<more> April 12, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
NM dairy industry says new rules would ruin them
-- Jana Hughes' problems began with flies and odors from dairies near
her family's rural southeastern New Mexico home, but then she discovered
dairies are linked to water pollution. Tests showed elevated levels of
nitrates in her family's well near Hobbs. The well is not considered
contaminated because nitrate levels fall below allowable limits, but "when
we drink that water, we get ill," Hughes said. So her family has been
hauling water for nine miles since 2008. The state Environment Department --
which says groundwater pollution exists at more than 65 percent of New
Mexico's dairies -- has proposed new regulations on the industry to protect
groundwater.
<more> April 12, 2010 AP
DNA markers offer a new viewpoint for US dairy
breeding industry - - The dairy industry has a new tool for evaluating
breeding stock at the genetic level. The industry is using DNA to predict
what traits cattle will pass on to their offspring. A little bit of bovine
hair, semen, blood or saliva is placed on a little piece of plastic smaller
than a credit card. The card, the Illumina Infinium BovineSNP50 BeadChip,
contains reagents that begin to unwind the cattle's DNA. The BovineSNP50
BeadChip is then sent to the USDA-Agricultural Research Service where the
chip results are analyzed.
<more> April 9, 2010 Farm and Ranch Guide
Mid-size dairies win consumers with
less-processed milk - - "Oh, my God. The cream! You gotta taste the
cream!" said Warren Taylor. "It's pale yellow. And it's got this amazing
smell. You have to get some." To say that Taylor, the founder of Snowville
Creamery, is excited about dairy products is an understatement: "If you cut
me, I bleed white," he likes to say. Taylor wants to elicit that same level
of enthusiasm from everyone. It's why his milk comes only from grass-fed
cows, which he believes creates a more vibrant flavor. It's why the milk is
pasteurized for just 17 seconds at 165 degrees, as low as the law allows, to
preserve that taste. And it's why the Pomeroy, Ohio, creamery has 24
part-time workers dedicated to handing out samples in grocery stores in the
hopes of proving that all milk is not created equal.
<more> April 9, 2010 Washington Post
LA billionaires sued over Calif. water sales
-- They grew their fortune in the California sun, turning pedestrian fruits
and nuts into a vast and varied empire that secured their place in
Hollywood. Stewart and Lynda Resnick's flashy bottles of Fiji Water and POM
Wonderful are now coveted across the globe. Their donations keep the lights
on in art museums across the country. And Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and
Arianna Huffington count them among their dearest friends. But as their
marketshare rises worldwide, one of the billionaires' competitors is
fighting back, accusing the Western power couple of profiting at the
public's expense, court records and interviews show. Now, as
drought-stricken California weighs whether to give private companies more
control in managing its scarce water supplies, a new lawsuit claiming the
Resnicks violated utilities law by making money from a vast, taxpayer-funded
underground reservoir is causing a stir in the state Capitol.
<more> April 12, 2010 AP
New initiative to focus on animal, human health
link - - The Animal Health Institute (AHI) has announced the formation
of a Scientific Advisory Council that has been established to provide
leadership and counsel as part of the Healthy People. Healthy Animals.
Healthy Planet. program. AHI launched this multi-year educational initiative
to increase public awareness about the important connection between human
health and animal health. “Many people are unaware of the health issues they
can share with pets and all animals, though it is imperative for the public
to recognize this connection and its impact on health and wellness, and
preventing disease transmission from pets and food animals,” said Alexander
Mathews, AHI’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “The Animal Health
Institute is honored to be working with such respected members of the animal
health, public health, nutrition and food safety communities.”
<more> April 12, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Dairy herdsman short course April 27-29 in Tulare - - A three-day dairy herdsman short course sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension will be held in Tulare April 27-29. The course is designed for working dairy employees and is designed to provide information on the latest technology and training in all aspects of dairy management. Simultaneous translation will be available to assist Spanish-speaking attendees. Morning session will focus on classroom sessions, with the afternoons devoted to hands-on training. Registration fee is $280. Companies or dairies with more than one participant will be charged $260 for each additional participant. Individual student fees are $220. Pre-registration is required. Additional information is available online at http://cefresno.ucdavis.edu/Dairy/ or by contacting Fresno/Madera dairy Advisor Gerald Higginbotham at (559) 456-7558 or gehigginbotham@ucdavis.edu . Feb. 4, 2010 UCCE Notice
Friday, April 9, 2010
Lodi
dairy tech draws Russians- - Five Russian visitors stopped by a Lodi
dairy Thursday morning, and while they were interested in the Holstein cows'
hornless countenance and the highly automated milking parlor, their primary
focus was its 350-kilowatt manure-powered generator. At the Castelanelli
Bros. Dairy and Vineyards, a 350-kilowatt generator is powered by manure
from the farm's 1,600 cows. Waste from the dairy's barns and milking parlor
is regularly flushed out. After being separated, the liquid portion flows
into large ponds covered by a plastic tarp strong enough to bear the weight
of a cow.
<more> April 9, 2010 Stockton Record
USDA
lowers forecast for milk prices - - The USDA has raised its milk
production forecast and lowered its product price forecast for 2010. Milk
output is now project to hit 189.9 billion pounds in 2010, up 400 million
pounds from last month’s estimate. In 2009, 189.3 billion pounds of milk
were produced in the U.S. The USDA’s “World Agricultural Supply and Demand
Estimates” report, released Friday, was similarly bearish on milk prices.
“Product price forecasts are generally lowered from last month as milk
production is forecast higher and demand is weaker than expected,” the
report said. “The cheese price is reduced as stocks remain high.”
The all-milk price for 2010 is now forecast at $15.45 to $15.95 per
hundredweight — down from the $15.55-to-$16.15 range the USDA had forecasted
in March.
<more> April 9, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Williamson Act in jeopardy - - By Richard Cornett, Director of
Communications, Western Plant Health Association - - For farmers trying
to survive in today’s ruinous economy it must seem like they have the cards
stacked against them. Given the reality that over 540 family farms
nationwide sought Chapter 12 bankruptcy protection in 2009, a 58 percent
increase from 2008, it must be a key concern to California farmers that they
too could fall victim to financial ruin. Combine that with a state drought
that has limited water-use allocations, more government regulations to jump
through, and widening endangered species laws to follow, the picture becomes
darker. Now, on the heels of all these other farming headaches, comes the
fact that the first county on record - - Imperial County - - has decided to
opt out of the Williamson Act, an important piece of legislation that
protects farmland. Will this lead to other California counties cancelling
their contracts, as agricultural experts have long feared?
<more> April 9, 2010 Western Farm Press
Dairy herdsman short course April 27-29 in Tulare
- - A three-day dairy herdsman short course sponsored by UC Cooperative
Extension will be held in Tulare April 27-29. The course is designed for
working dairy employees and is designed to provide information on the latest
technology and training in all aspects of dairy management. Simultaneous
translation will be available to assist Spanish-speaking attendees. Morning
session will focus on classroom sessions, with the afternoons devoted to
hands-on training. Registration fee is $280. Companies or dairies with more
than one participant will be charged $260 for each additional participant.
Individual student fees are $220. Pre-registration is required. Additional
information is available online at
http://cefresno.ucdavis.edu/Dairy/ or by contacting Fresno/Madera
dairy Advisor Gerald Higginbotham at (559) 456-7558 or
gehigginbotham@ucdavis.edu .
Feb. 4, 2010 UCCE Notice
Ag Survival Guide topic of April 22 CSU Stanislaus talk - - Carol Whiteside, founder and President Emeritus of the Great Valley Center, will speak to agriculture students, faculty and the public at CSU Stanislaus on April 22, 2010. Whiteside's topic is titled Central Valley Agriculture: A Survival Guide. Each year Yosemite Farm Credit sponsors a speaker series and this will be the first speaker of the year. Whiteside is no stranger to Stanislaus county and Valley agriculture. She was a staff member for former Governor Pete Wilson, was Mayor of Modesto, sat on the Modesto City Council, and served on the Modesto City School Board. There is no cost to attend. Contact the Agriculture Studies Department to receive more information at (209) 664-6648. CSU Stanislaus, March 24, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Export
outlook holds promise for dairy farmers- - The problem of a huge cheese
inventory continues to plague the dairy sector, but prospects for an
improved export picture could provide a way out of the quagmire it now
faces. "The outlook on exports is positive, particularly for the California
industry," said Michael Marsh, CEO of Western United Dairymen in Modesto.
"But we have to move quickly before our competition steps into the breach."
Marsh was among speakers during the 2010 Spring Ag Outlook presentation in
Visalia before the California Chapter of the American Society of Farm
Managers and Rural Appraisers.
<more> April 8, 2010 Ag Alert
Irrigation water measuring workshop set for Aril 13
in Tulare - - A workshop providing an overview of techniques for
measuring irrigation water when liquid manure is applied will be held
Tuesday, April 13 in Tulare. The workshop is targeted to dairy
owner/operators, their employees, consultants and other dairy professionals.
One of the current requirements facing Valley dairies is to establish and
implement a nutrient budget targeting nitrogen application rates at not more
than 1.4 times the nitrogen removal rates of crops. One of the key steps to
implement the nutrient budget is to understand how to measure the amount of
water applied during each irrigation at each field. Measuring the
application of liquid manure may require use of non-propeller flow meters.
Another key step is to understand how to use flow data. Over the last
15 years, UC Cooperative Extension Irrigation Specialist Dr. Larry Schwankl
has researched various methods to measure liquid manure application. This
class will showcase part of a new curriculum developed by Dr. Schwankl on
irrigation water management. Two of the leading manufacturers of flow meters
will have representatives present to answer questions after the formal
presentation. The workshop is free of charge on a first-come, first-served
basis. Reservations are not required. The session will be an opportunity to
look at flow meters and talk with company representatives. The workshop runs
from 10 a.m. until noon at the Tulare County Agriculture Center Auditorium,
4437 S. Laspina Street. April 8, 2010 CDQAP Notice
World
Wants More Butter - - California’s largest dairy co-op is seeing an
upswing in world demand for butter. California Dairies Inc. (CDI) now has
the nation’s largest butter churn installed at its new Visalia plant. CDI’s
CEO Richard Cotta says the co-op’s efforts in the past year to boost exports
of milk products has paid off with overseas sales of butter up 400% from
last year. ”Our butter prices are comparable to the world market and our
production lines can make a lighter color butter that at least some of the
world prefers.”
<more> April 8, 2010 Sierra2thesea.com
Ag
greenhouse emissions bill clears committee - - A bill to help farmers
reduce greenhouse-gas emissions has cleared the Senate Food and Agriculture
committee. SB1241 by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) would direct state
revenue streams from emissions regulations toward projects to help
agriculture reduce its emissions and help producers capitalize on a possible
cap-and-trade program. The bill addresses the revenue stream that the
California Air Resources Board will generate by implementing regulations to
fulfill AB32, the state's landmark greenhouse gas-reduction law.
<more> April 8, 2010 Capital Press
Hearing set for long-range water transfers bill - - A bill to prevent
the long-term transfer of public water from agricultural to urban areas
receives its first committee hearing April 13. AB2049, by Assemblyman Juan
Arambula, D-Fresno, goes before the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife
committee. It would prohibit the state's Water Resources director from
approving transfers with a term longer than 10 years.
<more> April 8, 2010 Capital Press
Committee kills cap-and-trade prevention, cost estimate bills - - Two
bills by Sen. Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga, that sought to ease regulatory
impacts have failed in committee. Under current state law, agencies must
outline economic impacts to businesses before implementing a regulation.
Dutton's SB960 would require the state Air Resources Board to take its cost
estimate to the Office of Administrative Law for an outside analysis. The
California Chamber of Commerce, California League of Food Processors and
industry groups support the bill. The committee granted it reconsideration,
a routine procedure. The committee also killed Dutton's SB1120, which
sought to prevent the state from implementing a cap-and-trade system for
regulating carbon emissions until a national or regional program appears. It
likewise gets a second chance before the committee. Both bills failed on
party-line, 2-4 votes by the committee on April 5.
<more>
April 8, 2010 Capital Press
Judge
denies Dean Foods' motion to dismiss antitrust case - - A federal judge
in Milwaukee has denied Dean Foods’ motion to dismiss an antitrust case
filed against the Dallas-based dairy company by the United States Department
of Justice. Dean Foods attempted to get the suit thrown out of court,
alleging the Department of Justice failed to include facts in its complaint
that could legally support the case going forward.
<more> April 8, 2010 Dallas Business Journal
Egg-farm video is latest salvo in Humane Society's animal-rights campaign
- - The Humane Society of the United States has released undercover
video footage shot at two of the nation's largest egg farms showing workers
slamming chickens into metal bins and dead birds littering cages -- the
latest salvo in an escalating war between the food sector and the country's
leading animal-rights organizations. At stake, both sides said, is
regulating how livestock are treated and how Americans' food is produced.
<more> April 8, 2010 LA Times
Iowa Rep. King Informs 4-H leaders of real agenda
of Humane Society - - Congressman Steve King (R-IA) today released a
statement objecting to the presence of the Humane Society of the United
States (HSUS) at a recent National 4-H Conference. King’s purpose is to
inform 4-H leaders and members of the extreme anti-animal agriculture agenda
of HSUS. “The Humane Society of the United States is a political machine
masquerading as an umbrella organization for local humane societies,” King
said. “HSUS bills itself as an animal care organization but it spends less
than 1% of its $100 million annual budget on direct animal care. Instead,
HSUS solicits money from well-intentioned but often uninformed animal lovers
and uses these donations to lobby Congress for an anti-meat, anti-animal
agriculture agenda. HSUS is run by vegetarians with an agenda whose goal is
to take meat off everyone’s table in America.”
<more> April 8, 2010 Rep. King Press Release
Dairy herdsman short course April 27-29 in Tulare
- - A three-day dairy herdsman short course sponsored by UC Cooperative
Extension will be held in Tulare April 27-29. The course is designed for
working dairy employees and is designed to provide information on the latest
technology and training in all aspects of dairy management. Simultaneous
translation will be available to assist Spanish-speaking attendees. Morning
session will focus on classroom sessions, with the afternoons devoted to
hands-on training. Registration fee is $280. Companies or dairies with more
than one participant will be charged $260 for each additional participant.
Individual student fees are $220. Pre-registration is required. Additional
information is available online at
http://cefresno.ucdavis.edu/Dairy/ or by contacting Fresno/Madera
dairy Advisor Gerald Higginbotham at (559) 456-7558 or
gehigginbotham@ucdavis.edu .
Feb. 4, 2010 UCCE Notice
Ag Survival Guide topic of April 22 CSU Stanislaus talk - - Carol Whiteside, founder and President Emeritus of the Great Valley Center, will speak to agriculture students, faculty and the public at CSU Stanislaus on April 22, 2010. Whiteside's topic is titled Central Valley Agriculture: A Survival Guide. Each year Yosemite Farm Credit sponsors a speaker series and this will be the first speaker of the year. Whiteside is no stranger to Stanislaus county and Valley agriculture. She was a staff member for former Governor Pete Wilson, was Mayor of Modesto, sat on the Modesto City Council, and served on the Modesto City School Board. There is no cost to attend. Contact the Agriculture Studies Department to receive more information at (209) 664-6648. CSU Stanislaus, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
What is pushing cheese?- - Cash cheese prices
have increased 21 cents for blocks and 16.75 cents for barrels over the last
nine days on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. At the close Wednesday,
barrels are at $1.455 and blocks at $1.49. Dairy Market News says the
increasing prices and increasing milk production has prompted cheese makers
to increase cheese production. Some very experienced cheese traders are not
quite sure why this is happening. Even though cheese production is picking
up and there is a lot of cheese in storage there are not a lot of sellers on
the CME and those unfilled bids keep pushing the price up.
<more> April 7, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Ag groups encouraged to submit proposals for
water enhancement projects - - California agricultural and conservation
groups are invited to apply for $20.7 million available through a nationwide
2010 Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) sign up. USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the water-enhancement
program and is accepting proposals from California and across the United
States from now until May 17, 2010. "I want to encourage our conservation,
irrigation and tribal partners in California to apply for funding for their
critical water projects," said Ed Burton, NRCS State Conservationist in
California. “Last year’s 15 California recipients were able to successfully
demonstrate how they would use AWEP funding to address water supply,
irrigation efficiency, and nutrient management concerns and provide
significant benefits to local water resources. Because of their efforts,
NRCS was able to secure funding for 556 producers.”
<more> April 7, 2010
NRCS Press Release
CWT helps members export 3.5 million pounds of
cheese - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted three bids from
Foremost Farms of Baraboo, Wis., and two bids Dairy Farmers of America of
Kansas City, Mo., for export assistance for a total of 3.5 million pounds
(1,571 metric tons) of Cheddar cheese to the Middle East, Europe, and
Australia. The product will be delivered between April and July. Since CWT
reactivated the Export Assistance program on March 18, it has assisted
members in making export sales of cheddar cheese totaling 5.6 million pounds
(2,530 metric tons) to five countries on three continents, including this
week’s accepted bids.
<more> April 7, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
USDEC applauds outcome of Brazil cotton dispute
negotiation - - The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office (USTR) and the
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) yesterday announced that a path
towards a negotiated solution of the Brazil WTO cotton case dispute has been
reached. The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) applauds USTR and USDA for
their hard work and skillful negotiation in averting the imposition of
retaliatory tariffs against U.S. exports. <more>
April 7, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Firms making dairy mats get loan guarantees to
expand, hire - - Two Ballico businesses are getting help from the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and rural development funds. Golden
By-Products Inc. and Ag Link Inc. were awarded loans worth a total of more
than $2 million, which will help keep 85 employees on the job and create 10
new jobs. Golden By-Products got $1.55 million of the loan money, and Ag
Link received $650,000. The two companies recycle tires, chipping the tires
into small pieces and then turning them into mats that can be used on
agricultural operations, especially dairies. Michael Marsh, chief executive
officer of Western United Dairymen, said keeping the two businesses going is
important to the county and to the dairy industry. "These mats are important
for cattle," Marsh said. "They keep the cows from slipping and possibly
breaking bones."
<more> April 7, 2010 Merced Sun Star
USDA Announces Funding to Enhance Market-based
Approaches to Conservation - - USDA today announced the availability of
approximately $25 million in fiscal year 2010 to fund projects designed to
stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches
and technologies through its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) in fiscal
year 2010. USDA will use these competitive grants to seek creative solutions
to assist producers with emerging and traditional agricultural and natural
resource issues. In addition to market-based approaches to conservation,
emerging issues include energy conservation, specialty crops, and new
methods of tackling climate change.
<more> April 7, 2010 USDA Press Release
Dairy herdsman short course April 27-29 in Tulare
- - A three-day dairy herdsman short course sponsored by UC Cooperative
Extension will be held in Tulare April 27-29. The course is designed for
working dairy employees and is designed to provide information on the latest
technology and training in all aspects of dairy management. Simultaneous
translation will be available to assist Spanish-speaking attendees. Morning
session will focus on classroom sessions, with the afternoons devoted to
hands-on training. Registration fee is $280. Companies or dairies with more
than one participant will be charged $260 for each additional participant.
Individual student fees are $220. Pre-registration is required. Additional
information is available online at
http://cefresno.ucdavis.edu/Dairy/ or by contacting Fresno/Madera
dairy Advisor Gerald Higginbotham at (559) 456-7558 or
gehigginbotham@ucdavis.edu .
Feb. 4, 2010 UCCE Notice
Ag Survival Guide topic of April 22 CSU Stanislaus talk - - Carol Whiteside, founder and President Emeritus of the Great Valley Center, will speak to agriculture students, faculty and the public at CSU Stanislaus on April 22, 2010. Whiteside's topic is titled Central Valley Agriculture: A Survival Guide. Each year Yosemite Farm Credit sponsors a speaker series and this will be the first speaker of the year. Whiteside is no stranger to Stanislaus county and Valley agriculture, she staffed for former Governor Pete Wilson, was Mayor of Modesto, sat on city council, and served on the Modesto City School Board. There is no cost to attend. Contact the Agriculture Studies Department to receive more information at (209)664-6648. CSU Stanislaus, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Dairies look for solutions to dead animal
disposal - - Tim Niswander, the agricultural commissioner for Kings
County, is part of a group looking into using composting to help dairymen
deal with their "dead piles." "There are only about four or five rendering
companies in the state that pick up dead mammals," Niswander said. "When the
rendering facility in Modesto closed a few years ago, the existing rendering
facilities didn't have the capacity for the number of animals that were
dead." In the heat of the summer of 2006, when rendering companies couldn't
keep up with dying cattle, many counties gave special dispensation to
dairies and other animal confinement facilities to use other means of
dealing with their dead animals other than rendering. "It wasn't that there
were a lot of extra cattle dying, the infrastructure just wasn't there to
support it," Niswander said. "What else can you do with a carcass?" That's a
question a statewide committee, made up of people from state water boards,
air boards, agriculture commissioners, dairies, farm and agriculture
organizations, state government agencies and others, is trying to answer.
And composting may be one answer.
<more> April 6, 2010 Merced Sun-Star
Carcass Composting Study Yields Positive Results
- - By Beth Souza, Kings County Farm Bureau - - The preliminary
results of a study on mammalian carcass composting for emergency disposal
were unveiled March 25 by University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE)
staff at the UC Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center (UC VMTRC)
in Tulare. Surrounded by research stakeholders including local
veterinarians, county landfill operators, environmental and public health
staff, as well as members of the dairy industry, Carol Collar of UCCE and
Paul Rossitto of the UC VMTRC presented the University's initial findings.
"The preliminary results show that composting is a viable solution for
disposing of animal carcasses in an emergency situation," explained Rossitto.
"Rendering is still the only legal means, and the best method that also
provides useful, marketable products."
<more> April 6, 2010 Kings County Farm Bureau
Whole Milk Powder Prices Jump to 21-Month High
Says Fonterra - - Milk powder prices jumped to a 21- month high as
demand improved and food makers sought supplies after drought in northern
New Zealand slowed end-of-season production, Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd.
said today. Whole milk powder for June delivery rose 24 percent to $4,092 a
metric ton, according to data on the Auckland-based company’s
GlobalDairyTrade Web site. It’s the highest near-month price since July 2008
and the biggest monthly gain since September.
<more> April 6, 2010 Bloomberg
Clean air plan targets industries from dairies to
developers - - Bay Area oil refineries could be required to cut fumes
from tanks and pipes. Dairy farmers might have to provide feed that lessens
the gas expelled by cows. Homebuilders could be required to design housing
tracts to minimize residents' car travel. Even winemakers might have to
operate under a rule to limit the sweet-smelling vapors that escape from
fermentation tanks. These are among the 57 possible measures in the
blueprint for clean air in the Bay Area released by the region's pollution
district in preparation for public workshops this week. The agency's
22-member air board is expected to vote on a plan in the fall.
<more> April 6, 2010 Contra Costa Times
Healthy Food Needs Healthy Farms - - In a
move to boost healthy food for kids, the Senate Agriculture Committee
recently approved a proposal to reauthorize the Child Nutrition Act – which
we fully support, especially such initiatives as the Farm to School program
that could significantly improve the availability of healthy foods in our
nation’s schools. The unfortunate part of this legislation is it proposes
taking funding from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), one
of the most successful farmland conservation programs we have. We must
remember that we have no food without farmland, and we cannot protect the
future of nutritious food without protecting the land that provides it. <more>
April 6, 2010 American Farmland Trust
What role will ag play in next climate bill?
- - Reports out of Washington indicate that revamped climate legislation
could be introduced in the Senate by late April. Senators John Kerry,
Lindsey Graham and Joe Lieberman have spent the past several months crafting
the new bill. They have apparently scrapped the controversial “cap and
trade” concept contained in the previous climate change bill. In its place
would be a new approach that addresses emissions by the utilities,
manufacturing and transportation sectors differently, rather than capping
nationwide emissions and allowing emitters to trade allowances.
<more> April 6, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Recovery Act Funds to Help Merced County
Businesses - – Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) today announced more than
$2 million in federal economic recovery loans that will benefit two local
companies in Merced County. Golden By-Products, Inc. will receive $1.5
million and Ag Link, Inc. will receive $650,500. Both companies are located
in Ballico. The funding is expected to save 85 jobs and add 10 additional
positions. Golden By-Products is a
tire recycling business that
primarily engages in hauling, sorting and shredding used scrap tires. The
tires are recycled into “rubber
mulch” that is typically seen on playgrounds, providing a safe
alternative to wooden bark or gravel. Ag Link is an affiliate company that
provides service to Golden By-Products in handling inventory control, order
processing and shipping logistics. The company also manufactures rubber mats
used to cushion livestock stalls and provide sanitary non-toxic bedding
material for dairies. Mike Marsh, CEO of Western United Dairymen, also noted
the economic benefits. “This is really an extremely important project,” he
said. April 6, 2010 Cardoza Press Release
USDA announces water conservation project
assistance - - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Dave
White today announced the availability of $61.2 million in financial
assistance funding for Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP)
projects. This funding will help producers conserve surface and ground water
and improve water quality on agricultural land. AWEP projects are
implemented by NRCS entering into partnership agreements with eligible
entities. NRCS works with these partners to help landowners plan and
implement conservation practices in project areas established through the
agreements. Of the $61.2 million, approximately $40.4 million will be made
available to AWEP partners whose projects were approved during last fiscal
year and approximately $20.7 million will be available for new project
proposals.
<more> April 6, 2010 USDA Press Release
Animal well being workshops get underway in April
- - A series of free educational workshops get underway in late April
designed to help dairy producers prepare for a national animal care and well
being program. The national Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM)
program has been endorsed by Dairy CARES. The California Dairy Quality
Assurance Program (CDQAP) will conduct the educational workshops to discuss
how the FARM program works, how to best prepare for an on-farm evaluation
and what to expect during an evaluation. There are two sets of workshops.
The first is Introduction to the Dairy FARM program and will provide an
overview. The second workshop is Performance Monitoring of Animal Well-Being
and will cover scoring for locomotion, hocks, body condition and hygiene.
The workshops are free of charge on a first-come, fist-served basis.
Reservations are not required.
Click here for the
Workshop Schedule March 31, 2010 CDQAP Notice
Poll: Majority of Californians support
global-warming regulations - - A majority of Californians support AB 32,
the global-warming law that is being challenged by conservatives on the
grounds that it will hurt the economy, according to a new poll released
today. The poll by Field Research Corp. says 58 percent of registered voters
support the law, which requires a substantial reduction in greenhouse-gas
emissions by 2020. The poll was commissioned by Next 10, a San Francisco
nonprofit that supports green-technology and the fight against global
warming.
<more> April 6, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Jim Costa to fellow Democrat: "It's on" - -
Jim Costa declared political "war" against a fellow member of the California
congressional delegation Monday over the ongoing fight to both protect fish
in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and keep delivering desperately needed
water to the San Joaquin Valley. Costa, D-Fresno, offered to do battle with
Rep. George Miller, D-Richmond, after Miller was quoted as promising at a
political rally last week to push for tougher restrictions on water
diversions to valley farms and cities.
<more> April 6, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
Dairy herdsman short course April 27-29 in Tulare
- - A three-day dairy herdsman short course sponsored by UC Cooperative
Extension will be held in Tulare April 27-29. The course is designed for
working dairy employees and is designed to provide information on the latest
technology and training in all aspects of dairy management. Simultaneous
translation will be available to assist Spanish-speaking attendees. Morning
session will focus on classroom sessions, with the afternoons devoted to
hands-on training. Registration fee is $280. Companies or dairies with more
than one participant will be charged $260 for each additional participant.
Individual student fees are $220. Pre-registration is required. Additional
information is available online at
http://cefresno.ucdavis.edu/Dairy/ or by contacting Fresno/Madera
dairy Advisor Gerald Higginbotham at (559) 456-7558 or
gehigginbotham@ucdavis.edu .
Feb. 4, 2010 UCCE Notice
Ag Survival Guide topic of April 22 CSU Stanislaus talk - - Carol Whiteside, founder and President Emeritus of the Great Valley Center, will speak to agriculture students, faculty and the public at CSU Stanislaus on April 22, 2010. Whiteside's topic is titled Central Valley Agriculture: A Survival Guide. Each year Yosemite Farm Credit sponsors a speaker series and this will be the first speaker of the year. Whiteside is no stranger to Stanislaus county and Valley agriculture, she staffed for former Governor Pete Wilson, was Mayor of Modesto, sat on city council, and served on the Modesto City School Board. There is no cost to attend. Contact the Agriculture Studies Department to receive more information at (209)664-6648. CSU Stanislaus, March 24, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
More cheese export bids for CWT - -
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted five more bids for export
assistance of cheese. Three bids are from Foremost Farms USA and two from
Dairy Farmers of America for a total of 3.5 million pounds of Cheddar cheese
to the Middle East, Europe and Australia. The product is to be delivered
between April and July of this year. Combined with the previous week’s
action, CWT has now assisted in selling 5.6 million pounds of Cheddar to
five countries. Payment is made when delivery of product is verified. CWT
reactivated the export assistance program recently in an effort to reduce
the amount of cheese in storage. The focus is on Cheddar as analysts say
that will have the fastest impact on farm milk prices. April 5, 2010
Brownfield Ag News
Retail milk price comparisons - - Some
interesting milk-pricing notes from the American Farm Bureau’s quarterly
market basket survey. For the first quarter of 2010, shoppers reported the
average price for a half-gallon of regular whole milk was $2.00, up 1 cent
from the prior quarter. The average price for one gallon of regular whole
milk was $3.15, up 14 cents. On a price-per-quart basis, whole gallons were
about 25 percent cheaper than half gallons. A half-gallon of rBST-free milk
averaged $3.62, up 54 cents from the previous quarter and 80 percent more
expensive than a half gallon of regular milk. The average price for a
half-gallon of organic milk was $3.66, up 9 cents from the fourth quarter of
2009 and also 80 percent more expensive than regular milk. Compared to the
first three months of 2009, a gallon of regular milk is the same price, a
half-gallon of regular is 8 percent cheaper, organic is 1 percent cheaper
and rBST-free is about 13 percent more.
<more> April 5, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
U.S. Farmers Plan a Record Soybean Planting -
- American farmers expect to plant 88.8 million acres of corn — the
second-largest acreage since 1946 — and a record 78.1 million acres of
soybeans in response to high prices for the crops, the government said on
Wednesday. While the survey results point to the prospect of bumper crops,
the acreage figures were slightly below trade expectations of 89.2 million
acres for corn and 78.5 million acres of soybeans. With normal weather and
yields, the planting intentions would result in a corn crop of 13.1 billion
bushels, roughly equal to the record set last year, and a soybean crop of
3.3 billion, just under the 2009 record, according to Reuters calculations.
<more> April 5, 2010 NY Times
New
drayage truck rule impacting port traffic- - A new regulation affecting
diesel trucks operating at California’s ports and intermodal rail yards went
into effect April 1 and California dairy producers report they are already
feeling the impact. Dairy producers who drove to the Port of Stockton this
week to pick up feed report that the companies they do business with are
checking to see if their diesel trucks are in compliance with the new state
regulation known as the Drayage Truck Regulation. Trucks that are not in
compliance can receive a $1,600 fine for each visit, report producers. <more>
April 2, 2010 WUD
Charity Navigator Downgrades Humane Society of
the United States Ranking-- Today the nonprofit Center for Consumer
Freedom (CCF) pointed to a newly downgraded rating from Charity Navigator as
evidence that the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is not
adequately fulfilling its stated charitable purpose. On Thursday Charity
Navigator slashed the rankings for HSUS and the Humane Society
International, the international arm of HSUS. Charity Navigator now gives
HSUS a lower level of trustworthiness than the notoriously radical People
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The American Institute of
Philanthropy also rates HSUS very critically, giving the organization a
"C-minus" grade overall.
<more> April 5, 2010 Humanewatch.org
4-H catching heat for HSUS presentation - -
The national 4-H organization is catching heat for allowing the Humane
Society of the United States (HSUS) to make a presentation at the National
4-H Conference in late March. The focus of the conference’s workshops was
supposed to be civic engagement, community service and youth volunteerism.
However, some of those who sat in on the HSUS presentation say the material
was more focused on HSUS’ goals related to animal rights and animal welfare.
<more> April 5, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Cargo Securement Exemption Extended for
Additional Year - - In January 2007, CA Highway Patrol adopted federal
regulations for shifting & falling cargo that were problematic for
agricultural haulers. Subsequent studies determined that federal rules also
did not meet necessary requirements. As such, the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration (FMCSA) is in the process of drafting appropriate,
commodity-specific rules for agriculture. During this timeframe, ag haulers
can utilize an exemption provided by CHP, so long as haulers apply for the
exemption and send in monthly report forms. This exemption has been updated
annually since 2007, and has been extended once again to April 30, 2011. For
the necessary forms, please visit our website at
http://www.agcouncil.org/cargo-securement. April 5, 2010 Ag
Council of CA
Conflicts alleged for 2 on Delta water council
- - The new governing body charged with fixing the Delta's many problems is
off to a rocky start, with conflict-of-interest claims swirling around two
of its seven members. The Delta Stewardship Council held its first meeting
Thursday in Sacramento. Created by state water laws adopted last year, the
council faces a host of daunting tasks to manage the Sacramento-San Joaquin
Delta, California's most important water supply and arguably its biggest
environmental mess. One of the new council members, Gloria Gray of
Inglewood, is also a board member of the West Basin Municipal Water
District, a Los Angeles County water provider that depends on the Delta for
a large share of its supply.
<more> April 3, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Food waste remains persistent problem at farms,
grocery stores and restaurants - - Farmers, restaurants and supermarkets
throw away millions of tons of edible food each year at a time when a
growing number of Californians struggle to put food on the table. State
studies have found that more than six million tons of food products are
dumped annually, enough to fill the Staples Center in Los Angeles 35 times
over. Food is the largest single source of waste in California, making up
15.5 percent of the Golden State’s waste stream, according to the California
Integrated Waste Management Board. An examination by California Watch and
the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at USC found
shortcomings along California's food distribution chain that allow vast
amounts of food to go to waste in landfills, despite laws and tax incentives
that encourage food donations
<more> April 3, 2010 California Watch
Jim Costa v. George Miller - - Rep. George Miller, D-Concord, is becoming the California congressman that San Joaquin Valley lawmakers love to hate. Miller, of course, has long been a target for the ire of Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia. When Nunes recites the phrase "radical environmentalist," he's conjuring visions of Miller. Now, Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, is escalating his own rhetoric. On Monday, responding to reports that Miller was promising to press for tighter Valley water restrictions in order to protect salmon, Costa declared: "We have stood up to the bully tactics of extreme environmentalists whose agenda ignores our families and our futures. We've made progress. More water will flow to our Valley and George Miller doesn't like it." <more> April 5, 2010 Fresno Bee
Friday, April 2, 2010
New
drayage truck rule impacting port traffic- - A new regulation affecting
diesel trucks operating at California’s ports and intermodal rail yards went
into effect April 1 and California dairy producers report they are already
feeling the impact. Dairy producers who drove to the Port of Stockton this
week to pick up feed report that the companies they do business with are
checking to see if their diesel trucks are in compliance with the new state
regulation known as the Drayage Truck Regulation. Trucks that are not in
compliance can receive a $1,600 fine for each visit, report producers. <more>
April 2, 2010 WUD
Dairyline: Benchmark milk price drops - - The March federal order
benchmark milk price dropped $1.50 April 2 as the Agriculture Department
announced the Class III manufacturing grade milk price at $12.78 per
hundredweight. That's still $2.34 above the level it was a year ago but
$5.22 below March 2008 and pulls the 2010 average down to $13.85. That
compares to $10.18 at this time a year ago and $18.12 in 2008. The Class IV
price is $12.92, up 2 cents from February, and $3.28 above a year ago.
<more> April 2, 2010 Capital Press
IDFA Supports Healthy Milk and Dairy Choices in
Schools Act -- The International Dairy Foods Association applauds
Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT), co-chair of the U.S. House Dairy Caucus,
for introducing last week the Healthy Milk and Dairy Choices in Schools Act
of 2010. The bill would require milk served in school lunches to be
consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which
recommends lowfat and nonfat varieties. This provision has been broadly
proposed and supported by a variety of organizations, including the American
Dietetic Association, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the
National Milk Producers Federation and the School Nutrition Association.
<more> April 1, 2010 IDFA Press Release
Cheese
Wrap Up: The big cheese - - California ranks second in U.S. cheese
production and has been quickly gaining ground on Wisconsin in becoming the
nation’s largest producer. And over the years, more and more artisan,
handcrafted cheese operations are popping up throughout the state, with some
pretty spectacular success stories.
<more> April 2, 2010 California Country
Dairy Price Stabilization meeting with Costa
Tuesday - - A meeting will be held at Maddox Dairy,12863 Kamm Ave.
Riverdale at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 6 where Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) will
speak about pending legislation for a Dairy Price Stabilization Program. He
would like to get input from as many producers and allied industry people as
possible. The meeting will begin at 3pm, up stairs at the milking parlor at
Maddox Dairy. If you have questions, please call either Hank Van Exel,
(209) 810-0880 or Doug Maddox, (559) 867-4457. April 1, 2010 Golden State
Dairy Happenings Newsletter
Feds, state will move less water to users,
including Westlands - - Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta pumps will be
ratcheted back today after a federal judge in Fresno rejected a request to
keep them operating temporarily at current levels. Wednesday's ruling by
U.S. District Judge Oliver W. Wanger means that for the next two months,
both the federal and state water pumps will move much less water to users,
including the Westlands Water District and the Metropolitan Water District
of Southern California. It's the latest loss for farmers and other water
users in the decades-long battle over moving water through the state. That
battle continues today when water users and environmentalists square off in
Wanger's court in what promises to be a pivotal case.
<more> April 1, 2010 Fresno Bee
A little more cheese in February - - Total
cheese production in the U.S. in February 777 million pounds, up 1 percent
compared to February of last year. The National Ag Statistics Service
reports Italian type cheese production was 4 percent above a year ago at 333
million pounds, American type cheese production in February totaled 319
million pounds, down 0.6 percent from a year ago. California’s total cheese
output in February was 161.52 million pounds, a 0.6 percent increase over a
year ago. The Golden State saw Italian cheese output increase 8.7 percent to
100.2 million pounds. American output dropped 5.7 percent to 46.86 million
pounds but Cheddar output increased 6.8 percent to 27 million pounds.
<more> April 1, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Farmers empowering farmers - - A new foundation was launched this week
by family farmers and ranchers from across North America. The AgChat
Foundation is a non-profit organization designed to empower more farmers to
leverage social media as a tool to tell agriculture’s story. “Our goal is to
empower farmers and ranchers to build communities through social media and
help farmers tell their story,” says Ray Prock, Jr., AgChat Foundation board
member and co-owner of Ray-Lin Dairy in Denair, Calif. “I think everyone
understands the ‘why’ in needing to tell agriculture’s story, as today’s
consumers are three to four generations removed from the farm. But I think
people get lost when it comes to the ‘how’ part of the equation.”
<more> April 2, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
CAFO rule public workshop set for April 5 - -
There will be a public workshop to discuss and receive comments on draft
amendments to SJVAPCD Rule 4570 (Confined Animal Facilities) on Monday April
5 at 1 p.m. at the Valley air board office 1990 E. Getysburg Ave., Fresno.
The workshop will also be webcast. Documents related to the workshop can be
downloaded from the District’s website at
www.valleyair.org/Workshops/public_workshops_idx.htm. The proposed
amendments to Rule 4570 will seek to obtain as much reduction of volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) from confined animal facilities as is
“expeditiously practicable, technologically feasible, and economically
reasonable, as determined by the District’s Governing Board,” according to a
staff report. March 30, 2010 Air Board Notice
Decals
available for those with exempt on-road diesel engines - -
Western United Dairymen members who have filed for an exemption from the new
state air board regulation reducing emissions from existing on-road diesel
vehicles can receive a decal that labels their vehicle as exempt. The rule
requires that within 30 days of the March 31 deadline for applying for an
exemption, fleet owners must permanently affix or pain an “AG”
identification label on each low-mileage, limited-mileage and specialty
agricultural vehicle in the fleet. The labels must be located in clear view
on the left and right door of the vehicle. Compliant decals will be
available in the near future from your local WUD field representative.
March 26, 2010
Nanotechnology used to detect melamine in milk, say scientists - -A new
method that uses nanotechnology to detect melamine in milk is quick, simple
and economical, said scientists in the United States. A research team from
the University of Miami has developed the test using gold nanoparticles
which change color in the presence of melamine. The process, which also
involves a dual color and precipitation test, takes only 15 minutes, said
assistant professor Na Li.
<more> April 2, 2010 FoodProductionDaily.com
Activism and food security topic at animal ag summit - - Former Undersecretary of Homeland Security Asa Hutchinson and author Wesley J. Smith are among the headliners scheduled to speak at the Animal Agriculture Alliance annual Stakeholders Summit April 28-29 in Arlington, Virginia, with the theme “Truth, Lies, and Videotape: Is Activism Jeopardizing Our Food Security?” Registration is available through the Web site www.animalagalliance.org/register or by telephone at (703) 562-5160. Hutchinson, a lawyer who represented an Arkansas district in Congress before going to Homeland Security as head of border and transportation security, will address “What’s At Stake?” in the food and agricultural industries’ confrontation with animal rights activists. Smith is the author of “A Rat is a Pig is a Dog is a Boy: The Human Cost of the Animal Rights Movement” and is a senior fellow in human rights and bioethics at the Discovery Institute in Seattle. Approximately 20 speakers will address the current debate on food production and will explore ways to improve the industry’s standing with the public. A special workshop focused on strengthening state agriculture coalitions will be offered at the conclusion of the summit. April 2, 2010 AAA notice
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Animal well being workshops get underway in April
- - A series of free educational workshops get underway in late April
designed to help dairy producers prepare for a national animal care and well
being program. The national Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM)
program has been endorsed by Dairy CARES. The California Dairy Quality
Assurance Program (CDQAP) will conduct the educational workshops to discuss
how the FARM program works, how to best prepare for an on-farm evaluation
and what to expect during an evaluation. There are two sets of workshops.
The first is Introduction to the Dairy FARM program and will provide an
overview. The second workshop is Performance Monitoring of Animal Well-Being
and will cover scoring for locomotion, hocks, body condition and hygiene.
The workshops are free of charge on a first-come, fist-served basis.
Reservations are not required.
Click here for the
Workshop Schedule March 31, 2010 CDQAP Notice
Hilarides Dairy honored as 2010 Agricultural
Stewardship Award Recipient - - The Hilarides Dairy, a Western United
Dairymen member located just northwest of Lindsay in Tulare County, has been
selected as the 2010 recipient of the Agricultural Stewardship Award
presented by the California Chapter, American Society of Farm Managers and
Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) at its annual Spring Outlook Conference in Fresno.
The dairy features a covered lagoon which captures biogas from manure to
generate renewable green energy that is used to supply the dairy’s fuel and
electricity needs.
<more>
March 31, 2010 ASFRNA Press Release
Federal court backs California in ‘downer’ cattle
case -- The Ninth U.S. Court of Appeals has tossed out a preliminary
injunction that tried to stop the state of California from banning the
slaughter of “downer” animals. “California’s prohibition of the slaughter of
nonambulatory animals does not duplicate federal procedures; it withdraws
from slaughter animals that are unable to walk to their death,” the ruling
says. The National Meat Association and the American Meat Institute had
convinced a trial court to issue the injunction, which was appealed by the
state, the Humane Society of the U.S., Farm Sanctuary, Humane Farming
Association and the Animal Legal Defense Fund. The meat industry argued that
federal law preempted the state’s law that bans the slaughter and inhumane
handling of animals too feeble to walk to their deaths in slaughterhouses.
<more> March 31, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
U.N. Official Says Climate Deal Unlikely Until
2011 - - A new legal agreement committing nations around the world to
curb greenhouse-gas emissions is unlikely to be completed until the end of
2011, two years later than originally envisioned, the top U.N. climate
official said Wednesday. Yvo de Boer, executive secretary of the U.N.
climate-change secretariat, said countries need to restore confidence in
U.N. negotiations following the dismal results of the Copenhagen summit in
December, which ended in a vague agreement of principles and a pledge of
finances for poor countries most threatened by climate change
<more> March 31, 2010 AP
Big Sierra snowpack won't slake California's
thirst - - The Sierra snowpack is hefty. Waterfalls are starting to
thunder in Yosemite Valley. A spring storm adds to the bounty. It's time to
celebrate the end of the state's three-year drought. Right? Wrong. The El
Niño-powered winter apparently was not a drought buster -- even though some
reservoirs may fill up and rainfall totals are above average in two-thirds
of California's major cities, including Fresno. Here's the reality check:
State officials expect only about 80% of average snowmelt will find its way
into rivers and reservoirs this spring.
<more> March 31, 2010 Fresno Bee
Vermont dairy summit talks of milk production
limits - - Dairy farmers throughout New England and New York met in a
waterfront hotel in Burlington Tuesday with a clear goal: eliminate the
volatility in the dairy industry that caused a collapse in milk prices last
year. The goal might be simply stated, but the solutions are complex,
starting with what to call the plan that aims to limit how much milk could
be sold by individual farms. “We don’t use the term ‘supply management,”
Amanda St. Pierre, a dairy farmer and spokeswoman for the Vermont-based
Dairy Farmers Working Together. “That’s a no-go.” The term
“production-management” seemed to garner more support.
<more> March 31, 2010 Burlington Free Press, VT
Wisconsin Committee Approves Raw Milk Bill -
- Wisconsin dairy farmers could legally sell raw, unpasteurized milk
directly to consumers despite potential health risks under a bill an
Assembly committee approved Tuesday. The move clears the way for a vote in
the full Assembly. An identical bill is ready for a vote before the full
Senate as well, but time is running out. The legislative session ends in May
and it's unclear whether the measure has support from Democratic leaders.
The Wisconsin Medical Society, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, the
Wisconsin Cheesemakers Association and the Wisconsin Dairy Products
Association all have registered against the bill.
<more> March 31, 2010 AP
CAFO rule public workshop set for April 5 - -
There will be a public workshop to discuss and receive comments on draft
amendments to SJVAPCD Rule 4570 (Confined Animal Facilities) on Monday April
5 at 1 p.m. at the Valley air board office 1990 E. Getysburg Ave., Fresno.
The workshop will also be webcast. Documents related to the workshop can be
downloaded from the District’s website at
www.valleyair.org/Workshops/public_workshops_idx.htm. The proposed
amendments to Rule 4570 will seek to obtain as much reduction of volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) from confined animal facilities as is
“expeditiously practicable, technologically feasible, and economically
reasonable, as determined by the District’s Governing Board,” according to a
staff report. March 30, 2010 Air Board Notice
Decals
available for those with exempt on-road diesel engines - -
Western United Dairymen members who have filed for an exemption from the new
state air board regulation reducing emissions from existing on-road diesel
vehicles can receive a decal that labels their vehicle as exempt. The rule
requires that within 30 days of the March 31 deadline for applying for an
exemption, fleet owners must permanently affix or pain an “AG”
identification label on each low-mileage, limited-mileage and specialty
agricultural vehicle in the fleet. The labels must be located in clear view
on the left and right door of the vehicle. Compliant decals will be
available in the near future from your local WUD field representative.
March 26, 2010
A pungent return for Liederkranz cheese- - Plug your nose: Gone-but-not-forgotten stinky Liederkranz cheese is making a comeback in Wisconsin. The slightly less pungent cousin of Limburger was a beloved staple of German immigrants in Wisconsin for nearly a century. That was until the only plant that made it shut down in Ohio 25 years ago because of contamination issues. Over the years, two other companies acquired the recipe and the rights for the brand, but did nothing with them. Then DCI Cheese Co. of Richfield bought the cheese division of ConAgra a few years ago, and the Liederkranz recipe came with it. <more> March 31, 2010 Milwaukee Journal
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
California’s Dairy Industry Takes Old Question to
New Extreme - - For years, the question “Got milk?” was actually asking
consumers “Got enough milk?” — reminding them to drink milk by comically
exaggerating the perils of running out. Now the “Got milk?” campaign is
taking the opposite tack, by comically exaggerating the perils of never
running out. The twist on the campaign, which began appearing this week, is
from Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco, the Omnicom Group
agency that created “Got milk?” in 1993 for the California Milk Processor
Board. The new approach from the California milk board is centered on the
goodness of milk, promoting its ability to strengthen hair, teeth and
muscles. But rather than reciting a dry list of functional benefits, the
campaign celebrates the comic complications of living someplace where one’s
milk cup always runneth over — a “milky magical land” known as Mootopia.
<more> March 26, 2010 NY Times
Dairy case
limits the scope of mandatory mediation - - By Anthony P.
Raimondo - - In 2004, a landmark amendment to the Agricultural Labor
Relations Act
(ALRA)
established mandatory mediation in California. Historically, labor
relations law in agriculture and other industries has had as a bedrock
principle that neither a union nor an employer can be forced to agree to a
labor contract. The parties must bargain in good faith to try to reach an
agreement, but are entitled to bargain hard and to stand firm on their
positions in negotiations. Each party has tools that it can use to pressure
the other party to agree, such as strikes and lockouts, but neither side can
be forced into a contract. Mandatory mediation changed this. Mandatory
mediation compels the parties to a labor contract negotiation to participate
in a process known in labor relations as interest arbitration. In interest
arbitration, the employer and the union argue their respective positions on
the contract to an arbitrator, and the arbitrator decides what the contract
terms will be. Interest arbitration has been used by unions and employers
when the parties agree that they want to avoid a strike or lockout, but
cannot agree on contract terms. However, participation in interest
arbitration has always been voluntary. <more>
March 30, 2010
Dairy Energy Efficiency Program Provides Rebates
for PG&E Dairy Customers- - Cash rebates are available for PG&E dairy
customers in northern and central California through the Dairy Energy
Efficiency Program. Operating since 2006, the Dairy Energy Efficiency
Program offers rebates on a range of energy efficient equipment, including
variable speed drives, scroll compressors, plate coolers, compressor heat
recovery units, lighting, motors, ventilation, and irrigation equipment.
Most rebates are calculated based on the amount of energy saved. The project
is administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and operated by
EnSave, Inc., a firm with a 19-year history of running energy efficiency
programs for agriculture. EnSave has designed and implemented energy
efficiency programs in California since 2002. Over 300 California dairy
producers have received rebates through EnSave’s California programs.
Interested producers should call William Chalmers at (800) 732-1399 to
discuss projects. Projects are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
March 30, 2010 EnSave Press release
March 31, 2010 deadline to file for diesel rule exemptions - -
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) approved a new regulation to
significantly reduce emissions from existing on-road diesel vehicles
operating in California. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” Trucks used on
agricultural operations, including dairies, have received some exemptions
from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were originally designed
for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The exemptions were
granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the rule would have
on agriculture. Dairy producers must file for the exemptions by March 31,
2010, or you will lose your exemption. The exemptions forms can be
downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/10-02TBForms.pdf
March 26, 2010
CAFO rule public workshop set for April 5 - -
There will be a public workshop to discuss and receive comments on draft
amendments to SJVAPCD Rule 4570 (Confined Animal Facilities) on Monday April
5 at 1 p.m. at the Valley air board office 1990 E. Getysburg Ave., Fresno.
The workshop will also be webcast. Documents related to the workshop can be
downloaded from the District’s website at
www.valleyair.org/Workshops/public_workshops_idx.htm. The proposed
amendments to Rule 4570 will seek to obtain as much reduction of volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) from confined animal facilities as is
“expeditiously practicable, technologically feasible, and economically
reasonable, as determined by the District’s Governing Board,” according to a
staff report. March 30, 2010 Air Board Notice
Decals
available for those with exempt on-road diesel engines - -
Western United Dairymen members who have filed for an exemption from the new
state air board regulation reducing emissions from existing on-road diesel
vehicles can receive a decal that labels their vehicle as exempt. The rule
requires that within 30 days of the March 31 deadline for applying for an
exemption, fleet owners must permanently affix or pain an “AG”
identification label on each low-mileage, limited-mileage and specialty
agricultural vehicle in the fleet. The labels must be located in clear view
on the left and right door of the vehicle. Compliant decals will be
available in the near future from your local WUD field representative.
March 26, 2010
Tainted milk activist goes on trial in China
-- A man who organized a support group for parents of children sickened in
one of China's worst food safety scandals pleaded not guilty Tuesday to
charges of inciting social disorder, his lawyer said. Zhao Lianhai was
behind a push for greater accountability and compensation for the victims
and their families of the 2008 scandal that shocked China. More than 300,000
children were sickened by milk powder tainted by an industrial chemical,
including Zhao's son, who is now 5 years old. At least six children died.
<more> March 30, 2010 AP
Farm groups praise Obama recess appointments
- - Major farm groups are praising President Obama's March 27 decision to
appoint Islam Siddiqui, a former Californian, as chief U.S. agriculture
negotiator and two other officials whose nominations had been held up in the
Senate. These other recess appointees are Michael Punke, a Montanan, as
deputy U.S. trade representative and head of the Trade Representative's
Geneva office, and former Rep. Jill Long Thompson, D-Ind., as a member of
the Farm Credit Administration board. Recess appointments are those made by
presidents when the Senate is in recess.
<more> March 30, 2010 Capital Press
Ag Survival Guide topic of April 22 CSU Stanislaus talk - - Carol Whiteside, founder and President Emeritus of the Great Valley Center, will speak to agriculture students, faculty and the public at CSU Stanislaus on April 22, 2010. Whiteside's topic is titled Central Valley Agriculture: A Survival Guide. Each year Yosemite Farm Credit sponsors a speaker series and this will be the first speaker of the year. Whiteside is no stranger to Stanislaus county and Valley agriculture, she staffed for former Governor Pete Wilson, was Mayor of Modesto, sat on city council, and served on the Modesto City School Board. There is no cost to attend. Contact the Agriculture Studies Department to receive more information at (209)664-6648. CSU Stanislaus, March 24, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
CWT accepts cheese export enhancement bids -
- It was just over a week ago that the Cooperatives Working Together (CWT)
program announced they were reactivating the export assistance program with
a focus on selling Cheddar cheese. The first group of bids has been accepted
for export, four bids from Darigold and two bids from Foremost Farms to sell
a total of 959 metric tons (2.1 million pounds) of Cheddar to the Middle
East. The product will be delivered in April and May, CWT will pay the
export bonuses when delivery is verified. CWT targeted Cheddar cheese
because of the large amount of cheese in storage right now and the idea
sales of that inventory would prompt the fastest response in farm milk
prices. March 29, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
CME to offer milk powder futures, options - -
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange, a unit of CME Group Inc <CME.O>, said on
Thursday it will trade futures and options on International Skimmed Milk
Power beginning May 9, that will have physical delivery points around the
world. The milk powder will listed on the CME's electronic trading system.
Skimmed milk in powder form is a popular source of protein because it does
not require refrigeration, the CME said. Delivery points include Auckland,
New Zealand; Los Angeles, Ca; Melbourne, Australia; Newark, N.J.; Rotterdam
and Seattle, Wash.
<more> March 29, 2010 Reuters
Meat vs. Miles. Coverage of livestock,
transportation emissions hypes controversy - - Editor’s note: The
Columbia Journalism Review carries an in-depth analysis of the recent
comments by UC Davis scientist Dr. Frank Mitloehner in which he criticized
the conclusions of a 2006 report from the U.N. Food and Agriculture
Organization, “Livestock’s Long Shadow.” - - Mitloehner and Gerber
complained, respectively, that the media’s focus on conflict and attempts to
cast the former’s criticism as yet another blow to climate science is
“regrettable,” and “pours oil on the fire.” The two men clearly disagree on
some fundamental points, and the FAO’s comparison between livestock and
transportation emissions is indeed a newsworthy mistake. But the impression
left by most news articles is one of scientists bogged down in
disagreement—when, in fact, there is a lot of consensus about how research
could be improved. Indeed, it seems fair to say that Mitloehner and Gerber
agree on three points: the need to do a lifecycle analysis for the
transportation industry; the need to “disaggregate” livestock statistics;
and the need to reduce the environmental impact of both industries. “I think
it’s time that we work across the globe really on transferring knowledge and
help particularly those areas like India and China to produce in a way that
is as environmentally benign as possible,” Mitloehner said. “I think we have
that responsibility. So it would be nice if we would take some of the
politics out of the discussion and really focus on getting things done and
resolved and addressed.”
<more> March 29, 2010 Columbia Journalism Review
US investigator hears NY milk price complaints
- - The nation's top federal antitrust investigator on Monday assured
desperate dairy farmers that the government also wants to know why they are
being paid so little for milk when the price shoppers pay in stores is
holding steady. At the invitation of U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, Assistant
Attorney General Christine Varney met with milk producers from around the
state, who blame a lack of competition among milk processors on years of
industry consolidation.
<more> March 29, 2010 AP
Ground-water permits in California? - - The
state Legislative Analyst's Office last week suggested California should
require permits for people who pump water out of the ground -- noting this
is one of the few Western states without such a requirement. To
download the report,
please click here. It's a touchy subject, especially in the San
Joaquin Valley farm belt. Growers and many land owners know that government
regulation often adds costs to their businesses. The analyst's office, which
has been advising state lawmakers for 65 years, says California needs to
better coordinate its water system as the state grows.
<more> March 29, 2010 Fresno Bee
HSUS calls ag response “paranoid” - -
Increasing efforts to restrict livestock industry practices by animal rights
groups in the U.S. are defended by the head of the Humane Society of the
United States (HSUS). Wayne Pacelle recently spoke with Brownfield, “All of
our campaigns related to food animal production are about humane production
standards, humane transport and humane slaughter. I mean, I defy anyone to
show me any statement where we say we want to eliminate animal agriculture.”
Pacelle says the goal of HSUS is not to shut down livestock production but
to improve the treatment of animals raised for food. Members of ag groups in
states such as Ohio and Missouri continue to work toward stopping what they
say are HSUS attempts to eventually shut down livestock production in their
states.
<more> March 29, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
March 31, 2010 deadline to file for diesel rule exemptions - -
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) approved a new regulation to
significantly reduce emissions from existing on-road diesel vehicles
operating in California. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” Trucks used on
agricultural operations, including dairies, have received some exemptions
from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were originally designed
for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The exemptions were
granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the rule would have
on agriculture. Dairy producers must file for the exemptions by March 31,
2010, or you will lose your exemption. The exemptions forms can be
downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
March 26, 2010
Humboldt County WUD members can get help on diesel rule - - Western
United Dairymen Field Representative Leslie Corp will be in Humboldt County
on March 29 and March 30 to help members fill out the proper paperwork to
get their agriculture exemption for the new Diesel Truck Rule. Members who
have questions about the exemption or wonder if your trucks qualify please
contact Leslie at (530) 354-4981.
Paperwork must be sent in by March 31 or you will lose your exemption.
March 26, 2010
Decals
available for those with exempt on-road diesel engines - -
Western United Dairymen members who have filed for an exemption from the new
state air board regulation reducing emissions from existing on-road diesel
vehicles can receive a decal that labels their vehicle as exempt. The rule
requires that within 30 days of the March 31 deadline for applying for an
exemption, fleet owners must permanently affix or pain an “AG”
identification label on each low-mileage, limited-mileage and specialty
agricultural vehicle in the fleet. The labels must be located in clear view
on the left and right door of the vehicle. Compliant decals will be
available in the near future from your local WUD field representative.
March 26, 2010
Saudis look to purchase Vermont dairy cows -
- The Florida businessman who brokered the first sale of Vermont cows to
Cuba five years ago has now set his sights on increasing food and
agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia. John Parke Wright IV was tapped last
week by Riyadh Exhibitions Co. as its U.S. representative to promote trade
exhibitions and conferences organized by the Saudi Arabian company. In his
role, Wright said he hopes to build on current U.S. food and agricultural
exports to the oil-rich nation, which last year totaled $721 million. In
addition, retail consumer-oriented food exports hit a record $248 million,
representing 34 percent of the total U.S. exports to Saudi Arabia.
<more> March 29, 2010 Rutland Herald
FDA warns against drinking raw milk - - The
Food and Drug Administration has said it more than once, and they'll say it
again: Don't drink raw milk. The FDA says there are 12 confirmed cases of
illness in Michigan after consumers drank raw milk from Forest Grove Dairy
in Middlebury, Ind. According to the agency, raw milk may contain a wide
variety of harmful bacteria - including salmonella, E. Coli and listeria -
that can sicken and even kill people.
<more> March 29, 2010 AP
Between farm and table, a broken chain - - After years of being urged to “eat fresh, eat local,” residents of the Sacramento region are responding. From neighborhood dinner tables to big institutional kitchens, locally grown foods are in high demand. But every spring, locally grown produce is rotting in the fields of the small family-run farms around the region. Between that abundant supply and the strong demand, the market has broken down. There is no good way to get those crops from the farms to the people who want them at a price consumers are willing to pay. <more> March 29, 2010 Healthycal.org
Friday, March 26, 2010
Nice gains for dairy on the week - - Dairy
markets ended the week on a high note, cash cheese barrels on the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange increased 2.5 cents on Friday to close at $1.3125 while
blocks gained 3.5 cents to close at $1.325. For the week, barrels gained
4.75 cents and blocks increased 5.5 cents. Seems the increasing cheese
prices have prompted some buyers to step up to the plate however Dairy
Market News there has not been enough activity to prompt overtime at
packagers. Some believe there will not be a substantial increase in cheese
prices until summer heat starts to influence milk production. Right now,
milk production is picking up in most regions of the country.
<more> March 26, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
March 31, 2010 deadline to file for diesel rule exemptions - -
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) approved a new regulation to
significantly reduce emissions from existing on-road diesel vehicles
operating in California. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” Trucks used on
agricultural operations, including dairies, have received some exemptions
from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were originally designed
for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The exemptions were
granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the rule would have
on agriculture. Dairy producers must file for the exemptions by March 31,
2010, or you will lose your exemption. The exemptions forms can be
downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
March 26, 2010
Humboldt County WUD members can get help on diesel rule - - Western
United Dairymen Field Representative Leslie Corp will be in Humboldt County
on March 29 and March 30 to help members fill out the proper paperwork to
get their agriculture exemption for the new Diesel Truck Rule. Members who
have questions about the exemption or wonder if your trucks qualify please
contact Leslie at (530) 354-4981.
Paperwork must be sent in by March 31 or you will lose your exemption.
March 26, 2010
Decals
available for those with exempt on-road diesel engines - -
Western United Dairymen members who have filed for an exemption from the new
state air board regulation reducing emissions from existing on-road diesel
vehicles can receive a decal that labels their vehicle as exempt. The rule
requires that within 30 days of the March 31 deadline for applying for an
exemption, fleet owners must permanently affix or pain an “AG”
identification label on each low-mileage, limited-mileage and specialty
agricultural vehicle in the fleet. The labels must be located in clear view
on the left and right door of the vehicle. Compliant decals will be
available in the near future from your local WUD field representative.
March 26, 2010
Farmers face
difficult decisions about cultivating the next generation - -
Rui Medeiros eagerly awaits the
day his 22-year-old son, Brian, will take over their 2,200-head dairy in
Hanford. But Medeiros, 48, knows that his son faces huge odds -- because of
low milk prices, tighter government regulation and urban encroachment. And
his son had to wrestle with whether it made sense to follow in his father's
footsteps -- or stay in college and become an accountant. "The plan is to
have him come back and try and keep this running," said Medeiros, a
Portuguese immigrant. "But it's going to be tough for this new generation."
<more> March 26, 2010 Fresno Bee
Dairyline: Dairy leaders seek higher prices - - Cash dairy prices remain
a key focus among farmers, processors, bankers, and related industry
suppliers and the news was good. The fourth week of March saw the block
cheese price gain 5 1/2-cents, closing at $1.3250 per pound, 3 1/2-cents
above a year ago. Barrel closed Friday at $1.3125, up 4 3/4-cents on the
week, and a penny and a half above a year ago. Eight cars of block traded
hands on the week and 26 of barrel. The lagging NASS-surveyed U.S. average
block price fell 5.6 cents, to $1.3344. Barrel averaged $1.3018, down 3.5
cents.
<more> March 26, 2010 Capital Press
Plane
will measure worldwide green house gas air quality - -A plane outfitted
to measure greenhouse gases has taken off from Colorado on the first leg of
a 24-day mission that will take it back and forth across the Pacific Ocean
from the Arctic to the Antarctic. The mission is part of a three year
project designed to determine when and where the gases enter and leave the
atmosphere. That in turn could help policymakers as well as scientists on
how to handle and measure climate change. Researchers will take the jet
from an altitude of 1,000 feet above Earth’s surface up to as high as 47,000
feet into the lower stratosphere. How carbon dioxide and methane gases vary
by altitude will be determined.
<more> March 26, 2010 Environmental News Network
Save farms, Williamson Act - - The Williamson Act, a linchpin in preserving California's open space and farmland, is on life support. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Legislature need to step up and revive it. Under the 1965 law, farmers and ranchers who agree to keep land in agriculture or as open space pay property taxes at a lower rate than the full market value. The state then reimburses local governments for the lost tax revenue. About 16 million acres is protected, including more than 1.5 million in Fresno County. <more> March 26, 2010 Fresno Bee
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Schwarzenegger: 'More carefully phased approach' on AB 32- - Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger has penned a letter asking the Air Resources Board to embrace
an approach backed by business interests in implementing some aspects of the
landmark emission reduction measure he signed into law. While Schwarzenegger
praised the state's steps to curb climate change as "tremendous," he also
urged a "more carefully phased approach" on part of the plan recommended to
implement AB 32, including a system to auction off credits for companies
releasing carbon into the air.
<more> March 25, 2010 Sacramento Bee
March 31, 2010 deadline to file for diesel rule exemptions - -
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) approved a new regulation to
significantly reduce emissions from existing on-road diesel vehicles
operating in California.
WUD’s environmental
specialist, Paul Sousa says, “Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from
this rule; however, dairy producers must register for those exemptions
through this process. If a producer fails to register they will have to
comply with the rule, which means turning over your truck fleet on an
accelerated basis.” Trucks used on agricultural operations, including
dairies, have received some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel
trucks that were originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt
from the rule. The exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the
economic impact the rule would have on agriculture. Dairy producers must
file for the exemptions by March 31, 2010, or you will lose your exemption.
The exemptions forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
March 25, 2010
DWR chief:
Drought continues despite wetter winter, healthy snowpack
-- Department of Water
Resources Director Mark Cowin told the State Board of Food and Agriculture
Wednesday that California faces a fourth dry year. "Any reports that the
drought is over I think are premature at this point," Cowin said. "The last
couple dry weeks have not helped us."
<more> March 25, 2010 Capital Press
CEC
announces low-interest loans for biomethane production - - The
California Energy Commission has approved an agreement with the California
Business, Transportation, and Housing Agency that will soon make more that
$30 million available to eligible California manufacturing businesses. The
Clean Energy Business Financing Program is open to California businesses
that want to expand, diversify or retool existing facilities to manufacture
eligible energy efficiency or renewable energy products, components,
systems, and technologies. Facilities that produce biomethane gas from
biomass suitable for pipeline injection are also eligible.
<more> March 25, 2010 CEC Press Release
San
Joaquin River's flow extends to Pacific again - - The San Joaquin River
is now flowing from Friant Dam to the Pacific Ocean, reaching the first
milestone in a plan to bring back Chinook salmon. Restoration of the state's
second-longest river should achieve another major goal this summer - a
continuous run of water to the ocean even during the dry months of August,
September and October. It has been decades since the river flowed
continuously from the dam to the ocean during spring, summer and fall
without the help of an unusually wet year.
<more> March 25, 2010 Fresno Bee
Northern Michigan herd tests positive for Bovine TB - - Over the next
six months, state field workers will begin testing cattle for tuberculosis
at nearly 70 farms after the deadly disease turned up in a herd in northern
Michigan. Field workers for the Michigan Department of Agriculture made the
discovery during routine testing. The state will now begin testing all
cattle in a 10-mile radius of the infected herd.<more>
March 25, 2010
Senate Ag advances
child nutrition measure - - (Editor’s note: This is a corrected
version of yesterday’s story.) The Senate Ag Committee unanimously
approved on Wednesday Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln’s bill to
reauthorize childhood nutrition programs with part of the funding for it
coming from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Lincoln
assured committee members that her bill would not mean any less EQIP money
to producers. She says it slows the growth of the conservation program which
never reaches authorizing funding levels anyway, “What we do do in this
bill, however, is lock in a steady increase to the producers.” Lincoln says
that will keep further cuts from being made in appropriations.
<more> March 25, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Giant
Gas Bubbles in Indiana Dairy Farm's Waste Pond Frighten Neighbors - -
Like many of his neighbors, farmer Tony Goltstein has to deal with the
aftermath of the dairy bubble. But besides his mounting financial troubles,
Mr. Goltstein also must contend with bubbles the size of small houses that
have sprouted from the pool of manure at his Union Go Dairy Farm. Some are
20 feet tall, inflated with the gas released by 21 million gallons of
decomposing cow manure. But he has a plan. It requires a gas mask, a small
boat and a Swiss Army knife. <more>
March 25, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Bill
extending ethanol blenders’ credit introduced - - Legislation to extend
the ethanol blenders’ tax credit and the tariff on imported ethanol for five
more years was unveiled in Washington Thursday. Citing the situation with
biodiesel, Renewable Fuels Association president Bob Dineen says it’s vital
that Congress act before the current tax credit and import tariff expire at
the end of this year.
<more> March 25, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
San Joaquin
Valley's tradition of bipartisan cooperation meets bitter end
- - San Joaquin Valley lawmakers have begun open warfare, as water and
health care passions have shattered the region's traditional bipartisan
truce. Democrats are demanding that Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, apologize
for his vehement rhetoric. Nunes, in turn, is holding his ground and says
the Democrats he calls his friends deserve defeat in November. Percolating
for many months, the regional conflict turned scalding hot during the House
of Representatives' debate on health care legislation. Rep. Dennis Cardoza,
D-Merced, says it will be "very difficult" to collaborate again with Nunes
unless the Republican repudiates allegations that Cardoza voted for health
care legislation in return for an Interior Department water delivery
decision.
<more> March 25, 2010 McClatchy.com
Drought dampens Calif. Dems' hopes - - The drought parching California’s
Central Valley, the fertile agricultural region often referred to as the
nation’s breadbasket, has imperiled two House Democrats who typically cruise
to reelection by wide margins. Between the region’s devastating water
crisis, its stunningly high rates of unemployment and some of the highest
home foreclosure rates in the nation, the Valley is gripped by deep
political and economic unrest — and Democratic Reps. Dennis Cardoza and Jim
Costa are running for reelection in the middle of it.
<more> March 25, 2010 Politico.com
Devin
Nunes: Washington has changed, not me - - Since the Democrats gained
their majorities in Congress in November 2006, the atmosphere in Washington
has changed; not me. This change was not just in leadership but in tactics.
Fresno Bee columnist Bill McEwen wrote Tuesday that I have become
cartoon-like in my rhetoric; a caricature of my real self. However, to reach
this conclusion one must first ignore the record of the
Democratic-controlled House under Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Consider, for
example, the widely reported comments of Rep. Alcee Hastings, Speaker
Pelosi's Rules Committee point man for "legislative process." During a March
21 hearing, Congressman Hastings said, "There ain't no rules around here,
we're trying to accomplish something. And therefore, when the deal goes
down, all of this talk about rules -- we make them up as we go along."
<more> March 25, 2010 Fresno Bee
Dairy herdsman short course April 27-29 in Tulare - - A three-day dairy herdsman short course sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension will be held in Tulare April 27-29. The course is designed for working dairy employees and is designed to provide information on the latest technology and training in all aspects of dairy management. Simultaneous translation will be available to assist Spanish-speaking attendees. Morning session will focus on classroom sessions, with the afternoons devoted to hands-on training. Registration fee is $280. Companies or dairies with more than one participant will be charged $260 for each additional participant. Individual student fees are $220. Pre-registration is required. Additional information is available online at http://cefresno.ucdavis.edu/Dairy/ or by contacting Fresno/Madera dairy Advisor Gerald Higginbotham at (559) 456-7558 or gehigginbotham@ucdavis.edu . Feb. 4, 2010 UCCE Notice
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
UN admits flaw in report on meat and climate
change - - A 2006 study, Livestock’s Long Shadow, claimed meat
production was responsible for 18 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions –
more than transport. Its conclusions were heralded by campaigners urging
consumers to eat less meat to save the planet. However, one of the authors
of the report has admitted UC Davis scientist Dr. Frank Mitloehner has
identified a flaw in its comparison with the impact of transport emissions.
One of the authors of Livestock's Long Shadow, FAO livestock policy officer
Pierre Gerber, told BBC News he accepted Dr Mitloehner's criticism. "I must
say honestly that he has a point - we factored in everything for meat
emissions, and we didn't do the same thing with transport, we just used the
figure from the IPCC," he said.
<more> March 24, 2010 BBC News
Mandates, penalties in health bill worry farmers
- - Both as consumers who buy health insurance for themselves and their
families, and as small-business owners who must manage employee benefits,
farmers and ranchers believe the health care bill passed by Congress
yesterday could have serious consequences for rural health care and for
small employers, according to the leader of California’s largest farm
organization. “Family farmers understand firsthand the need to improve the
health care system, but the bill Congress passed will be a huge undertaking
both for our nation and for individuals,” California Farm Bureau
Federation President Paul Wenger said.
<more> March 24, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
State’s Wine & Milk Exports Look To Rise - -
Two of California’s top ag exports, wine and dairy products have had a tough
time in the past year but look to rebound in 2010 and beyond. In 2007 dairy
exports from California were valued at $963 million followed by wine at $816
million. The big picture for both wine and milk suggests that rising incomes
in the developing world will lead to more demand for these key
California-grown staples - part of a “Western diet” - in turn helping the
economy here locally. Western United Dairymen CEO Mike Marsh says a glut of
cheese has hurt dairy price this year- a leftover from a USDA decision not
to buy cheese last year for food banks that could have cleared the market in
his view. California cheese production has fallen now two years in a row.
Marsh notes that he is “cautiously optimistic” that the price of milk seen
now will improve by fall. In February this year the overbase price producers
were getting was around $13.29 per cwt compared to just $9.84 in March
20009- a disastrous year for the industry.
<more> March 24, 2010 Sierra2thesea.com
Senate Ag advances child nutrition measure with
debate over EQIP - - The Senate Ag Committee unanimously approved on
Wednesday Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln’s bill to reauthorize childhood
nutrition programs with part of the funding for it coming from the EQIP
Conservation program. Lincoln assured committee members that her bill would
not mean any less EQIP money to producers. She says it slows the growth of
the conservation program which never reaches authorizing funding levels
anyway, “What we do do in this bill, however, is lock in a steady increase
to the producers.”
<more> March 24, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
USDA developing climate change predictive models
- - The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy and the National Science
Foundation are moving beyond the debate over global warming and creating a
program to develop models for predicting climate change. The program will
use nearly $50 million to develop climate system models that provide
“insights on climate variability and impacts on ecosystems,” according to
Roger Beachy, director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and
Agriculture.
<more> March 24, 2010 Western Farm Press
EPA adds sources for greenhouse gas reporting
- - Before reporting even begins, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) is proposing to include additional emissions sources in its first-ever
national mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting system. EPA expects that
the data from these sectors will help provide a better understanding of
where GHGs are coming from. "Gathering this information is the first step
toward reducing greenhouse emissions and fostering innovative technologies
for the clean energy future," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “It’s
especially important to track potent gases like methane, which traps more
than 20 times as much heat as carbon and accelerates climate change."
<more> March 24, 2010 Environmental News Service
New light for Westlands?-- Cash-strapped
farmers in California's agricultural heartland and environmentalists at odds
over water rights and wildlife protections finally agree on something: that
thousands of acres of cracked, salty farmland is the perfect site for a
sprawling utility-scale solar farm. The 47 square-miles of land proposed for
the Westlands Solar Park in remote Kings and Fresno counties is just one of
dozens of unfinished solar projects in California, but renewable energy
analysts say it is a rare one that enjoys the broad support of environmental
groups such as the Sierra Club, powerful agriculture interests and state
government.
<more> March 24, 2010 AP
Tulare Supervisors ask for plans to end
Williamson Act - - Tulare County supervisors Tuesday asked county staff
to draw up plans to end contracts with farm- and open-land owners who
receive Williamson Act property tax breaks. The Williamson Act will cost
Tulare County about $3.5 million this fiscal year. State officials last year
decided to stop reimbursing counties for tax breaks given to land owners to
keep their parcels in agricultural use or as open space rather than allowing
them to be developed.
<more> March 24, 2010 Visalia Times Delta
Humboldt County WUD members can get help on
diesel rule - - Western United Dairymen Field Representative Leslie Corp
will be in Humboldt County on March 29 and March 30 to help members fill out
the proper paperwork to get their agriculture exemption for the new Diesel
Truck Rule. Members who have questions about the exemption or wonder if your
trucks qualify, again, please contact Leslie at (530) 354-4981. Paperwork
must be sent in by March 31 or you will lose your exemption. March 23,
2010
Chronicle editorial: The science of water limits
- - Score one for science. A national panel waded into California's water
wars and sided with salmon and smelt in a politically loaded showdown with
Central Valley farmers. Agriculture doesn't deserve the exclusive blame, the
report said, in a finding that should soften the sting of its overall
support for limits on water deliveries. Finding a flexible answer that
siphons off water with minimal environmental damage is the best answer,
though striking the right balance will take "careful monitoring, adaptive
management and additional analyses." Whether this happens is one of
California's biggest challenges. A polarized debate exists between
environmentalists and farmers, North versus South, and coast against
valley.
<more> March 24, 2010 SF Chronicle
Natural Dairy to Acquire N.Z. Assets for $1.1
Billion - - Natural Dairy (NZ) Holdings Ltd. said it entered an
agreement to buy assets including farm land, livestock and milk powder
production plants in New Zealand for $1.1 billion. The acquisition, which is
worth more than 7 times Natural Dairy’s market value, will be paid for
partly in cash and partly through the issue of convertible bonds, the
company said in a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange yesterday
without giving further details. Trading in the shares was halted on Feb. 12
and will remain suspended, the company said.
<more> March 24, 2010 Business Week
Dairy herdsman short course April 27-29 in Tulare - - A three-day dairy herdsman short course sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension will be held in Tulare April 27-29. The course is designed for working dairy employees and is designed to provide information on the latest technology and training in all aspects of dairy management. Simultaneous translation will be available to assist Spanish-speaking attendees. Morning session will focus on classroom sessions, with the afternoons devoted to hands-on training. Registration fee is $280. Companies or dairies with more than one participant will be charged $260 for each additional participant. Individual student fees are $220. Pre-registration is required. Additional information is available online at http://cefresno.ucdavis.edu/Dairy/ or by contacting Fresno/Madera dairy Advisor Gerald Higginbotham at (559) 456-7558 or gehigginbotham@ucdavis.edu . Feb. 4, 2010 UCCE Notice
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Meat, dairy diet not tied to global warming says
UC Davis scientist - - Lower consumption of meat and dairy products will
not have a major impact in combating global warming — despite persistent
claims that link such diets to more greenhouse gases. So says a report
presented Monday before the American Chemical Society. Cows and pigs have
gotten a "bum rap," said Frank Mitloehner, an air quality expert at the
University of California at Davis who authored the report. He is plenty
critical of scientists and vegetarian activists such as Paul McCartney who
insist that livestock account for about a fifth of all greenhouse-gas
emissions. Mr. Mitloehner said the claims that livestock are to blame for
global warming are both "scientifically inaccurate" and a dangerous
distraction from more important issues. "We certainly can reduce our
greenhouse-gas production, but not by consuming less meat and milk.
Producing less meat and milk will only mean more hunger in poor countries,"
Mr. Mitloehner said. The focus of confronting climate change, he said,
should be on smarter farming, not less farming.
<more> March 23, 2010 Washington Times
Humboldt County WUD members can get help on
diesel rule - - Western United Dairymen Field Representative Leslie Corp
will be in Humboldt County on March 29 and March 30 to help members fill out
the proper paperwork to get their agriculture exemption for the new Diesel
Truck Rule. Members who have questions about the exemption or wonder if your
trucks qualify, again, please contact Leslie at (530) 354-4981. Paperwork
must be sent in by March 31 or you will lose your exemption. March 23,
2010
Three public sessions set on proposed EIR for
digesters - - The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Water
Board will be holding three California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
scoping meetings to seek information that should be considered in the
preparation of a Program Environmental Impact Report for anaerobic digesters
at individual dairies or centralized locations using manure or manure plus
other organic feedstocks within the Central Valley region. The Board is
developing a regulatory program to regulate the discharge of effluent and
solid digestate at such facilities. The first meeting will be held on March
24 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the Board Room of the Central Valley Water
Board's Rancho Cordova office, located at 11020 Sun Center Drive, Rancho
Cordova. The second meeting will be held on March 30 from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
at the Board's Fresno Office, located at 1685 E Street, Fresno. The third
meeting will be held on April 7 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the Board Room of
the Board's Rancho Cordova office, located at 11020 Sun Center Drive, Rancho
Cordova. Supplemental information, including an Initial Study and Notice of
CEQA Scoping Meeting and Public Workshop may be downloaded in PDF format
from the Central Valley Water Board's website at:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralvalley/press_room/announcements/
March 23, 2010 Water Board Notice
North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge
set for Visalia April 8-10 - - Students from 30 different universities
across North America will gather in Visalia April 8-10 to compete in the
ninth annual North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC). The
event will be hosted by California Polytechnic State University and
California State University-Fresno, marking the first time the competition
will be held on the West coast. The Dairy Challenge is an innovative
management analysis competition developed in 2002 by industry and university
professionals from across the U.S. It strives to incorporate a
higher-learning atmosphere with practical application, in turn generating
highly qualified graduates to lead and further improve the dairy industry.
To date, more than 1,500 students have enhanced their dairy management,
communication and business skills through the Dairy Challenge program. This
year, 120 students will step up to the challenge of applying their textbook
knowledge to the ultimate test: analyzing dairy businesses. The contest
format starts with each university’s team of four students doing
walk-through at the host dairy, interviewing the owners and then digging in
to analyze farm-specific data. Each team uses this information to
develop management recommendations, and then presents them to an expert
panel of dairy industry judges. March 23, 2010 North American
Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge
Obsession with 'Pure' Food Leads to Eating
Disorder - - Can too much of a good thing actually be harmful? When it
comes to eating healthy foods, the answer may be yes. We are all encouraged
to follow a healthy diet, but some people take it too far, limiting their
diets to food that they consider to be pure to the exclusion of everything
else. Some of them end up with orthorexia, a severe eating disorder. Kristie
Rutzel, a Richmond, Va., woman in her mid-20s, said she nearly died because
of her obsession with healthy food. Rutzel became a vegetarian, and then a
vegan, she said. Then she adopted a raw food diet.
<more> March 23, 2010 ABC News
Sen. Graham Peeved on Health Care but Will Stick
With Climate Bill - - Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) says he is not
abandoning negotiations on a comprehensive energy and climate bill even as
he warns of partisan gridlock following the Democrats' push this week to
pass health care reform. "It's going to make it very difficult to do
anything complicated and controversial," Graham told reporters yesterday.
"I'm still committed to trying to roll out a vision of how you can price
carbon and make it business-friendly. We're still going to do that. But the
truth of the matter is, I think you're going to find most of our colleagues
around here risk adverse."
<more> March 23, 2010 NY Times
Monday, March 22, 2010
Record cheese inventories - - Even though
cash cheese held steady on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange on Monday, Class
III futures slid, especially the second-half
2010 contracts, in anticipation of the USDA Cold Storage Report which came
out after the close. Total cheese in storage in the U.S. as of the end of
February 955.89 million pounds, nearly 9 million pounds more than at the end
of January. American cheese stocks were a record 597 million pounds at the
end of February, almost 10 million more than a month earlier and 10.2
percent above a year ago. Other cheese stocks were down a bit for the month.
One interesting note, inventories increased in all regions except American
stocks in the Pacific Region were down 5 million pounds but other cheese
inventories in the region were up 2.7 million pounds.
<more> March 22, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Raw milk popularity defies health concerns - - Raw milk’s supporters are at once modern-day rebels and throwbacks to an older, simpler time. They are health-food aficionados who dismiss the health authorities. There’s long been a libertarian streak running through the raw-milk crowd. A Christian one, too. Now it’s attracting another demographic entirely: advocates of local food. “It is an emblem of noncorporate food,” best-selling author Michael Pollan, godfather of the local-food movement, wrote in an e-mail to The Seattle Times. <more> March 22, 2010 Tacoma News Tribune
Pasture-access rules guarantee organic dairy
cows' grazing - - The cows turning out "certified" milk for Aurora
Organic Dairy will get a guaranteed 120 days in the rolling pastures here
under federal rules taking effect in June. The change will help ease
concerns among consumers about the purity of organic product, government
officials and industry executives say. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's
current rules require only that organically raised livestock have access to
pasture. <more>
March 22, 2010 Denver Post
Patterson, Denham lead in 19th Congressional
District race - - Former Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson and state Sen. Jeff
Denham of Atwater are tied for the lead in the Republican primary race to
succeed Rep. George Radanovich in the 19th Congressional District, according
to a Survey USA poll. Former Rep. Richard Pombo of Tracy is running a
surprising third. The poll, which has a margin of error of 4 points, has
Patterson with 26%, Denham with 25% and Pombo with 13%. Fresno City Council
Member Larry Westerlund is running fourth with 7%. The poll says 29% of 19th
District’s Republican voters are undecided. <more>
March 22, 2010 Fresno Bee
Assemblywoman Fiona Ma appointed as Speaker pro
Tempore - - Assembly Speaker Perez appointed Assemblywoman Fiona Ma
(D-San Francisco) as Speaker pro Tempore last week. In this capacity, Ma
will preside over the daily business of the Assembly, including presiding
over the lower house during major policy considerations. Ma is a member of
the Assembly Agriculture committee. March 22, 2010 Ma Press Release
Water pollution regulator failed to disclose
husband's ties to wastewater dischargers - - The leader of the state's
largest water pollution regulator is married to a lobbyist for agencies it
regulates, a potential conflict of interest she did not disclose publicly
until an ethics complaint was brought against her. The state's Fair
Political Practices Commission is investigating the complaint against
Katherine Hart, who chairs the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control
Board. It alleges she failed to disclose her husband's ties to wastewater
dischargers, and failed to recuse herself properly from board actions
affecting his clients. Hart, an attorney, was appointed to the board by Gov.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2005. The board oversees pollution policy and
permits in the state's biggest watershed, which includes the Sacramento-San
Joaquin Delta. Hart was reappointed in 2008, and this January was named
chairwoman.
<more> March 22, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Editorial: Save farmland, save the Williamson Act
- - The Williamson Act, a linchpin in preserving California's open space and
farmland, is on life support. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Legislature
must step up and revive it.
<more> March 22, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Hearings could set new course for Delta - -
Hearings beginning today are one of the first steps to be taken under
sweeping water reform laws meant to strike a new balance in the Delta —
proceedings that could help determine how water is divided between the
environment and people. Specifically, the State Water Resources Control
Board today begins sorting out how much water must flow through the Delta to
preserve its "public trust" values. The question, which returns to direction
a state appeals court set in the 1980s that was never followed, could be
answered in a number of ways.
<more> March 22, 2010 Contra Costa Times
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
A workshop is set for Tuesday, March 23, 2
p.m., Kings County Ag Center, Suite F - Multi-Purpose Room, 680 Campus
Drive, Hanford. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will
discuss the rule.
WUD
staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms.
All area dairy producers are invited.
More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Dairy herdsman short course April 27-29 in Tulare - - A three-day dairy herdsman short course sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension will be held in Tulare April 27-29. The course is designed for working dairy employees and is designed to provide information on the latest technology and training in all aspects of dairy management. Simultaneous translation will be available to assist Spanish-speaking attendees. Morning session will focus on classroom sessions, with the afternoons devoted to hands-on training. Registration fee is $280. Companies or dairies with more than one participant will be charged $260 for each additional participant. Individual student fees are $220. Pre-registration is required. Additional information is available online at http://cefresno.ucdavis.edu/Dairy/ or by contacting Fresno/Madera dairy Advisor Gerald Higginbotham at (559) 456-7558 or gehigginbotham@ucdavis.edu . Feb. 4, 2010 UCCE Notice
Friday, March 19, 2010
Report backs Valley water cutbacks - -
Controversial cuts in water for San Joaquin Valley farms appear to be
scientifically justified but still need further study, scientists have
concluded in a highly anticipated report to be issued today. The National
Research Council determined two federal agencies had a "sound conceptual
basis" for their actions protecting Chinook salmon, delta smelt and other
endangered fish. The conclusion undercuts a common farmer criticism. But the
65-page report -- the first of two the council is expected to produce --
also may give some ammunition to those skeptical of pumping restrictions
imposed by the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries
Service. Notably, the scientists determined that predators, pollution and
other "stressors" accounted for some of the fish lost in the Sacramento-San
Joaquin Delta. That supports a complaint from farmers who say they've been
held solely responsible for the fish losses, costing them water.
<more> March 19, 2010 Fresno Bee
Transition to tillage workshop Tuesday in Tulare
- - A workshop featuring successful strategies for transition to strip
tillage on a dairy will be held Tuesday, March 23 in Tulare. Hanford
dairyman Dino Giacomazzi will talk about his experiences in converting to
strip tillage. Other topics will include common myths about tillage,
potential costs and savings, addressing soil compaction issues and equipment
choices and availability. The workshop sponsored by Sustainable
Conservation runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be served. The workshop
will be held at the Heritage Complex Conference Dining Room on gthe second
floor of the International AgriCenter, 4500 South Laspina Street, Tulare.
Registration information is available from Ladi Asgill of Sustainable
Conservation at (209) 604-6554 or
lasgill@suscon.org March 19, 2010
More dairy cows added in February - - Total
milk production in U.S. in February was 14.76 billion pounds, up 0.1 percent
from a year ago. Production per cow increased 37 pounds to average 1,625 per
cow. The number of dairy cows in the United States was 201,000 less than a
year ago at 9.088 million but that does represent a 3,000-cow increase from
January. That is the second month in a row that we have seen a 3,000-cow
increase.
<more> March 18, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
CWT reactivates export program for cheese - -
Cooperatives Working Together is reactivating its Export Assistance program,
effective immediately, to boost sales of U.S.-made cheddar cheese. Last used
in 2008, CWT’s Export Assistance Program assists member cooperatives with
exporting whole milk powder, butter and butterfat. The focus this time will
be on cheddar cheese, National Milk Producers Federation president and CEO
Jerry Kozak says focusing on cheddar cheese could provide the most immediate
positive signal to address continuing low producer milk prices. Kozak notes
the sizeable inventories of cheese are hampering a recovery in milk prices.
<more> March 18, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
San Joaquin Valley salt water pollution targeted
- - A pilot project that hopes to find a way to desalinate agricultural
water runoff in the San Joaquin Valley in a cost-effective manner is being
funded by the Westland Water District. The project will design and build a
demonstration water treatment facility that converts high salinity drainage
water into fresh water for irrigation and financially valuable CO2 negative
products derived from the waste salts.
<more> March 18, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
A workshop is set for Tuesday, March 23, 2
p.m., Kings County Ag Center, Suite F - Multi-Purpose Room, 680 Campus
Drive, Hanford. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will
discuss the rule.
WUD
staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms.
All area dairy producers are invited.
More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Dairy herdsman short course April 27-29 in Tulare - - A three-day dairy herdsman short course sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension will be held in Tulare April 27-29. The course is designed for working dairy employees and is designed to provide information on the latest technology and training in all aspects of dairy management. Simultaneous translation will be available to assist Spanish-speaking attendees. Morning session will focus on classroom sessions, with the afternoons devoted to hands-on training. Registration fee is $280. Companies or dairies with more than one participant will be charged $260 for each additional participant. Individual student fees are $220. Pre-registration is required. Additional information is available online at http://cefresno.ucdavis.edu/Dairy/ or by contacting Fresno/Madera dairy Advisor Gerald Higginbotham at (559) 456-7558 or gehigginbotham@ucdavis.edu . Feb. 4, 2010 UCCE Notice
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
been posted to
You Tube.
Click
here to watch the video. The 50-minute talk has been broken down
into five separate 10-minute segments. In his comments, Martosko says the
Humane Society of the United States masquerades as a protector of
pets while plotting the demise of the dairy industry. He said the society is
attacking milk producers as part of its effort to turn Americans into
vegans. "They are not promoting kinder treatment of farm animals," said
Martosko, director of research for the
Center for Consumer Freedom
in Washington , D.C. "They are promoting the abolition of farm animals."
Martosko said many people believe that the society mainly funds
dog and cat shelters
when in fact it spends most of its hefty income on lobbying, salaries and
political donations. He told the
dairy farmers that
Wayne Pacelle,
the president and chief
executive officer of the
Humane Society of the United
States , is "the biggest enemy you have." March 17, 2010
Water deliveries increase for Valley farms -
- Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on Tuesday announced a five-fold increase
in west Valley irrigation supply for summer, but water officials wonder if
the news has come in time to help farmers make last-minute crop plans.
Salazar raised the water forecast to 25% of the amount that west San Joaquin
Valley growers are allowed each year from the Central Valley Project. Last
month, he could only assure west siders of 5%. Thanks to continuing March
storms, the announcement was moved a week ahead of schedule to help farmers
with planning. Officials added that allotments might be increased further in
the coming months.
<more> March 17, 2010 Fresno Bee
Clean environment and ag are partners, farmers
told - - Farmers can help ensure clean air and water while providing
plenty to eat, according to a coalition working toward that goal. The group,
the Northern San Joaquin Valley Partnership for Agriculture and the
Environment, highlighted such efforts at a meeting last week. One speaker
told of a grower-funded program that checks waterways for polluted runoff
from farms. Another talked of the progress that has been made in applying
pesticides safely. "We want clean air, we want clean water, and we want a
safe and abundant food supply," said Christopher Hartley, district
conservationist for the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service.
<more> March 17, 2010 Modesto Bee
Dairy industry launches cow wellness push - -
Everybody is familiar with those TV images of "happy" California cows
grazing in beautiful green pastures. Everybody is just as familiar with the
fact that few California cows live that way. For some, that's reason to
believe that dairy cows are treated poorly. A new campaign launched by the
dairy industry last week seeks to convince people otherwise. The project,
called the FARM program, aims to ensure that participating dairies are
taking care of their livestock in a responsible, humane way.
<more> March 17, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
A workshop is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, at Elk Grove Dairy Service, 10550 Arno Road, Galt. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will discuss the rule. WUD staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms. All area dairy producers are invited.
A workshop is set for Tuesday, March 23, 2
p.m., Kings County Ag Center, Suite F - Multi-Purpose Room, 680 Campus
Drive, Hanford. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will
discuss the rule.
WUD
staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms.
All area dairy producers are invited.
More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Dairy herdsman short course April 27-29 in Tulare - - A three-day dairy herdsman short course sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension will be held in Tulare April 27-29. The course is designed for working dairy employees and is designed to provide information on the latest technology and training in all aspects of dairy management. Simultaneous translation will be available to assist Spanish-speaking attendees. Morning session will focus on classroom sessions, with the afternoons devoted to hands-on training. Registration fee is $280. Companies or dairies with more than one participant will be charged $260 for each additional participant. Individual student fees are $220. Pre-registration is required. Additional information is available online at http://cefresno.ucdavis.edu/Dairy/ or by contacting Fresno/Madera dairy Advisor Gerald Higginbotham at (559) 456-7558 or gehigginbotham@ucdavis.edu . Feb. 4, 2010 UCCE Notice
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Feds increase CVP water allocations - - The
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is increasing the amount of water it expected to
deliver through the Central Valley Project to the San Joaquin Valley this
year to 25 percent of contracted amounts for those south of the Delta. “We
are allocating 25 percent of their contract funding,” says Secretary of the
Interior Ken Salazar in making the announcement Tuesday afternoon. “We are
devoting enormous resources in the Department in this matter,” says Deputy
Secretary of the Interior David Hayes. He says the government hopes to find
additional water to pump to farmers on the west side of the San Joaquin
Valley. He says the department is determined to find an answer to the needs
of all demanding water from the Delta.
<more> March 16, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Water deliveries up for Valley farms - -
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has announced that west Valley farmers will
get 25% of their annual allotment of water on the Central Valley Project, an
increase from a 5% prediction last month. Officials said the stormy winter
allowed them to increase the forecast. Further increases could be made in
the next few months, officials said. East-side farmers in the Friant Water
Authority can expect 100% of their high-priority water and 10% of the next
priority, which is usually used to soak into the ground to replenish wells.
<more> March 16, 2010 Fresno Bee
Farmers told at WUD convention how to foil rural
crime - - A sheriff's detective urges farmers to get creative when it
comes to foiling metal thieves. Spray-
painting
brass pipe fittings in unusual colors can help deputies track them down if
they are stolen, rural crime detective Jeff Dirkse said in a talk last week.
"Pick lime green, blaze orange, fuchsia, something like that," he said. "Put
a mark on it." Dirkse and other rural crime fighters spoke at the annual
meeting of Western United Dairymen, held at Modesto Centre Plaza.
Theft and other crimes have plagued all kinds of farms, in part because
their remote location can make them easy targets.Crooks have taken walnuts
and almonds by the truckload. They have swiped tractors and rustled cattle.
They have vandalized fences and dumped toxic waste from methamphetamine
labs.
<more> March 16, 2010 Modesto Bee
Environmental stewardship classes set for Tulare March 18 - - The
California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is once again offering
free classes in air quality, one of the components needed for environmental
stewardship certification. Dr. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis, will teach the
classes, which cover air quality-related environmental issues, regulatory
requirements and management practices for dairy producers. Producers wishing
to pursue certification in the Environmental Stewardship Program must
complete two hours of air quality (if operating in an air basin with air
quality regulations for dairies) and six hours of water quality education
prior to the third-party evaluation. The classes will be offered March 18 in Tulare.
<more> Feb. 18, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Convention Photos on-line- - - Some of the
photos taken at last week’s Western United Dairymen convention in Modesto
have been posted to the WUD website. You can view the photos
by clicking here. In this photo, Simon Vander Woude is a somewhat
reluctant participant as magician Jay Alexander prepares to work his magic.
Dairy Leader
Program accepting applications until March 19 - -
The deadline is March 19 to apply for Western
United Dairymen's highly successful California Dairy Leaders Program.
Designed to train the next generation of California's dairy leaders, the
leadership program consists of several sessions devoted to developing a
better understanding of the economic, legislative, marketing, and
environmental issues facing the industry. Application forms can be
downloaded by
clicking here. The yearlong program kicks off in the spring. Topics
include environmental issues, the state and federal legislative process,
dairy pricing and economics, biotechnological developments, marketing and
promotion, and public relations skills. Participants will develop and
enhance their leadership skills through communication, business etiquette,
negotiation skills, time management, and team building workshops.
Instruction will be provided by recognized experts in their field. Eligible
participants must be actively involved in milk production, be able to spend
the necessary time in class, as well as studying resource materials, and be
able to commit to visits to locations such as Sacramento and Washington DC.
Class IX enrollment will be limited to ensure one-on-one instruction. The
program enrollment fee of $750 should be submitted with letters of
recommendation. Further information is available by contacting Western
United Dairymen at (209) 527-6453. Feb. 5, 2010
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
A workshop is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, at Elk Grove Dairy Service, 10550 Arno Road, Galt. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will discuss the rule. WUD staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms. All area dairy producers are invited.
A workshop is set for Tuesday, March 23, 2
p.m., Kings County Ag Center, Suite F - Multi-Purpose Room, 680 Campus
Drive, Hanford. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will
discuss the rule.
WUD
staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms.
All area dairy producers are invited.
More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Monday, March 15, 2010
Is it time for another herd-retirement program?
- - Dairy producers attending the Western United Dairymen Convention in
Modesto last week asked Jerry
Kozak,
chief executive officer for the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF),
when the next herd-retirement program would be announced. Kozak said that
NMPF can’t indicate if they are considering a specific time period to
announce a herd-retirement program. However, he did mention that it is
something they look at every month. The business plan was to remove 240,000
cows in a two-year period.
Click here to download a copy of Kozak's presentation.
Currently they are paying back the line of credit that was taken out to
perform the three herd-retirement programs in 2009. The herd-retirement of
late 2008, plus the three herd-retirements in 2009 removed more than 250,000
cows from the nation’s dairy herd.
<more> March 15, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
NATIONAL OUTLOOK. Jerry Kozak, CEO, National Milk Producers
Federation, discusses dairy industry concerns with audience members
following his talk at the WUD convention last week in Modesto. (Photo by
Mark Looker)
Dairies aim for good practices; FARM program
ensures humane care - - The cows on Ray Prock Jr.'s Denair-based dairy
may not get any happier, but maybe in a year, more people will know the true
state of their care. Prock and many other dairy farmers like him have joined
a statewide program to promote good animal care practices as well as
evaluate dairy farms and verify that they are performing up to state and
national standards.
<more> March 12, 2010 Merced Sun Star
FDA mulling restrictions on livestock antibiotics
- - The head of the Food and Drug Administration says the agency is
continuing to look at possible restrictions on the use of antibiotics in
livestock but pledged to consult with producers. Margaret Hamburg told a
House subcommittee today that antibiotic resistance is one of the nation’s
“foremost public health concerns” and there are clear linkages between the
problem and the use of the drugs in farm animals. “We are working closely
with industry, listening to their concerns,” Hamburg said in response to a
question from Rep. Tom Latham, R-Ia. “We are not going to move forward and
institute a policy that we have not been able to base on sound science and
evidence.”
<more> March 1,5 2010 Des Moines Register
Kawamura at WUD convention: It’s time to innovate
- - Blood is flowing in the California dairy industry. The state’s number
one industry is struggling. In the
last
year alone 109 dairies in California have gone out of business; big, small,
multi-generation, new and old. “The biggest challenge I see ahead for the
dairy industry is, do you allow things to move along as they have been or do
you make changes?,” A.G. Kawamura, secretary of the California Department of
Food and Agriculture asked Western United Dairymen convention attendees this
week. What has made the California dairy industry successful in the past
might not be what makes it successful in the future. “You have to ask
yourself whether the box you built for yourself is the right one to stand on
or should you build onto that box or a different box,” noted Kawamura. “You
need to decide if you are in the supply management business or demand
creation business,” challenged Kawamura.
<more> March 15, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
CDFA SECRETARY A.G. Kawamura and outgoing
WUD president Ray Souza discussed the outlook for the California dairy
industry prior to Kawamura's address to the WUD convention Thursday. (Photo
by Mark Looker)
Convention Photos on-line- - - Some of the
photos taken at last week’s Western United Dairymen convention in Modesto
have been posted to the WUD website. You can view the photos
by clicking here.
Two Californians named to National Dairy Board
- - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the appointment of
12 members to the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. All
appointees will serve three-year terms beginning immediately. Californians
appointed were Ray S. Prock, California and Arlene J. Vander Eyk.
<more> March 15, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Indiana Republican announces support of
bipartisan AgJOBS legislation - - California Sen. Dianne Feinstein today
announced that Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) joined bipartisan legislation to
provide America’s famers with a steady and reliable workforce. This will
give much-needed relief to the nation’s ongoing agriculture labor shortage.
“This legislation is important to maintaining domestically grown supplies of
healthy foods. It incentivizes employers to hire a legal workforce and
streamlines procedures for agriculture workers under the existing H-2A
program where U.S. workers are not available,” Senator Lugar said. “There
has consistently been bipartisan support for AgJOBS legislation.”
<more> March 15, 2010 Sen. Feinstein Press Release
Dealing with “Humaniacs” - - The dairy
industry is getting attacked left and right by animal-rights groups. David
Martosko, director of research for the Center for
Consumer
Freedom, refers to these types as “humaniacs.” And, he says, when it comes
to dealing with them, there are 10 lessons you need to learn. Lesson 1:
Animal welfare is not the same as animal rights. Believers in animal welfare
say we have a right to make proper and humane use of animals, and that we
have a duty to treat animals properly, says Martosko. There is a moral
distinction between animals and human beings. But animal rights is a dogma,
almost a religious belief, he explains. In this view, what gives moral value
to life is the ability to suffer. And since a cow can feel pain and a human
can feel pain they are equal. The ultimate goal of the animal rights
movement is the complete elimination of the domestication of all animals.
<more> March 15, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Humanewatch.org spokesman David Martosko spoke at Thursday's morning
session, detailing what he said was the case to be made against the Humane
Society of the U.S.
Ag groups speak out against federal Prop. 2
legislation - - U.S. Representatives Diane Watson, D-Calif., and Elton
Gallegly, R-Calif., have week introduced the
Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act (H.R. 4733) “To promote the
well-being of farm animals by requiring Federal agencies to procure food
products derived from certain animals only from sources that raised the
animals free from cruelty and abuse, and for other purposes.” Farming
industry advocates, however, dispute that this bill can guarantee welfare
standards, and in fact, may hinder welfare on operations depending on type
of operation, species, geography and other factors.
<more> March 15, 2010 Bovine Veterinarian
Vermont dairy farmer talks about immigration
probe - - A Vermont dairy farmer who was among those targeted in a
federal crackdown on undocumented workers says he thought three illegal
workers had proper documentation. Gervais agreed to speak to The Associated
Press after his case was closed, saying he hoped to help other dairy farmers
and push for them to be allowed to hire workers under a temporary worker
visa program.
<more> March 15, 2010 AP
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
A workshop is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, at Elk Grove Dairy Service, 10550 Arno Road, Galt. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will discuss the rule. WUD staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms. All area dairy producers are invited.
A workshop is set for Tuesday, March 23, 2
p.m., Kings County Ag Center, Suite F - Multi-Purpose Room, 680 Campus
Drive, Hanford. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will
discuss the rule.
WUD
staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms.
All area dairy producers are invited.
More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Friday, March 12, 2010
Harsh take on Humane Society heard at Western
United Dairymen meeting - -The Humane Society of the United States
masquerades as a protector of pets while plotting the demise of the dairy
industry, a critic of the group said Thursday. David Martosko, speaking in
Modesto at the annual meeting of Western United Dairymen, said the society
is attacking milk producers as part of its effort to turn Americans into
vegans. "They are not promoting kinder treatment of farm animals," said
Martosko, director of research for the Center for Consumer Freedom in
Washington, D.C. "They are promoting the abolition of farm animals." Martosko
said many people believe that the society mainly funds dog and cat shelters
when in fact it spends most of its hefty income on lobbying, salaries and
political donations. He told the dairy farmers that Wayne Pacelle, the
president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United
States, is "the biggest enemy you have."
<more> March 12, 2010 Modesto Bee
Humanewatch.org spokesman David Martosko spoke at Thursday's morning
session, detailing what he said was the case to be made against the Humane
Society of the U.S.
WUD Convention wraps up three-day run - - The
gavel banged down Friday on the final session of Western United Dairymen's
annual convention and organizers declared it a great success. At the
district delegate meeting held Friday morning, delegates from District 8
announced they would be hosting the next annual convention on March 16-18,
2011 in Visalia. During its three-day run at the Doubletree Hotel in
Modesto, members and allied industry supporters heard an optimistic message
that the worst of the dairy economic crisis is behind them and that stronger
marketing efforts will be necessary for the industry to continue to climb
out of its worst economic situation in recent memory. Stay tuned for
presentations from the various speakers that will be posted to the WUD
website and linked to Headline News in upcoming editions.
Dairies aim to foster humane treatment of cows
- - A coalition of dairy groups is launching a statewide program aimed
at assuring consumers and retailers that they are taking good care of their
cows. Industry officials hope that the voluntary effort, known as the
National Dairy FARM program, will be adopted by the state's 1,750 dairy
farms. Western United dairymen President Jamie Bledsoe of Riverdale believes
the dairy industry must do a better job of sharing with consumers how dairy
farms operate. "We need to bridge that disconnect between the farmer and the
consumer," Bledsoe said. "The public is several generations removed from
farming, and we need to reconnect them."
<more> March 12, 2010 Fresno Bee
California launches statewide dairy animal care
initiative - - A coalition of California dairy groups has launched a
campaign to get all of the state’s 1,750 dairy farms to participate in the
National Dairy FARM Program. To read the press release,
please click here. Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM)
was developed by animal scientists, veterinarians and dairy industry people
and is designed to assist farmers in demonstrating and verifying the ethical
treatment of their dairy animals.
<more> March 10, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Environmental stewardship classes set for Modesto March 16, Tulare March 18 - - The
California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is once again offering
free classes in air quality, one of the components needed for environmental
stewardship certification. Dr. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis, will teach the
classes, which cover air quality-related environmental issues, regulatory
requirements and management practices for dairy producers. Producers wishing
to pursue certification in the Environmental Stewardship Program must
complete two hours of air quality (if operating in an air basin with air
quality regulations for dairies) and six hours of water quality education
prior to the third-party evaluation. The classes will be offered March 16 in
Modesto and March 18 in Tulare.
<more> Feb. 18, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Dairy outlook a little dimmer - - The monthly
World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates from USDA did not contain
good news for dairy. Citing lower feed costs, slowed herd reduction,
larger-than-expected January cow numbers and decreased exports …the Ag
Department Outlook Board increased the 2010 milk production estimate from
188.9 billion pounds last month to 189.5 billion pounds this month. That
would put 2010 production slightly higher than the 189.3 billion pounds of
2009.
<more> March 10, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Competition in Agriculture Workshop Called a
“Milestone” - - It’s been more than a century since the Sherman
Antitrust Act to prohibit abusive monopolies became law, and since then, not
once has the public and industry come together for a discussion on
competition in agriculture. That’s why today is such a milestone event, said
Eric Holder, Attorney General, US Department of Justice.
<more> March 12, 2010 AgWeb.com
Valero, Howard Jarvis group lead fight to suspend
AB 32 - - The mystery is over: The campaign to suspend California's
landmark greenhouse-gas emissions law will be led by an out-of-state oil
refinery company and a California taxpayer advocacy group, newly filed
documents show. Valero Energy Corp. and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers
Association were listed as principal officers in organizational documents
filed with the state Friday to raise funds to shelve Assembly Bill 32,
passed several years ago.
<more> March 12, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Florez out of Lt. Governor race - - Sen. Dean
Florez, D-Shafter, won't run for California Lt. Governor this year. He
announced his decision to back out of the race Friday morning in a text
message to The Californian. "Wanted you to hear it from me first. I will be
stepping out of the race and backing Gavin Newsom for Lt. Gov," Florez
wrote. "We are send(ing) you my release letter etc... Not running, but still
in the fight and will keep working to elect great leaders to move CA forward
in Jerry Brown, Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris statewide."
<more> March 12, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
Gavin Newsom says he's ready for less expensive
Lt. Gov. race - - San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom announced his run
Friday to become California's next lieutenant governor, declaring he'd use
the office sometimes billed as "guv lite" to promote what everyone wants:
jobs. Newsom, 42, dropped his bid last October to become the Democratic
gubernatorial nominee. He was badly trailing Attorney General Jerry Brown in
fundraising and endorsements.
<more> March 12, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Use newest tools to communicate message to
public, activist says - - When it comes to farmers' quest to reach the
public, information is different from communication. Agriculture "is
infamous for getting out information," said Jeff Fowle, an activist and
cattle rancher in Etna, Calif. But communication means to actually get
through, Fowle said. And these days, there's no more powerful way to do that
than through social media -- e-mail, Web sites, instant messaging, blogs,
MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter, he said. With these tools,
companies are employing a laser-like focus on specific audiences, Fowle
said.
<more> March 12, 2010 Capital Press
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
A workshop is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, at Elk Grove Dairy Service, 10550 Arno Road, Galt. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will discuss the rule. WUD staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms. All area dairy producers are invited.
A workshop is set for Tuesday, March 23, 2
p.m., Kings County Ag Center, Suite F - Multi-Purpose Room, 680 Campus
Drive, Hanford. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will
discuss the rule.
WUD
staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms.
All area dairy producers are invited.
More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
WUD
convention the place to be March 10-12 in Modesto - - The center of the
California dairy industry will be in Modesto from Wednesday, March 10 to
Friday March 12 as members of Western United Dairymen gather for their
annual convention at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Modesto. To
view some of the convention activities that await you,
please click on this
video. To learn more about the convention,
please click here 
Convention lodging alternatives available
- -
It appears that all rooms at the Doubletree Hotel may be sold out for March
10-12. To inquire about availability, call the Doubletree Hotel at (209)525-3045
or (209) 526-6000 but don’t use the code or mention the Western United Dairymen
rate. Alternative hotels for lodging are: Courtyard by Marriott (209) 577-3825;
Hampton Inn & Suites (209) 543-3650; Springhill Suites by Marriott (209)
526-2157 and Holiday Inn Express & Suites (209) 543-9009. March 8, 2010
It’s not all business at convention: Plenty of food and
entertainment - -
WUD’s
annual convention is a great time for California’s dairy families to gather,
renew acquaintances, make new friend and have a good time.
There will be plenty of opportunities for socializing at this year’s event. Here
is a look at the food and entertainment lineup: <more>
March 8, 2010
Environmental stewardship classes set for Modesto March 16, Tulare March 18 - - The
California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is once again offering
free classes in air quality, one of the components needed for environmental
stewardship certification. Dr. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis, will teach the
classes, which cover air quality-related environmental issues, regulatory
requirements and management practices for dairy producers. Producers wishing
to pursue certification in the Environmental Stewardship Program must
complete two hours of air quality (if operating in an air basin with air
quality regulations for dairies) and six hours of water quality education
prior to the third-party evaluation. The classes will be offered March 16 in
Modesto and March 18 in Tulare.
<more> Feb. 18, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Bankruptcy,
foreclosure hit Dutch dairy farmers drawn to Toledo area - -
More than a decade after a Wauseon firm began luring
ambitious Dutch dairy farmers to northwest Ohio, southeast Michigan, and
northeast Indiana, many of the recruits have failed to achieve hoped-for
riches. A handful have returned dejected to Holland, sometimes abandoning
homes purchased here in more optimistic days, other farmers said.
<more> March 9, 2010 Toledo Blade
EPA defends greenhouse gas caps - - EPA
Administrator Lisa Jackson defended controversial new rules Monday that
would slash greenhouse gases across the economy, taking on critics from both
sides of the aisle who want to delay the regulations. “At no point in our
history has any problem been solved by waiting another year to act,” Jackson
said at the National Press Club, arguing that the new rules could spur job
creation by encouraging companies to create new, lower-carbon technologies.
The EPA is under fierce fire from more than a dozen lawmakers trying to
block the new regulations, which would use the Clean Air Act to impose new
emissions curbs on business.
<more> March 9, 2010 Politico.com
Arnold Schwarzenegger defends job impacts of AB
32 - - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger defended the state's greenhouse gas
reduction law today, dismissing a Legislative Analyst's conclusion that
determined the measure would cost the state jobs in the near term. "I travel
up and down the state, unlike others that only have theoretical opinions,"
the governor said during a brief sidewalk news conference after giving a
speech at a downtown Sacramento hotel. "I see first hand that all kinds of
(green industry) places want to expand, all we have to do is give them the
incentives, the tax incentives and the job creation packages. I know that AB
32 will create jobs."
<more> March 9, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Another water project could divide the state
- - Harvey Bailey was 11 when Friant Dam started spitting the San Joaquin
River into an irrigation canal the size of a freeway. His father and other
growers laid bets on when the river's cool waters would reach their little
farm town on the east side of the San Joaquin Valley, promising an end to
the region's irrigation woes. Life magazine published a big photo spread on
the canal's opening. "It was a huge event," recalled Bailey, 72, president
of the Orange Cove Irrigation District. Now he hopes another dam will rise
on the San Joaquin, at a narrow spot seven miles upriver from Friant, called
Temperance Flat.
<more> March 9, 2010 LA Times
Money pouring into race to fill Radanovich's seat
- - Money just keeps flowing into the campaign to replace retiring Rep.
George Radanovich, R-Mariposa, and now San Joaquin Valley voters are
starting to see the results. This week, former Valley congressman Richard
Pombo is returning to Capitol Hill for another round of fundraising events.
Next week, it will be state Sen. Jeff Denham's turn, as the Atwater
Republican hits up members of Congress and assorted Washington-area players.
The furious fundraising underscores how the 19th Congressional District race
could be one of the nation's liveliest, even though the candidates
themselves have only had scattered face-to-face meetings.
<more> March 9, 2010 Merced Sun-Star
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
Another informational session will be held at WUD’s annual convention on Wednesday, March 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. "Diesel Truck Rule - How to Comply" by Brandon Rose, Air Pollution Specialist, California Air Resources Board, will be held in the Arbor Theatre.
A workshop is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, at Elk Grove Dairy Service, 10550 Arno Road, Galt. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will discuss the rule. WUD staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms. All area dairy producers are invited.
A workshop is set for Tuesday, March 23, 2
p.m., Kings County Ag Center, Suite F - Multi-Purpose Room, 680 Campus
Drive, Hanford. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will
discuss the rule.
WUD
staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms.
All area dairy producers are invited.
More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Monday, March 8, 2010
WUD
convention the place to be March 10-12 in Modesto - - The center of the
California dairy industry will be in Modesto from Wednesday, March 10 to
Friday March 12 as members of Western United Dairymen gather for their
annual convention at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Modesto. To
view some of the convention activities that await you,
please click on this
video. To learn more about the convention,
please click here
Convention lodging alternatives available
- -
It appears that all rooms at the Doubletree Hotel may be sold out for March
10-12. To inquire about availability, call the Doubletree Hotel at (209)525-3045
or (209) 526-6000 but don’t use the code or mention the Western United Dairymen
rate. Alternative hotels for lodging are: Courtyard by Marriott (209) 577-3825;
Hampton Inn & Suites (209) 543-3650; Springhill Suites by Marriott (209)
526-2157 and Holiday Inn Express & Suites (209) 543-9009. March 8, 2010
It’s not all business at convention: Plenty of food and
entertainment - -
WUD’s
annual convention is a great time for California’s dairy families to gather,
renew acquaintances, make new friend and have a good time.
There will be plenty of opportunities for socializing at this year’s event. Here
is a look at the food and entertainment lineup: <more>
March 8, 2010
Swiss voters say no to mandating state lawyers
for abused pets - - Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected a referendum
that would have compelled all cantons (member states) to hire lawyers to
defend the rights of animals, a setback to animal-rights organizations.
According to preliminary results, 71% of Swiss voters rejected the proposal
on Sunday, with the rest voting in favor of the measure.
<more> March 8, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Recession has caught up with organic milk
business - - Organic milk may yet provide North Coast dairy farmers with
the niche market they need to survive, but this year it won't protect them
from the pain of overproduction amid a sluggish economy. "The recession has
caught up with the organic business," said George McClelland, a Two Rock
dairy farmer who sells both organic and conventional milk to Clover
Stornetta Farms.
<more> March 8, 2010 Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Water increase might come next week - - The
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will announce any possible increase in water
supply next week for Westlands Water District and other federal water
contractors on the Valley's west side. Usually, the announcement would come
in the third week of the month, but federal officials are aware that
west-side farmers need to know of any increase as soon as possible. At the
end of February, federal officials announced the deliveries would be 5% of
the west-siders' contractual allotment. But they said farmers might get 30%
if storms continued pounding the state, as they have. Statewide, the
snowpack already is at 100% of average for April 1, the day most experts say
the precipitation season unofficially ends. March 8, 2010 Fresno Bee
Stuart Leavenworth: Feinstein says she's no
Westlands 'shill,' but - - You know you've struck a nerve with an
editorial when, on the very next business day, California's senior senator
rings you on the telephone. That's how I found myself spending an hour on
Monday, engaged in an animated but civil exchange with U.S. Sen. Dianne
Feinstein. Feinstein, calling me from her home near the nation's capital,
was responding to a Feb. 27 editorial on her efforts to secure more water
for the Westlands Water District, an agricultural giant in the San Joaquin
Valley.
<more> March 8, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Vilsack emphasizes new approach to trade - -
U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the administration is changing its
strategy on trade. In his address at the 2010 Commodity Classic in Anaheim
last week, Vilsack told producers that the administration recognizes that
not every market is the same, “This market strategy reflects the
understanding of the sophistication that now takes place in trade – one size
does not fit all. And, it’s important for us to tailor our approach in trade
to the individual market conditions that we find and we’re prepared to do
that.”
<more> March 8, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Bill Gates offers review on book about future of
ag - - While traveling last week to Antarctica, I had a chance to read a
book recommended by our foundation’s agricultural development group,
Tomorrow's Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food by
Pamela Ronald and Raoul Adamchak. I certainly recommend this book to people
who are curious about the future of agriculture and the controversies around
it. Many other food books exalt localism and tradition (i.e., lack of new
science) as almost religious values. I think some go overboard with their
negative views of modern farming, giving very little thought to the
productivity increases that poor farmers need - and that the world needs -
in order to feed itself, while coping with climate change and evolving
threats from plant disease and pests.
<more> March 8, 2010 Bill Gates blog
Federal regulators launch probe of big
agriculture - - Some Obama administration officials have made clear
their unease with the increasing control a handful of corporations have over
the nation's food supply, and this week in Iowa they could show whether they
are serious about changing the system. The first joint workshops on
agriculture by regulators at the U.S. Justice and Agriculture Departments is
expected to give farmers, lobbyists, executives and academics a strong
indication of where the Obama administration stands on consolidation in
agriculture.<more>
March 8, 2010 AP
Changes in medicated milk replacer regulations
- -The FDA ruling that the combination drug of neomycin and
oxytetracycline can no longer be used in its current 2:1 dosage in milk
replacer will influence the medication options that milk replacer
manufacturers offer their customers in the near future. The change in
medicated milk replacer regulations gives calf raisers an opportunity to
focus on preventing coccidiosis from day one.
<more> March 8, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Soft-Drink Sales Drop in Schools, Group Says-
- The main trade association representing Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo Inc., and
other beverage companies plans to release a report Monday showing that sales
of soda and other drinks in U.S. secondary schools have dropped sharply
since 2004, in a sign that efforts to improve nutrition in schools are
progressing. The report comes as first lady Michelle Obama is leading a
campaign to combat childhood obesity and as Congress is poised to consider
regulating the drinks allowed in school-vending machines.
<more> March 8, 2010 Wall Street Journal
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
Another informational session will be held at WUD’s annual convention on Wednesday, March 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. "Diesel Truck Rule - How to Comply" by Brandon Rose, Air Pollution Specialist, California Air Resources Board, will be held in the Arbor Theatre.
A workshop is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, at Elk Grove Dairy Service, 10550 Arno Road, Galt. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will discuss the rule. WUD staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms. All area dairy producers are invited.
A workshop is set for Tuesday, March 23, 2
p.m., Kings County Ag Center, Suite F - Multi-Purpose Room, 680 Campus
Drive, Hanford. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will
discuss the rule.
WUD
staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms.
All area dairy producers are invited.
More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Friday, March 5, 2010
HSUS
backs animal rights measure in Congress - - It looks like the issue of
animal rights has reached the U.S. Congress. California Representatives
Diane Watson (D –Los Angeles) and Elton Gallegly (R- Thousand Oaks) this
week introduced the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act to set a higher
animal welfare standard for food purchased by the federal government. The
bill, H.R. 4733, requires that any food purchased for federal programs comes
from animals raised with enough room to stand up, lie down, turn around and
stretch their limbs.
<more> March 5, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
May be
the highest milk price we see for a while - - A mixed week for the dairy
markets. Cash cheese barrels fell 4 cents for the week marking the fifth
consecutive week of declines. Blocks dropped 4.25 cents for the week falling
below $1.30 for the first time since last September. However, Class III
futures seem to be headed in the other direction with the June through
December 2010 contracts gaining an average 34 cents on the week. More
indication the traders expect cheese to turn around in the not-too-distant
future.
<more> March 5, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
WUD
convention the place to be March 10-12 in Modesto - - The center of the
California dairy industry will be in Modesto from Wednesday, March 10 to
Friday March 12 as members of Western United Dairymen gather for their
annual convention at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Modesto. To
view some of the convention activities that await you,
please click on this
video. To learn more about the convention,
please click here
Dairy risk management examined by WUD convention panel - -
Managing price risk on your dairy is the topic of a panel set for Friday,
March 12, at the WUD convention. The panel gets underway at 8:30 a.m. in the
Grand Ballroom. Speakers include Chris Atten, Hedge Specialist, First
Capitol Ag; Duane Banderob, President, Blimling and Associates and Eric
Meyer, Risk Management Consultant, Downes-O'Neill, a division of FCStone.
For a complete listing of
all convention activities,
please click here. March 5, 2010
Lawmakers move to restrain EPA on climate change - - As climate change
legislation stalled in the Senate, the Obama administration noted that it
had a workable -- although admittedly unwieldy -- Plan B. If Congress
wouldn't cap U.S. emissions, officials said, the Environmental Protection
Agency would do it instead. Now, even Plan B may be in trouble. On Thursday,
Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) introduced a bill that would put a
two-year freeze on the EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gases from power
plants. His was the latest of various congressional proposals -- from both
chambers and both parties -- designed to delay or overturn the EPA's
regulations.
<more> March 5, 2010 Washington Post
Obama
looking to give new life to immigration reform - - Despite steep odds,
the White House has discussed prospects for reviving a major overhaul of the
nation's immigration laws, a commitment that President Obama has postponed
once already. Obama took up the issue privately with his staff Monday in a
bid to advance a bill through Congress before lawmakers become too
distracted by approaching midterm elections. In the session, Obama and
members of his Domestic Policy Council outlined ways to resuscitate the
effort in a White House meeting with two senators -- Democrat Charles E.
Schumer of New York and Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina -- who
have spent months trying to craft a bill.
<more> March 5, 2010 LA Times
Dairy
coop Agri-mark sees profit of $14.9 million - - Dairy cooperative Agri-Mark
made a profit of $14.9 million in 2009, its second-best operating result.
The cooperative's sales of fresh milk and dairy products under the name
Cabot and McCadam were $655 million. The cooperative also paid $17.5 million
in premiums to farmers throughout the year. The financial return to farmers
in a year in which milk prices dipped to lows last seen during the Carter
Administration helped ease the pain, Agri-Mark spokesman Douglas J. DiMento
said.
<more> March 5, 2010 Watertown Daily Times, NY)
Feed
Company Violated BSE Controls - - A provider of animal feed to nine states
is violating federal regulations that prohibit animal proteins in ruminant
feed to control the spread of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE),
according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The prohibitions
were put in place to prevent BSE, or Mad Cow Disease. The animal feed
manufacturer involved is Rangen Inc., which provides animal feed for dairy
and beef cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, pets, and horses from Buhl, Idaho.
The privately held, family-owned business distributes feed products to
Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Washington, California, and
Oregon.
<more> March 5, 2010 Food Safety News
Fresno
Bee editorial: Animal abuse registry not best solution - - We agree with
state Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, that more must be done to protect
animals. But his plan for creating a state animal abuse registry is not the
way to go. We have no problem with private groups creating registries with
information that already is in the public record. But we oppose another
state bureaucracy.
<more> March 5, 2010 Fresno Bee
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
Another informational session will be held at WUD’s annual convention on Wednesday, March 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. "Diesel Truck Rule - How to Comply" by Brandon Rose, Air Pollution Specialist, California Air Resources Board, will be held in the Arbor Theatre.
A workshop is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday,
March 17, at Elk Grove Dairy Service, 10550
Arno Road, Galt. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will
discuss the rule.
WUD
staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms.
All area dairy producers are invited.
More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Thursday, March 4, 2010
How
far will cheese slide? - - Cheese prices continue to decline in the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Barrels fell another 3.25 cents on Thursday to
$1.25 and blocks lost a penny-and-a-half to $1.305 per pound. Right now it
seems there is a lot of cheese in storage and there is not a lot of demand
in either the domestic or the export market. But Dave Kurzawski with Downes
& O’Neill thinks that will turn around before the end of March.
<more> March 4, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Labor update on
tap at WUD convention Wednesday - -
By Anthony Raimondo -
- WUD Group Legal Counsel Anthony
Raimondo
will present a labor update for dairy producers on Wednesday, March 10, at
the Western United Dairymen Convention. The 10:25 a,m. presentation will
cover recent developments in labor and employment law that impact dairies,
union activity in the dairy industry, and the greatest risks that exist for
dairy producers. Raimondo will answer questions and provide guidance on
wage and hour issues, safety compliance, employee discipline, and maximizing
efficiency and productivity in the dairy workforce. Labor has become one of
the industry’s greatest areas of vulnerability, with ongoing union
organizing, lawsuits, and state enforcement activity adding to the
challenges producers face in this difficult economy. We invite you to join
us for an informative session to assist you in protecting yourself from the
risks that face agricultural employers in a labor-friendly state. For a
complete listing of all convention activities,
please click here. March 4, 2010
Yet another Humane
Society corporate sponsor bails out- - First came Yellow Tail Wine, then
Pilot Travel Centers. And now a third company has withdrawn its corporate
support for the Humane Society of the United States in the space of just a
few weeks. Meet Precious Cat, Inc. The cat litter company has been listed on
HSUS's "corporate supporters" page for quite a long time, helping HSUS'
"shelter partners program" by donating free products. That's going to stop.
(Editor’s Note: Listen to David Martosko, Director of Research, Center
for Consumer Freedom and the author of the HumaneWatch.org blog when he
speaks at the WUD convention on Thursday March 11 at 11:20 a.m.)
<more> March 4, 2010 HumaneWatch.org
New
York Sen. Gillibrand pushes for COOl labeling on dairy products - -
Responding to yet another recall of milk from China, U.S. Senator Kirsten
Gillibrand today announced her push for legislation that would require
country of origin labeling (COOL) on all dairy products. Just last month,
the Chinese government recalled 170 tons of milk powder that had been
tainted with melamine. In 2008, milk tainted with melamine killed at least
six infants and sickened more than 300,000 in China. According to the USDA)
during the past five years, U.S. dairy imports averaged around $2.7 billion
annually.
<more> March 4, 2010 WICZ.com
Chino
Valley dairies face industry crisis - - - - Chino dairyman Syp Vander
Dussen calls the two-year lull in milk prices absolutely devastating to his
operations. He's not alone. Dairy farmers in the Inland Valley and
throughout California have felt the sting from the price dip, which stems
from overproduction, reduced global demand and the higher cost of grain
feed.
<more> March 4, 2010 Ontario Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Cal
Poly and CSU Fresno students face off - - Students from Cal Poly San
Luis Obispo and California State University Fresno faced off recently in a
friendly competition to test their dairy knowledge. A Dairy Challenge
scrimmage was held to prepare students for the upcoming Western Dairy
Challenge that will be held March 4-6 in Twin Falls, Idaho. The Dairy
Challenge is an innovative management analysis competition developed in 2002
by industry and university professionals from across the U.S.
<more> March 4, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Williamson Act has hazy future in Fresno Co. -- Fresno County likely
will stop giving tax breaks to preserve farmland unless the state reimburses
the county for the lost revenue, a county supervisor said Wednesday. When
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger eliminated state support for the tax breaks last
year, Fresno County supervisors backfilled the nearly $5 million payment
with county money. They did so in hopes that the state would soon restore
the funding. But with the county's budget woes mounting, "I don't believe
we'll be able to do that next year," Supervisor Judy Case told the state
Senate's Local Government Committee.
<more> March 4, 2010 Fresno Bee
Lawmakers want Williamson Act legislation soon - - - State lawmakers say
they want to begin crafting legislation that would restore funding for the
Williamson Act while also reforming the program to avoid future funding
problems. But at a committee hearing on Wednesday, concrete ideas proved
elusive. "This legislature is adamant that this is a program that needs to
be restored," said Sen. Sam Aanestad, R-Grass Valley, who sits on the
Senate's Local Government Committee.
<more> March 4, 2010 Capital Press
USDA
adds $10 million to EQIP funds for drought aid - - Agriculture Secretary
Tom Vilsack today pledged additional funding to assist California
agricultural producers struggling to cope with drought-related water
cutoffs. Dave White, Chief of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS), made the announcement on Vilsack's behalf during a visit to
California to meet with and listen to the needs of farmers. White announced
that USDA would provide $10 million through a special drought initiative
under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The EQIP funding
will build on the $3 million NRCS provided to drought-stricken areas in 2009
by continuing last year's assistance and adding the option of converting
farms to highly water-efficient micro-irrigation systems. <more>
March 4,
2010 USDA Press Release
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
Diesel Truck Rule informational meeting Friday, March 5 at 10 a.m., Two Rock Fire Hall, 7618 Valley Ford Road Two Rock-Petaluma
Another informational session will be held at WUD’s annual convention on Wednesday, March 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. "Diesel Truck Rule - How to Comply" by Brandon Rose, Air Pollution Specialist, California Air Resources Board, will be held in the Arbor Theatre.
A workshop is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday,
March 17, at Elk Grove Dairy Service, 10550
Arno Road, Galt. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will
discuss the rule.
WUD
staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms.
All area dairy producers are invited.
More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Former Humboldt Creamery CEO Ghilarducci pleads
not guilty - - Former Humboldt Creamery CEO Rich Ghilarducci appeared in
federal court this morning, pleading not guilty to the single fraud charge
brought against him by the United States Attorney's Office. Ghilarducci was
charged Jan. 26 by the U.S. Attorney's Office of making false statements to
an agricultural credit union, a federal fraud charge that carries a maximum
sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Ghilarducci's
attorney, Elliot Peters of the San Francisco firm Keker & Van Nest, issued a
statement Feb. 2 indicating his client's intent to waive indictment and
plead guilty to the charge.
<more>
March 3, 2010 Eureka Times Standard
Convention hotel rooms almost sold out - -
There are just a few rooms left at the Doubletree Hotel, Modesto, for WUD’s
annual convention March 10-12. The deadline for convention hotel
reservations was February 24. WUD members may find that they are unable to
book a room online because the deadline has passed and the “WES” code no
longer works. Members may also run into the problems of “no rooms available”
if they call the hotel and ask for the “Western United Dairymen” rate. There
are no standard rooms, but there are Executive Level rooms which cost $10
more. To make a reservation call the Doubletree Hotel at (209)525-3045 or
(209) 526-6000 but don’t use the code or mention the Western United Dairymen
rate. Alternative hotels for lodging are: Courtyard by Marriott (209)
577-3825; Hampton Inn & Suites (209) 543-3650; Springhill Suites by Marriott
(209) 526-2157 and Holiday Inn Express & Suites (209) 543-9009. March 2,
2010
West Valley farmers await word on water - - A
west Valley water leader says a much-needed increase in the summer
irrigation forecast might happen in the next few days, even though the
Interior Department says any update would come weeks from now. Two winter
storms are rolling into California this week, following a wet weekend.
Reservoir and snowpack conditions already support the increase, said Tom
Birmingham, general manager of the Westlands Water District, the project's
largest customer.
<more> March 3, 2010 Fresno Bee
Sierra snowpack deepens - - Manual and
electronic readings Wednesday indicate that water content in California’s
mountain snowpack is averaging 107 percent of normal for the date, the state
Department of Water Resources says. This time last year, snow water content
statewide was 80 percent of normal. Electronic sensor readings show northern
Sierra snow water equivalents at 126 percent of normal for the date, central
Sierra at 93 percent, and southern Sierra at 109 percent.
<more> March 3, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Where is your milk from? - - Thanks to a BYU
student's new Web site, consumers can now discover that their butter was
churned in Idaho, their sour cream created in Pennsylvania and their milk
milked in Utah. BYU senior Travis Fitzgerald created the site
www.whereismymilkfrom.com
because he was noticing more people interested in knowing where their food
comes from and how they could buy local products. The information comes from
the FDA's interstate milk shippers list, public information that is not
easily accessible for the average consumer. So, he boiled the information
down to a searchable database that allows users to type in the manufacturing
plant code found on nearly every dairy item to find the product's home.
<more> March 3, 2010 Salt Lake City Deseret News
China jails 3 executives after company's milk
products found tainted -- Three Shanghai dairy executives have been
sentenced to jail after milk products their company made were found to be
tainted with an industrial chemical at the centre of China's milk safety
scandal. Shanghai Panda Dairy Co. was forced to close last year when
unacceptably high levels of melamine, which can cause kidney stones or
failure, were found in milk powder and condensed milk. Some Shanghai Panda
products contained more than 34 milligrams of melamine per kilogram, well
over the legal limit of 2.5 milligrams.
<more> March 3, 2010 AP
Dry digesters offer new way to deal with manure
- - Researchers in New Mexico are working on a different process to convert
organic material, like manure or municipal waste, into something more
useful. The machinery acts as a dry digester. The patent, received in 2009
by New Mexico State University civil engineering professors Zohrab Samani
and Adrian Hanson, is for the design of a digester that would convert
organic waste, such as food waste, municipal waste or household garbage,
into an energy source and soil amendment.
<more> March 3, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Congress Wants Administration to Resolve Mexico
Trucking Issue - - Representatives Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.) and Rick
Larsen (D-Conn.), along with 54 other Members of Congress, sent a letter to
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk
this week asking that they address tariffs imposed by Mexico on U.S.
agricultural and manufacturing products. The tariffs were imposed by Mexico
after Congress terminated funding of the cross-border trucking pilot program
in the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act.
<more> March 3, 2010 USAgnet.com
What if Food Inc. takes home an Oscar? - -
You may not care much about the Academy Awards, but this Sunday (March 7)
may be worth a bit of your time; at least pay attention to the “Best
Documentary “ category. Nominated for an Oscar is Food Inc. This is one more
in a long list of attacks on conventional agriculture, food production and
the hardworking people trying to feed Americans and the world. Whether or
not Food Inc. takes home that little gold statue, do your part to get
accurate message out regarding U.S. agriculture and food production. The
National Corn Growers Association has a factsheet addressing items in the
film. A coalition of meat industry groups has a Web site dedicated
specifically to the film’s misinformation
www.safefoodinc.com .
<more> March 3, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Opinion: Tax break keeps many in farming - -
By Dave Bradshaw and Dawit Zeleke - - For nearly half a century,
California has balanced its explosive growth with a sensible, cost-effective
program that protects a vital sector of our state economy — agriculture —
and does it in a way that benefits all of us. Today, that landmark law,
known as the Williamson Act, is at risk. Protecting California farmland and
open space is too important to let unravel. We can ensure that won't happen
through an ongoing commitment to the Williamson Act. The state needs to keep
this vital law "on the job" and working for all of California.
<more> March 3, 2010 Modesto Bee
Sen. Roy Ashburn arrested for DUI - - State
Sen. Roy Ashburn, R-Bakersfield, was arrested early Wednesday morning on
suspicion of drunken driving. Ashburn was arrested just after 2 a.m. by
California Highway Patrol officers, who saw Ashburn driving erratically near
15th and L Streets, the CHP said. Another person was in the vehicle, a
Senate-issued Chevrolet Tahoe, at the time of the arrest but that person's
identity was not immediately available, the CHP said.
<more> March 3, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
Diesel Truck Rule informational meeting Friday, March 5 at 10 a.m., Two Rock Fire Hall, 7618 Valley Ford Road Two Rock-Petaluma
Another informational session will be held at WUD’s annual convention on Wednesday, March 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. "Diesel Truck Rule - How to Comply" by Kathleen Mead, Manager, California Air Resources Board will be held in the Arbor Theatre.
A workshop is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday,
March 17, at Elk Grove Dairy Service, 10577 E. Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove. .Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will
discuss the rule.
WUD
staff will be on hand to help fill out your agriculture exemption forms.
All area dairy producers are invited.
More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Convention hotel rooms almost sold out - -
There are just a few rooms left at the Doubletree Hotel, Modesto, for WUD’s
annual convention March 10-12. The deadline for convention hotel
reservations was February 24. WUD members may find that they are unable to
book a room online because the deadline has passed and the “WES” code no
longer works. Members may also run into the problems of “no rooms available”
if they call the hotel and ask for the “Western United Dairymen” rate. There
are no standard rooms, but there are Executive Level rooms which cost $10
more. To make a reservation call the Doubletree Hotel at (209)525-3045 or
(209) 526-6000 but don’t use the code or mention the Western United Dairymen
rate. Alternative hotels for lodging are: Courtyard by Marriott (209)
577-3825; Hampton Inn & Suites (209) 543-3650; Springhill Suites by Marriott
(209) 526-2157 and Holiday Inn Express & Suites (209) 543-9009. March 2,
2010
Domino’s Delivers Hopeful Signs For Dairy
Producers - - The improving sales prospects for Domino’s Pizza, Inc.,
could help deliver a boost for slumping cheese prices. Domino’s, which owns
or franchises more than 4,900 U.S. locations, projects domestic same-store
sales to increase 1 percent to 3 percent this year from last year, the
company said in its fourth-quarter earnings statement today. International
same-store sales are expected to rise 3 percent to 5 percent, Domino’s said.
<more> March 2, 2010 Cattlenetwork.com
Milk Powder Prices Rise After Two Months of
Decline -- Milk powder auction prices rose for the first time in three
months, Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd., the world’s largest dairy exporter,
said today. Whole milk powder for May delivery rose 2.8 percent to $3,291 a
metric ton, according to data on the Auckland-based company’s
GlobalDairyTrade Web site. Prices fell in the January and February auctions,
having reached a 16-month high in December. They remain 56 percent higher
than a year earlier.
<more> March 2, 2010 Bloomberg
Cheese production up in January including in
California - - Total cheese production in the U.S. in January was 842
million pounds, 2.2 percent above January
of
2009, according to the National Ag Statistics Service. California total
cheese production in January was 175.3 million pounds, 0.5 percent above a
year ago. This is the first year-over-year increase in cheese production in
California since October, 2007. Just like in Wisconsin, the California
increase was in Italian cheese production, just under 107 million pounds
representing a 5.8 percent increase. The Golden State saw a 10.3 percent
decline in Cheddar production to 29.7 million pounds and American output was
4.5 percent lower at 53.1 million.
<more> March 2, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Rulings Restrict Clean Water Act, Foiling E.P.A.
- - Thousands of the nation’s largest water polluters are outside the Clean
Water Act’s reach because the Supreme Court has left uncertain which
waterways are protected by that law, according to interviews with
regulators. The court rulings causing these problems focused on language in
the Clean Water Act that limited it to “the discharge of pollutants into the
navigable waters” of the United States. For decades, “navigable waters” was
broadly interpreted by regulators to include many large wetlands and streams
that connected to major rivers. In the last two years, some members of
Congress have tried to limit the impact of the court decisions by
introducing legislation known as the Clean Water Restoration Act. It has
been approved by a Senate committee but not yet introduced this session in
the House. The legislation tries to resolve these problems by, in part,
removing the word “navigable” from the law and restoring regulators’
authority over all waters that were regulated before the Supreme Court
decisions.
<more> March 2, 2010 NY Times
7 out of 10 believe HSUS is a pet-shelter
"umbrella group" - - Seventy-one percent of Americans questioned in a
new opinion poll wrongly believe the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
is an “umbrella group” for America’s local humane societies. Sixty-three
percent incorrectly think their local “humane society” is affiliated with
HSUS. And 59 percent falsely believe HSUS “contributes most of its money” to
local organizations that care for cats and dogs. The poll, which sampled the
opinions of 1,008 Americans, was commissioned by the nonprofit Center for
Consumer Freedom (CCF) and conducted by Opinion Research Corporation (ORC)
of Princeton, N.J.
<more> March 2, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Study reveals most consumers are unclear about
dietary nutrients - - When it comes to dietary nutrients, most consumers
don't know the whole story. A recent study by the Innovation Center for
U.S. Dairy revealed that the fact that milk delivers much more than calcium
to the diet is new "news" to consumers. "Many consumers know about milk's
calcium benefits, but most are unaware that dairy foods deliver eight other
dietary nutrients considered 'essential' by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA)," says Stephanie Cundith, a registered dietitian with the
Midwest Dairy Council.
<more> March 2, 2010 Medical.net
Jerry Brown: California needs a governor with
knowledge - - Attorney General Jerry Brown made it official this morning
that he's running for California governor, putting to rest months of
speculation about his political intentions. Brown, who served two terms as
governor from 1975 to 1983, said in an online video posted on his Web site,
"At this stage of my life, I'm prepared to focus on nothing else but fixing
this state I love." He pledged in the video that under his leadership,
"there will be no new taxes unless you the people vote for them."
<more> March 2, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Upstream Battle: Scarce water has local farmers
squaring off - - Northwest of Manteca, where salmon struggle to survive
in the San Joaquin River, farmers face challenges of their own. Last week,
growers in the southern Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta told of how their
irrigation supplies have been harmed by exports to other parts of
California. They also complained about a new push by state regulators to
question their right to use the water flowing through the delta.
<more> March 2, 2010 Modesto Bee
Kern County water deal floats Bay area
development - - Hundreds of millions of gallons of Kern County water
will be sold to power a water exchange that could allow an Arizona developer
to build a major housing development in the San Francisco Bay-side hamlet of
Redwood City. The San Mateo County Times reported Monday that developer DMB
Associates has worked a deal with Nickel Family LLC, a longtime Kern County
family farming collective, to secure water for the 12,000-home Saltworks
development between San Francisco and San Jose.
<more> March 2, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
CRP signup later this year - - To ensure USDA
maximizes CRP enrollment, Ag Secretary Vilsack has announced that a general
signup in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) will be held later this
year, with program details and signup start date announced as soon as an
Environmental Impact Statement is completed. “It is my goal to ensure that
we maximize CRP enrollment – and holding a general CRP signup is an
additional step we can take to enroll acres in this program,” said Vilsack.
<more> March 2, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
A workshop is set for Wednesday, March 3 at 1 p.m. at the Mountain View Grange Hall, 9737 Crows Landing Road, Crows Landing. .Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will discuss the rule. All area dairy producers are invited.
Diesel Truck Rule informational meeting Friday, March 5 at 10 a.m., Two Rock Fire Hall, 7618 Valley Ford Road Two Rock-Petaluma
Another informational session will be held at WUD’s
annual convention on Wednesday, March 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"Diesel Truck Rule - How to Comply" by Kathleen Mead, Manager, California
Air Resources Board will be held in the Arbor Theatre. More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Monday, March 1, 2010
A stink in Central California over converting cow
manure to electricity - - - - Central California is home to nearly 1.6
million dairy cows and their manure -- up to 192 million pounds per day.
It's a mountain of waste and a potential environmental hazard. But for
dairyman John Fiscalini, the dung on his farm is renewable gold: He's
converting it into electricity. At his farm outside Modesto, a torrent of
water washes across the barn's concrete floor several times a day, flushing
tons of manure away from his herd of fuzzy-faced Holsteins and into nearby
tanks. There, bacteria consume the waste and release methane, which is then
burned in a generator capable of producing enough power to run Fiscalini's
530-acre farm, his cheese factory and 200 additional homes. Fiscalini's
resourcefulness should be drawing accolades, considering that state mandates
are requiring California industries to boost renewable energy use and slash
greenhouse gas emissions sharply over the next 10 years. But efforts to
convert cow pies into power have sparked controversy. State air quality
control regulators say these "dairy digester" systems can generate pollution
themselves and, unless the devices are overhauled, are refusing to issue
permits for them. The standoff underscores how conflicting regulatory
mandates are making it hard for California to meet its green-energy goals.
<more> March 1, 2010 LA Times
Manure becomes pollutant as its volume grows
unmanageable - - Nearly 40 years after the first Earth Day, this is
irony: The United States has reduced the manmade pollutants that left its
waterways dead, discolored and occasionally flammable. But now, it has
managed to smother the same waters with the most natural stuff in the world.
Animal manure, a byproduct as old as agriculture, has become an unlikely
modern pollution problem, scientists and environmentalists say. The country
simply has more dung than it can handle: Crowded together at a new breed of
megafarms, livestock produce three times as much waste as people, more than
can be recycled as fertilizer for nearby fields. That excess manure gives
off air pollutants, and it is the country's fastest-growing large source of
methane, a greenhouse gas.
<more> March 1, 2010 Washington Post
USDA issues final decision on large producer milk
bottlers - - The USDA issued its final decision Friday to limit the
unfair pricing exemption enjoyed by large, vertically-integrated
farmer-owned bottling plants, which according to the national Milk Producers
federation (NMPF) will close the loophole for the largest “producer-handler”
milk bottlers. Under rule changes to be published this week in the Federal
Register, the producer-handler definitions in all Federal Milk Marketing
Orders will be amended so that only farms with bottled milk sales of three
million pounds or less per month remain exempt from the pooling provisions.
Producer-handlers with sales more than that will be treated the same as
other bottling operations that don’t own farms, and will have to pay Class I
differentials into the shared producer revenue pool effective in their
respective Federal Order regions. <more>
March 1, 2010 NMPF Press Release
Senators to propose abandoning cap-and-trade
- - Three key senators are engaged in a radical behind-the-scenes overhaul
of climate legislation, preparing to jettison the broad "cap-and-trade"
approach that has defined the legislative debate for close to a decade. The
sharp change of direction demonstrates the extent to which the cap-and-trade
strategy -- allowing facilities to buy and sell pollution credits in order
to meet a national limit on greenhouse gas emissions -- has become political
poison. In a private meeting with several environmental leaders on
Wednesday, according to participants, Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.),
declared, "Cap-and-trade is dead."
<more> March 1, 2010 Washington Post
CAFOs may have to report hydrogen sulfide
emissions - - The EPA says it is considering requiring industrial
facilities, including concentrated animal feeding operations, to report
releases of hydrogen sulfide. The agency says the agent is harmful to human
health and the environment and must be reported to the Toxics Release
Inventory under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).
<more> March 1, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
California study of land use theories underway
- - An expert workgroup created by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
held its first meeting last week. That group is charged with refining and
improving CARB’s controversial land use and indirect effect analysis of
transportation fuels. The expert workgroup will evaluate factors that might
impact the land use values of biofuels, such as agricultural yield
improvements, co-products such as distillers grains, and food price
elasticity. The workgroup must submit its recommendations to the CARB board
by Jan. 1, 2011.
<more> March 1, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
LA Times editorial: A registry of animal abusers
is a bad idea - - Oh heck, why dither: The proposal by state Sen. Dean
Florez (D-Shafter) to create a registry of animal abusers -- to be funded by
a new tax on pet food -- is a cockamamie idea. Animal protection is rightly
a concern of most Californians, and the state has some of the stiffest laws
in the nation against illegal enterprises such as dogfighting and
cockfighting. California is also in the forefront of the national movement
to improve treatment of farm animals, and Florez deserves credit for
championing this cause.
<more> March 1, 2010 LA Times
Bill aims to stop farmers from selling water
pacts - - How can Valley farmers ask for more water if they are making
money selling what they already have to cities outside the region? It has
happened only a few times in the last couple of decades. But one time is too
many for a Valley lawmaker who has introduced legislation to stop the
practice for state water contractors. Assembly Member Juan Arambula,
I-Fresno, said the ag-to-city transfers make it harder to build sympathy for
the Valley’s farm water plight.<more>
March 1, 2010 Fresno Bee
Sacramento Bee Editorial: Westlands wins, but at
what cost? - - Over the past year, the Westlands Water District and
other irrigation districts in the San Joaquin Valley have engaged in a
dangerous campaign of misinformation. They brought in Fox News' Sean Hannity
to spout his claim that farmers in California "are losing their land, their
crops and their livelihood all because of a 2-inch fish." They've portrayed
the San Joaquin Valley as a "dust bowl." And they've tried to sell the
public on the idea that a "man-made drought" is harming farmers, not the low
precipitation of the last three years. It makes for great propaganda, but
lousy policy.
<more> Feb. 27, 2010 Sacramento Bee
North Valley Cal Poly dairy fundraiser successful
- - North valley supporters of the Cal Poly Dairy made the cull cow
fundraiser a success. The north valley efforts brought in over 60-head of
cattle. Additionally, numerous donors have also contributed cash and in-kind
donations to the cause. The fundraiser, held during the last week of
January, was a combined effort between the Turlock Livestock Auction Yard in
Turlock, Escalon Livestock Market in Escalon and Farmers Livestock Auction
in Oakdale. During the last week of January all of these auction yards,
waived their commission fees and assisted in the success of the fundraiser.
Fundraising effort for the Cal Poly Dairy Farm are on-going, cull cows and
cash donations are still being accepted. Cull cow donations can still be
made through any auction yard with the checks made payable to: Tulare Sales
Yard/Cal Poly Dairy; 4013 South "K" Street, Tulare, CA 93274. If you are
interested in donating, or being involved in preserving the legacy of the
Cal Poly Dairy Farm, please contact Dr. Bruce Golden at (805) 756-2560 or
e-mail bgolden@calpoly.edu.
March 1, 2010 Save the Cal Poly Cows
Help Us Save Money and Be More Efficient - -
Western United Dairymen publishes a weekly newsletter for our members. The
Weekly Update is published every Friday, except for holidays, and delivered
to members and non-members. The main delivery system is the U.S. Postal
Service. As many of you know, postal costs continue to rise and postage
costs for mailing the Weekly Update have become significant. To cut down on
costs, WUD is offering alternative delivery systems for our members:
•
Email delivery. A PDF file of the Weekly Update can be sent directly to
your inbox.
• Visit our website. The Weekly Update is posted each Friday on our website
at www.westernuniteddairymen.com
• Fax. The four-page document can be faxed directly to your home or business
line.
Please click here to download a form you can fill out and give it to
your local WUD Field representative, fax it back to WUD at 209-527-0630 or
email to info@westernuniteddairymen.com
Feb. 25, 2010
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
A workshop is set for Wednesday, March 3 at 1 p.m. at the Mountain View Grange Hall, 9737 Crows Landing Road, Crows Landing. .Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will discuss the rule. All area dairy producers are invited.
Diesel Truck Rule informational meeting Friday, March 5 at 10 a.m., Two Rock Fire Hall, 7618 Valley Ford Road Two Rock-Petaluma
Another informational session will be held at WUD’s
annual convention on Wednesday, March 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"Diesel Truck Rule - How to Comply" by Kathleen Mead, Manager, California
Air Resources Board will be held in the Arbor Theatre. More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Friday, Feb. 26, 2010
West
Side farmers could see 30% water allocation, says Interior - - Interior
Secretary Ken Salazar announced Friday that west-side Valley farmers will
get up to 30% of their contracted water allotments if California has average
rain and snowfall, but as little as 5% if dry weather sets in. He said
federal officials also will attempt to boost water supplies by another 10%
by obtaining water from other sources, such as Metropolitan Water District
of Southern California and excess flow from the San Joaquin River
restoration.
<more> Feb. 26, 2010 Dept of Interior Press Release
State
Water Project boosts allocation to 15 percent - - The California
Department of Water Resources says those who buy water from the State Water
Project should get 15 percent of their contracted amounts this year, thanks
to heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada. The allocation had been set at 5
percent. “This is still one of the lowest allocations in the history of the
State Water Project,” says DWR Director Mark Cowin.
<more> Feb. 26, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Former
Humboldt Creamery CEO hearing changed - - Former Humboldt Creamery CEO
Rich Ghilarducci's scheduled change-of-plea-agreement hearing in federal
court has been changed to a status hearing, leaving some former creamery
members uncertain of the status of the case. ”My understanding is that on
March 3 he will be arraigned, and there will be a status hearing,” said U.S.
Attorney's Office spokesman Jack Gillund.
<more> Feb. 26, 2010 Eureka Times Standard
Pasture production focus of March 3 workshop - - Improving Pasture
Production for Profits is the focus of a workshop to be held Wednesday,
March 3, at the Two Rock Fire Hall. Sponsored by WUD, UC Cooperative
Extension and Sonoma County Farm Bureau, the workshop is designed for dairy
producers and rangeland managers. The session runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There is no cost and lunch is included. Topics include Tomales Bay
Conditional Grazing Waiver Program, Pasturing Cows from Sustainable Center
and Pasture Grazing and Weed Control. RSVP to Kathy at (707) 565-2621.
Feb. 26, 2010 UCCE Notice
Numbers show dairy not out of the woods - - The nation’s dairy producers
had a rough year in ’09 and they’re not out of the woods yet. USDA
statistics this week show more than 21-hundred dairies, most of which had
100 cows or less, stopped operating but milk production only slowed
three-tenths of one-percent.
<more> Feb. 26, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Dairy
slaughter numbers up slightly - - Slightly more dairy cows went to
slaughter in January than in December. According to USDA’s “Livestock
Slaughter” report released Friday morning, 232,000 dairy cows were
slaughtered in January, compared to 231,000 in December. The same month a
year earlier, 281,000 dairy cows were slaughtered. Feb. 26, 2010 Dairy
Herd Management
Wal-Mart puts onus on suppliers to cut greenhouse gases - - Wal-Mart
Stores, Inc., is putting the onus on its suppliers as part of a goal to cut
20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from the retailer’s
global supply chain over the next five years. The world’s biggest retailer
is partnering with the Environmental Defense Fund to work with Wal-Mart
suppliers on identifying ways to reduce pollution and energy costs,
according to a joint statement today.<more>
Feb. 26, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Animal well being workshop in Escalon well
received - - Curt Pate does not stand behind a cow when he is trying to
get her to move. Instead, he keeps to the animal's side so she can see him
and know he's not a threat. That was one of the tips that Pate, a
Montana-based expert in livestock handling, offered to about 90 people in
the beef and dairy industries Wednesday. He said proper treatment will keep
the animals from getting stressed and help these industries fend off abuse
charges from critics.
<more> Feb. 26, 2010 Modesto Bee
Dairy Industry Raises a Glass of Milk to Let's Move! Campaign -- The creators of the popular Milk Mustache "got milk?" Campaign are toasting the new Let's Move! initiative that was unveiled by First Lady Michelle Obama. Instead of the latest celebrity sporting a white upper lip, the new ad features children - who have the most to gain from the new Let's Move! program, which aims to solve the childhood obesity problem in a generation. <more> Feb. 26, 2010 Milk Processor Education Program Press Release
Help Us Save Money and Be More Efficient - -
Western United Dairymen publishes a weekly newsletter for our members. The
Weekly Update is published every Friday, except for holidays, and delivered
to members and non-members. The main delivery system is the U.S. Postal
Service. As many of you know, postal costs continue to rise and postage
costs for mailing the Weekly Update have become significant. To cut down on
costs, WUD is offering alternative delivery systems for our members:
• Email delivery. A PDF file of the Weekly Update can be sent directly to
your inbox.
• Visit our website. The Weekly Update is posted each Friday on our website
at
www.westernuniteddairymen.com
• Fax. The four-page document can be faxed directly to your home or business
line.
Please click here to download a form you can fill out and give it to
your local WUD Field representative, fax it back to WUD at 209-527-0630 or
email to
info@westernuniteddairymen.com Feb. 25, 2010
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
A workshop is set for Wednesday, March 3 at 1 p.m. at the Mountain View Grange Hall, 9737 Crows Landing Road, Crows Landing. .Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will discuss the rule. All area dairy producers are invited.
Diesel Truck Rule informational meeting Friday, March 5 at 10 a.m., Two Rock Fire Hall, 7618 Valley Ford Road Two Rock-Petaluma
Another informational session will be held at WUD’s
annual convention on Wednesday, March 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"Diesel Truck Rule - How to Comply" by Kathleen Mead, Manager, California
Air Resources Board will be held in the Arbor Theatre. More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010
Effort
to speed digester approval - - Several California state agencies are
touting a project that they say will get dairy digesters up and running more
quickly. The effort involves developing a "programmatic environmental impact
report" that would smooth the environmental approval process. It follows an
executive order by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to cut permitting time for
renewable-energy projects. The agencies say the new EIR could reduce the
time required for water-quality permitting by up to 75 percent, and
air-quality permitting time by half.
<more> Feb. 25, 2010 Capital Press
Meat
Industry Defends Antibiotic Use - - Top meat industry groups held
briefings on Capitol Hill Tuesday defending the use of antibiotics as a
critical tool for animal health. The briefings come two weeks after CBS
Evening News with Katie Couric broadcast a two-part series criticizing the
widespread use of antibiotics in food animal production. Those in the meat
business have been actively pushing back against the criticism, partly
fueled by concern it could build momentum for legislation that would ban the
subtherapeutic use of antibiotics in animal feed in an effort to curb
growing antibiotic resistance.
<more> Feb. 25, 2010 Food Safety News
Study:
Avoiding Dairy Due to Lactose Intolerance is Unnecessary in Most Cases -
- People may avoid milk and other dairy products due to concerns about
lactose intolerance, but eliminating these nutrient-rich foods may not only
be unnecessary to manage the condition - it could impact diet and health,
concludes a panel of experts assembled by the National Institutes of Health
(NIH).
<more> Feb. 25, 2010 WhyMilk.com
New
bills address environmental, labor, water issues -- Several
agriculture-related bills, covering topics ranging from water transfers and
environmental rules to labor, licensing and product pricing, were introduced
in the California Legislature by the Feb. 19 filing deadline. A
rundown:
<more> Feb. 25, 2010 Capital Press
Report
finds E-Verify misses half of illegal workers - - The system Congress
and the Obama administration want employers to use to help curb illegal
immigration is failing to catch more than half of the unauthorized workers
it checks, a research company has found.The online tool E-Verify, now used
voluntarily by employers, wrongly clears illegal workers about 54 percent of
the time, according to Westat, a research company that evaluated the system
for the Homeland Security Department. E-Verify missed so many illegal
workers mainly because it can’t detect identity fraud, Westat said.
<more> Feb. 25, 2010 AP
Help Us Save Money and Be More Efficient - -
Western United Dairymen publishes a weekly newsletter for our members. The
Weekly Update is published every Friday, except for holidays, and delivered
to members and non-members. The main delivery system is the U.S. Postal
Service. As many of you know, postal costs continue to rise and postage
costs for mailing the Weekly Update have become significant. To cut down on
costs, WUD is offering alternative delivery systems for our members:
• Email delivery. A PDF file of the Weekly Update can be sent directly to
your inbox.
• Visit our website. The Weekly Update is posted each Friday on our website
at
www.westernuniteddairymen.com
• Fax. The four-page document can be faxed directly to your home or business
line.
Please click here to download a form you can fill out and give it to
your local WUD Field representative, fax it back to WUD at 209-527-0630 or
email to
info@westernuniteddairymen.com Feb. 25, 2010
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
A Diesel Truck Rule Informational Meeting will be held Friday, Feb. 26, at 11 a.m. at the SFA Portuguese Hall, 800 South 3rd Street, Chowchilla. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will discuss the rule. All area dairy producers are invited.
A workshop is set for Wednesday, March 3 at 1 p.m. at the Mountain View Grange Hall, 9737 Crows Landing Road, Crows Landing. .Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will discuss the rule. All area dairy producers are invited.
Diesel Truck Rule informational meeting Friday, March 5 at 10 a.m., Two Rock Fire Hall, 7618 Valley Ford Road Two Rock-Petaluma
Another informational session will be held at WUD’s
annual convention on Wednesday, March 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"Diesel Truck Rule - How to Comply" by Kathleen Mead, Manager, California
Air Resources Board will be held in the Arbor Theatre. More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Water
bond needed to protect water, environment, economy - - By Jim Earp,
executive director of the California Alliance for Jobs - -There is universal
consensus among scientists, academics and water experts that California’s
water system is at risk of catastrophic failure unless we take action now to
reverse decades of neglect. Immediate and decisive action is needed now to
begin reversing decades of neglect and to prevent the sudden, systemic
failure of our water system in the event of an earthquake or flood, which
would cripple the Golden State.
<more> Feb. 25, 2010 Capitol Weekly
Dairymen keep lenders close - - The downturn in global and domestic milk
markets has driven dairymen from profit to peril. "This is the most
devastating year we've ever had; it's affected everyone's equity positions,"
said Adrian Boer, who operates one dairy in Jerome County, Idaho, and two in
Gooding County. Boer grew up in the dairy business in California and has
been an Idaho dairyman for 30 years.
<more> Feb. 25, 2010 Capital Press
California senators invited to meeting on water -- Democratic Sen.
Dianne Feinstein's controversial bid to divert more water to Valley farms
didn't get the traction she might have once hoped for in a Senate bill
approved Wednesday. But Feinstein's bid still might be gaining steam.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar quietly invited Feinstein and California's
other senator, Barbara Boxer, and a number of House members to meet late
this afternoon. The unusual, closed-door session will occur just as the
Interior Department prepares a crucial water allocation decision.
<more> Feb. 25, 2010 Fresno Bee
EPA will create rules for spraying near water by April 2011 - - The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to review a legal dispute over regulating pesticides as pollutants under the Clean Water Act, potentially exposing thousands of farmers to environmental litigation, critics say. Agricultural and pesticide groups had challenged a previous court ruling that held that pesticides applied over or near waterways should be subject to Clean Water Act regulations. Pesticides were already subject to environmental restrictions under another statute -- the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act -- before the 2009 decision by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The American Farm Bureau Federation and CropLife America claimed the ruling will drastically expand the Clean Water Act's scope and unnecessarily saddle farmers and pesticide manufacturers with a burdensome new layer of regulations. <more> Feb. 25, 2010 Capital Press
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010
U.S. dairy herd expands - - The U.S. milk cow
herd increased in January for the first time in at least a year, suggesting
some producers see profitable times returning following a prolonged slump.
The nation’s milk cow herd at the end of January rose to 9.085 million head
from 9.082 million at the end of December, USDA says in its monthly "Milk
Production" report. January’s milk cow herd was still down 2.4 percent from
a year ago.
<more> Feb. 24, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
A Diesel Truck Rule Informational Meeting will be held Friday, Feb. 26, at 11 a.m. at the SFA Portuguese Hall, 800 South 3rd Street, Chowchilla. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will discuss the rule. All area dairy producers are invited.
A workshop is set for Wednesday, March 3 at 1 p.m. at the Mountain View Grange Hall, 9737 Crows Landing Road, Crows Landing. .Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will discuss the rule. All area dairy producers are invited.
Diesel Truck Rule informational meeting Friday, March 5 at 10 a.m., Two Rock Fire Hall, 7618 Valley Ford Road Two Rock-Petaluma
Another informational session will be held at WUD’s
annual convention on Wednesday, March 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"Diesel Truck Rule - How to Comply" by Kathleen Mead, Manager, California
Air Resources Board will be held in the Arbor Theatre. More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Raw Milk Recall Underway in WA - - A
regulated raw milk dairy in Washington State Tuesday recalled its raw fluid
milk because it may be contaminated with dangerous Escherichia coli bacteria
(E. coli). The recall came after the Washington State Department of
Agriculture (WSDA) found raw milk at Jackie's Jersey Milk was contaminated
with shiga toxin-producing E. coli. The dairy said it was fully cooperating
with the WSDA in an investigation into the source of the problem.
<more> Feb. 24, 2010 Food Safety News
Supreme Court Denies 3 High-Profile Environmental
Cases - - In its first set of orders since returning from a month long
recess, the Supreme Court declined yesterday to consider three separate
industry challenges to federal environmental regulations. Environmentalists
hailed the court's decision not to review a year-old ruling requiring
farmers to secure Clean Water Act approval for the use of pesticides already
permitted under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. U.S.
EPA is now reviewing the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System to
devise a permitting system that complies with the ruling.
<more> Feb. 24, 2010 NY Times
Dairy Groups Support the Cuba Travel Restriction
Reform - - The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S.
Dairy Export Council (USDEC) applauded yesterday’s introduction of a House
bill that would allow for open travel for all Americans to Cuba and further
facilitate U.S. agricultural exports to that nation. The Travel Restriction
Reform and Export Enhancement Act (H.R. 4645) was offered by House
Agriculture Committee Chairman, Collin Peterson, and is currently
co-sponsored by 33 other Members of Congress, including Representatives
Jerry Moran of Kansas, Rosa L. DeLauro of Connecticut and Jo Ann Emerson of
Missouri.
<more> Feb. 24, 2010 Cattle Network.com
Animal traceability faces challenges - - To
the elation of its vocal critics, earlier this month USDA gutted its
voluntary National Animal Identification System (NAIS) after nearly 10 years
of development. The agency is shifting its focus away from animal
identification toward animal traceability, which is really just a matter of
semantics, but the announcement was greeted with great joy by anti-NAIS
voices. The USDA’s announcement to fold their tent on the current NAIS
proposals is an all-too-rare victory of the nation’s family farmers over the
political power of corporate agribusiness, says Mark Kastel, senior farm
policy analyst at the Cornucopia Institute.
<more> Feb. 24, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Should Small, Sustainable Farms Fear Food Safety
Act? - - The debate over whether the pending Senate food safety
legislation would have a disparate impact on small and mid-sized farmers has
been reignited as it's rumored the upper chamber might consider the bill
sometime soon. The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (S. 510), which would
increase the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) authority and
mandate to regulate the food supply, has been stalled behind health care
reform since being unanimously voted out of committee in mid-November.
<more> Feb. 24, 2010 Food Safety News
Sparse supply raises groundwater regulation issue
- - Anybody want to regulate groundwater pumping? That was the sensitive
topic brought up at Monday night's Kings County Water Commission meeting --
the commission's second meeting in a row where the subject popped up for
discussion. The conversation ended up the same way -- nobody wants to touch
it right now.
<more> Feb. 24, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
Yellow Tail shows support for farmers and
ranchers - - The Animal Agriculture Alliance commends Casella Wines, the
Australian producers of Yellow Tail, on their commitment to support farmers
and ranchers around the world. "The people at Yellow Tail have worked with
us over the past few days in what we believe is a genuine effort to repair
ill feeling caused by the sponsorship of the Humane Society of the United
States. We are satisfied the controversy and anxiety it caused was
unintentional," said Kay Johnson Smith, Executive Vice President. "They have
committed to, in the future, only supporting welfare organizations with a
sole commitment to animal care. As farmers themselves, they’re committed to
supporting agriculture, as evidenced by their annual upcoming barbeque
promotion."
<more> Feb.24, 2010 Drovers.com
Cows that moo…and tweet! - - Some of Chris
Vandenberg’s cows on his Canadian dairy have their own Twitter accounts and
are merrily tweeting away as they go about their daily lives! Here’s how it
works. In order to be milked by the robotic milking machine, each cow wears
an electronic tag around her neck that tells the robot when she was last
milked and tracks how much milk she produces etc. The tags on 12 of Chris’
cows are connected to Twitter, sending a tweet when they interact with the
robot.
<more> Feb. 24, 2010 Food and Farming Canada
Why should ag care about social media? - - Why should agriculture care about social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube? It’s really quite simple. Because the rest of the universe does and there certainly is a face being put on the agrifood business. If you’re not at the table, you can’t be a part of constructing that face – nor can you counter the misinformation campaigns. My research clearly shows HSUS, PETA, Sierra Club, Greenpeace and other activists working against ag are growing their communities nearly 40-fold in a year’s time. I believe we have a responsibility to provide perspective to counter the misinformation and be a voice in the conversation. <more> Feb. 24, 2010 Cause Matters
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010
Feb. 24 deadline for special convention hotel
rate - -
Western United Dairymen holds its annual convention in Modesto on March
10-12. WUD members are urged to make plans now to attend this compelling and
informative dairy gathering.
Registration information is being mailed to all WUD members. For those
who would like to obtain that information quicker, it is available on the WUD
website at http://www.westernuniteddairymen. Click on the convention section
highlighted on the front page. Registration forms for both members and
non-members can be downloaded, along with complete schedules for each of the
three days.
February 24 is the hotel deadline to receive the special discounted WUD
convention rate. Rooms at the Modesto Doubletree may be booked either by calling
the hotel directly at (209) 525-3045 or (209) 526-6000. Be sure to request the
“Western United Dairymen Room Block” to receive the convention rate, starting at
$128. Rooms can also be reserved online at
www.Modesto.Doubletree.com.
Go to the “Reservations” button. Enter the hotel location, arrival and departure
dates, the number of rooms needed, and room type preferences. At the “Special
Accounts” section, go to “Group/Convention Code” and enter “WES”. Group rates
starting at $128 will appear. Click on the circle next to the available rate and
choose “Continue”. Enter your contact information and click “Book Now”. Your
reservation will automatically be added to the “WUD” room block.
Farmers wrangle over organic dairy standards
- - When you drink a glass of organic milk, how do you think it was made?
You may picture cows grazing in pasture. You may think the cows never had
antibiotics. You may expect a guarantee that they haven't eaten genetically
modified feed. These are some of the perceptions that prompt shoppers to buy
organic products, but the truth is more complicated.
<more> Feb. 23, 2010 Fresno Bee
Raw milk debate spills into capitols, courts -
- Debate about the health attributes and risks of raw milk is spilling into
statehouses and courtrooms across the country as proponents of unpasteurized
dairy products push to make them easier for consumers to buy. Supporters of
the raw milk cause say pasteurization, the process of heating milk to
destroy bacteria and extend shelf life, destroys important nutrients and
enzymes.
<more> Feb. 23, 2010 AP
Proposed Clean Water Act revision could have huge impact
on farmers- - Many farmers and ranchers have low places that hold water
on their land during the rainy season. Those prairie potholes or playa lakes
or dry washes rarely get more than a passing thought for most of the year.
But they could begin to loom much larger in farm and ranch operators’ minds
if the Clean Water Restoration Act that is currently stalled in the Senate
begins to gain traction, says Colin Woodall, vice president, government
affairs, for the NCBA. Speaking at the Cattlemen’s College during the Cattle
Industry Annual Convention in San Antonio, Woodall said the debate centers
on removing the term “navigable” from waters of the United States in the
Clean Water Act. “If they redefine by removing the term navigable, it will
allow most every water body that’s out there to be regulated by EPA and the
Army Corps of Engineers. We’re talking about prairie potholes, playa lakes,
dry washes, any sort of depression that holds water in the rainy season.
Those could all potentially be under the regulation of EPA.”
<more> Feb. 23, 2010 Western Farm Press
EPA lays out timetable for regulating greenhouse
gas emissions - - EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson laid out the
timetable for regulating greenhouse gas emissions Monday, writing in a
letter to lawmakers that she plans to start targeting large facilities such
as power plants next year but won't target small emitters before 2016. The
letter makes it clear the Obama administration will move ahead with curbing
global warming pollution under the Clean Air Act unless Congress moves to
stop it. Jackson emphasized that the administration was required to act
under a 2007 Supreme Court decision that said greenhouse gases from motor
vehicles qualified as a pollutant under the 40-year-old air-quality law.
Jackson was responding to a letter several coal-state senators sent her late
Friday.
<more> Feb. 23, 2010 Washington Post
Racketeering lawsuit fingers HSUS - - -In a
landmark RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) lawsuit
certain to have far-reaching implications for the animal rights movement,
Feld Entertainment and the Ringling Brothers circus sued the Humane Society
of the United States (HSUS), its lawyers, and several other animal rights
groups last week. The nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) unearthed
the lawsuit in federal court records today. CCF is making the lawsuit
available online at its newest website,
www.HumaneWatch.org. In its February 16 lawsuit, Feld leveled
bribery, fraud, obstruction of justice, and money laundering charges against
HSUS and two of its corporate attorneys; three other animal rights groups;
the Washington, DC law firm of Meyer Glitzenstein & Crystal; and all three
of that firm’s named partners.
<more> Feb.23, 2010 HumaneWatch.org
Barnyard brawl a-comin': Food sector lobbyists
launch website aimed at the Humane Society - - Get ready for a food
fight. Animal rights groups have long kept a sharp eye (and a bounty of
hidden cameras) on livestock farmers and others who raise animals for meat
production. Now, the food producers are turning the tables: They’re siccing
their own watchdog on the animal world’s largest guardian – the Humane
Society of the United States. Last week, the Center for Consumer Freedom
launched HumaneWatch.org. Its purpose? To analyze each and every step the
Humane Society of the United States takes.
<more> Feb. 23, 2010 LA Times
Sen. Florez targets pet abuse -- California
may soon place animal abusers on the same level as sex offenders by listing
them in an online registry, complete with their home addresses and places of
employment. The proposal, made in a bill introduced Friday by the state
Senate's majority leader, Dean Florez, D-Shafter, would be the first of its
kind in the country and is just the latest law geared toward animal rights
in a state that has recently given new protections to chickens, pigs and
cattle.
<more> Feb. 22, 2010 NY Times
Editorial: Registering animal abusers unnecessary
- - Maybe state Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez didn't get the memo, the
one about how most voters and taxpayers seem to want less bureaucracy and
about how government agencies are struggling just to keep up. Florez on
Monday announced legislation that would require California law enforcement
to begin formally registering people convicted of animal cruelty or abuse,
much like the current registration systems for sex offenders and arsonists.
But why set up a special procedure for attempting to track animal abusers as
opposed to, say, armed robbers or kidnappers or drunken drivers? Or, for
that matter, those who abuse children or the elderly.
<more> Feb. 23, 2010 Monterey Herald
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board.
A Diesel Truck Rule Informational Meeting will be held Friday, Feb. 26, at 11 a.m. at the SFA Portuguese Hall, 800 South 3rd Street, Chowchilla. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will discuss the rule. All area dairy producers are invited.
A workshop is set for Wednesday, March 3 at 1 p.m. at the Mountain View Grange Hall, 9737 Crows Landing Road, Crows Landing. .Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, will discuss the rule. All area dairy producers are invited.
Another informational session will be held at WUD’s
annual convention on Wednesday, March 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"Diesel Truck Rule - How to Comply" by Kathleen Mead, Manager, California
Air Resources Board will be held in the Arbor Theatre. More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area.
Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Farmworkers against California water bond- -
By Arturo Rodriguez, United Farm Workers President - - Expensive
water: $11 billion, or $800 million in annual debt payments for the next 30
years. That's how much Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's water bond will cost
California's taxpayers and their children to subsidize the agricultural
industry for decades to come. Gov. Schwarzenegger obviously agrees that
water is valuable and essential to human life. Yet, every time a farmworker
dies from heat-related illness or dehydration, we're told that the state
can't afford the cost of enforcing the laws to protect him or her. The water
bond that was recently approved by our lawmakers will give agricultural
companies billions more in subsidized water. The state treasurer has asked
the right question: Why aren't these giant ag industry operators paying for
their water like everyone else?
<more> Feb.23, 2010 SF Chronicle
Modesto Bee Editorial: Feinstein water plan
crucial for farmers - - We were pleased when Sen. Dianne Feinstein
proposed an amendment to the federal jobs bill that would temporarily modify
pumping restrictions and give farmers up to 40 percent of their normal
allocation. Many farmers along the valley's West Side received only 10
percent of their federal allotments last year, and fear they will receive
event less next year. Feinstein's proposal was -- and is -- a reasonable
solution to the water allocation disparity. It would not do away with the
Endangered Species Act, which has caused some of the pumping restrictions,
but would provide some critical temporary relief for hard-hit farmers and
farming communities.
<more> Feb. 23, 2010 Modesto Bee
Modesto students drink it all in - - Roxy the
cow stood patiently Monday as elementary students looked her over from head
to hoof.She came to Mildred Perkins School in northwest Modesto through a
program sponsored by the Dairy Council of California. Roxy stayed in her
open-sided trailer as handler Heston Nunes described her anatomy, her care
and the processing of her milk. The third- through fifth-graders at the
schoolyard lesson were impressed.
<more> Feb. 23, 2010 Modesto Bee
Hilmar Cheese Company lowers SCC - - In a
letter to its producers, Hilmar Cheese Company announced that it has lowered
its somatic cell count (SCC) level to a maximum of 400,000.“In order to
maintain our position in the global market place, Hilmar Cheese Company,
Inc., must meet certain quality criteria established by each country or
region with which we do business,” wrote John Jeter, chief executive officer
and president. “Effective Jan 26, 2010 and without prior notice to the U.S.
dairy industry, the European Union (EU) changed its requirements to a
maximum of 400,000 SCC per dairy. Therefore, we must immediately tighten our
raw milk SCC standards to meet the needs of our international customers.”
<more> Feb. 23, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Capitol Hill gets education on antibiotics -
- Today, livestock and poultry groups hosted educational briefings on
Capitol Hill to share the facts about the importance of tools like
antibiotics in raising healthy food animals. The informational sessions were
co-hosted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association through beef checkoff
funding, the National Chicken Council, National Pork Producers Council,
National Milk Producers Federation, National Turkey Federation, American
Meat Institute and National Meat Association.
<more> Feb. 23, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Wisconsin narrows milk-production gap with California -- California still leads the nation in milk production, but second-place Wisconsin is slowly closing the gap. Milk production in Wisconsin was up 5 percent last month compared to the previous January. That was the highest rate of increase in the nation. According to the USDA, Wisconsin produced 2.2 billion pounds of milk last month. That's 97 million pounds more than in January 2009. California, meanwhile, had a 2 percent drop over the same period. But it's still comfortably in the lead, having produced 3.4 billion pounds last month. Feb. 23, 2010 AP
Monday, Feb. 22, 2010
Sen. Florez targets pet abuse -- California
may soon place animal abusers on the same level as sex offenders by listing
them in an online registry, complete with their home addresses and places of
employment. The proposal, made in a bill introduced Friday by the state
Senate's majority leader, Dean Florez, D-Shafter, would be the first of its
kind in the country and is just the latest law geared toward animal rights
in a state that has recently given new protections to chickens, pigs and
cattle.
<more> Feb. 22, 2010 NY Times
Despite dire predictions, state farm jobs aren't
disappearing says economist - - When California Sen. Dianne Feinstein
drafted legislation that would weaken endangered species protections to
deliver more water to San Joaquin Valley farms, her rationale was jobs.
"People in California's breadbasket face complete economic ruin," the
Democrat said in a recent statement. She was joining a chorus of Central
Valley politicians and farm groups that during the last year have painted
the region as a dust bowl, beset by drought and environmental protections
that are cutting vital water deliveries and the jobs that depend on them.
But crop and labor statistics for 2009 belie the image of a withering farm
economy teetering on the edge of collapse. "People make a lot of claims, but
the data you see is showing growth," said Paul Wessen, an economist with the
California Employment Development Department. "We're just not seeing the job
loss."
<more> Feb. 22, 2010 LA Times
Milk board launches new Hispanic marketing effort
- - The California Milk Processor Board, the
state-market trade group that created the original "Got Milk" campaign, is
launching an iteration of its four-year-old California-focused
Hispanic-market "Toma Leche" (drink milk) campaign. The new effort, which
carries the theme "More than Just Milk" (Mucho Más Que Leche), is the
board's biggest Hispanic-market effort to date. It is also the first that
uses radio ads.
<more> Feb. 22, 2010 Mediapost.com
Land O'Lakes Reports Record Net Earnings of $209
Million -- Land O'Lakes, Inc., today released its 2009 financial
results, which included record-high net earnings, achieved in what company
officials termed a difficult and volatile economic environment and
marketplace. Highlights of the release included: * Record net earnings of
$209 million; * Record-high cash returned to members of $108 million; and
Net sales of $10 billion, the company's second-highest revenue total.
<more> Feb. 22, 2010 Land O’Lakes Press Release
Cropp: Exports are key - - Bob Cropp,
professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, offers the
following comments on the current dairy situation and outlook. “Milk prices
weakened some in January but remain well above year ago levels. The December
2009 Class III price was $14.98. The January 2010 Class III price declined
to $14.50, but $3.52 higher than January 2009. We can expect the February
Class III to decline further. Such price declines during this time of the
year are not unusual.”
<more> Feb. 22, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Dan Walters: Workers' comp battle awaits new
governor - - When Arnold Schwarzenegger deigns to catalog his
accomplishments, reforming the state's system of compensating workers for
job-related injuries and illnesses ranks high on his list. One of
Schwarzenegger's first acts six years ago was bulldozing the Legislature
into a sweeping overhaul of workers' compensation, reducing both eligibility
for direct payments to disabled workers and medical care costs. The system
is so large that the legislation and the administration's subsequent
implementation rules cut employers' costs by about $15 billion a year, or
approaching $100 billion so far.
<more> Feb. 22, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Feinstein water transfer bill would hurt salmon,
destroy wetlands, critics say - - Sen. Dianne Feinstein has proposed
legislation to make it easier to transfer water to San Joaquin Valley
farmers from other areas of the state, part of her ongoing effort to help
farmers contending with water shortages. Feinstein made headlines last week
with a controversial proposal to amend a federal jobs bill to guarantee San
Joaquin Valley farmers 40 percent of their contract water deliveries from
the federal government. Her "Water Transfer Facilitation Act" has received
far less attention. It was approved by a Senate committee in December and
awaits a floor vote.
<more> Feb. 21, 2010 Sacramento Bee
U.S. Weighs How to Track Diseased Livestock
- - The meat industry is up in arms over a federal decision to abandon a
$120 million livestock-tracking system designed to limit the economic and
human-health impact of animal-disease outbreaks. Meatpackers worry that a
narrower program proposed by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack could
exacerbate worries abroad about U.S. meat exports, while state officials are
concerned the federal government is creating a new regulatory burden for
which states have scant resources.
<more> Feb. 22, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Study evaluates local agricultural production
- - By Don Curlee - - Producing food near population centers is
the dream of locavores, but now it's also the subject of a serious study by
a Ph.D. agricultural resources student at the UC Berkeley. The study
concludes that the benefits of such a massive shift in such production and
distribution methods are not likely to be as substantial as has been
asserted. Furthermore, it suggests that the benefits are dwarfed by the
costs of less-efficient production and reduced access to nutritious food.
<more> Feb. 22, 2010 Visalia Times Delta
Feb. 24 deadline for special convention hotel
rate - -
Western United Dairymen holds its annual convention in Modesto on March
10-12. WUD members are urged to make plans now to attend this compelling and
informative dairy gathering.
Registration information is being mailed to all WUD members. For those
who would like to obtain that information quicker, it is available on the WUD
website at http://www.westernuniteddairymen. Click on the convention section
highlighted on the front page. Registration forms for both members and
non-members can be downloaded, along with complete schedules for each of the
three days.
February 24 is the hotel deadline to receive the special discounted WUD
convention rate. Rooms at the Modesto Doubletree may be booked either by calling
the hotel directly at (209) 525-3045 or (209) 526-6000. Be sure to request the
“Western United Dairymen Room Block” to receive the convention rate, starting at
$128. Rooms can also be reserved online at
www.Modesto.Doubletree.com.
Go to the “Reservations” button. Enter the hotel location, arrival and departure
dates, the number of rooms needed, and room type preferences. At the “Special
Accounts” section, go to “Group/Convention Code” and enter “WES”. Group rates
starting at $128 will appear. Click on the circle next to the available rate and
choose “Continue”. Enter your contact information and click “Book Now”. Your
reservation will automatically be added to the “WUD” room block.
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board. A Diesel Truck Rule Informational Meeting
will be held Friday, Feb. 26, at 11 a.m. at the SFA Portuguese Hall, 800
South 3rd Street, Chowchilla. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist,
will discuss the rule.
Another informational session will be held at WUD’s
annual convention on Wednesday, March 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"Diesel Truck Rule - How to Comply" by Kathleen Mead, Manager, California
Air Resources Board will be held in the Arbor Theatre. More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area. Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
State ag board supports Feinstein’s water efforts - - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture today expressed support for Senator Dianne Feinstein’s current efforts to address California’s ongoing drought. Al Montna, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture made the following statement. “We are pleased that Senator Dianne Feinstein is engaged on this issue and we would be happy to help her in anyway possible. California farmers, ranchers and rural communities are facing significant challenges as a result of the ongoing drought - jobs are being impacted and communities are in need. Allowing drought-impacted farmers flexibility within the water system to hire, plant and harvest with 30-40 percent of water allocations is a positive step forward. Addressing California’s water challenge, while balancing ecosystem needs, is vital for our Central Valley communities.” Feb. 2, 2010 Ag Board Press Release
Friday, Feb. 19, 2010
Milk
production for the month, the year and the decade - - Milk production in
the U.S. in January totaled 16.04 billion pounds, down 0.6 percent from
January of 2009. Production per cow increased 33 pounds to average 1,766 but
the number of dairy cows declined 227,000 from a year ago to 9.085 million
head. However, there were 3,000 more cows than in December. Cow numbers had
declined every month in 2009. Milk production continued to decline in
California in January, 3.37 billion pounds down 2.4 percent from a year
earlier. The Golden State’s dairy herd declined 72,000 head to 1.76 million
cows while production per cow increased 30 pounds to 1,915.
<more> Feb. 19, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Feinstein may drop Valley water plan - - Facing objections from a dozen
West Coast lawmakers, Sen. Dianne Feinstein said Thursday that she might
drop her controversial bid to direct more water to San Joaquin Valley
farmers if the Interior Department takes action on its own. "If there can
be some administrative action taken to take advantage of the recent
bountiful rain and snow and provide reasonable water supplies this year, the
legislation may not be necessary," she wrote to one of the lawmakers late
Thursday, adding that she will "remain open to ideas" offered by other
Democrats.
<more> Feb. 19, 2010 Fresno Bee
Ammonia release reporting at center of HSUS lawsuit - - Olivera Egg
Ranch in French Camp (San Joaquin County) is being sued by the Human Society
of the United States on behalf of 10 area residents who say emissions from
the ranch’s 16.5-acre waste lagoon give them headaches and nausea and also
facing enforcement action from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control
District. The Humane Society lawsuit accuses Olivera of failing for years to
report its air emissions to federal and state agencies. The lawsuit, which
seeks a cleanup and unspecified damages, alleges that "Olivera has
systematically and continuously released unlawful levels of ammonia from the
hen houses and manure lagoon into the local community without reporting them
as required by (federal law) since at least 2004."
<more> Feb. 19, 2010 AP
Washington World Class Cheese Maker Expands Recall - - A World Cheese
Award winner--the Estrella Family Creamery located in southwest Washington
State--is expanding its recall. The 164-acre dairy farm near Montesano, WA,
which is known for its fertile soil and lush pastures, originally recalled
only its Red Darla cheese on Feb. 13. Now the Estrella Family Creamery has
expanded the recall to include Brewleggio, Domino, and Wynoochee River Blue
cheeses in addition to the Red Darla. All could be contaminated with
Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes
fatal infections.
<more> Feb. 19, 2010 Food Safety News
Western United Dairymen holds its annual convention in Modesto on March
10-12. WUD members are urged to make plans now to attend this compelling and
informative dairy gathering.
Registration information is being mailed next week to all WUD members. For those
who would like to obtain that information quicker, it is available on the WUD
website at http://www.westernuniteddairymen. Click on the convention section
highlighted on the front page. Registration forms for both members and
non-members can be downloaded, along with complete schedules for each of the
three days.
February 24 is the hotel deadline to receive the special discounted WUD
convention rate. Rooms at the Modesto Doubletree may be booked either by calling
the hotel directly at (209) 525-3045 or (209) 526-6000. Be sure to request the
“Western United Dairymen Room Block” to receive the convention rate, starting at
$128. Rooms can also be reserved online at
www.Modesto.Doubletree.com.
Go to the “Reservations” button. Enter the hotel location, arrival and departure
dates, the number of rooms needed, and room type preferences. At the “Special
Accounts” section, go to “Group/Convention Code” and enter “WES”. Group rates
starting at $128 will appear. Click on the circle next to the available rate and
choose “Continue”. Enter your contact information and click “Book Now”. Your
reservation will automatically be added to the “WUD” room block.Dairy
processors to become energy efficient - - The International Dairy Foods
Association has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency to promote increased energy efficiency in
U.S. dairy processing facilities. Through the agency's ENERGY STAR program,
IDFA and EPA will work together to provide valuable management tools to help
dairy processors measure and control energy in their manufacturing
facilities and document energy savings achieved.
<more> Feb. 19, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
New approach
needed to environmental regulations, says study - -
A policy brief released this week
by a UC Berkeley think-tank says that California needs regulatory reforms if
it hopes to address the state’s renewable energy challenges and climate
change. The
Berkeley Energy and Resources Collaborative
focused on methane digesters and
the complex and conflicting regulations that have hampered development of
the highly touted renewable energy source. The publication “Methane
Digesters” A Case for Cross-Media Environmental decision Making” highlights
the potential benefits of applying anaerobic methane digester technology to
produce low-carbon, renewable energy from livestock waste. Citing the many
regulatory barriers facing deployment of methane digester technology, the
policy brief concludes “a new multi-jurisdictional approach to environmental
permitting is essential in order to achieve California’s GHG emissions
reduction mandate and Gov. Schwarzenegger’s 33% Renewable Portfolio Standard
goal in a timely, effective manner.” The full study can be downloaded
by clicking here. Feb. 19, 2010
BERC
press release
North
state lawsuit a major
onslaught in war over water - - Invoking the specter of a century-old
Los Angeles water grab, Northern California farmers have filed a lawsuit
that may escalate the state's ongoing water crisis. The farmers say the San
Joaquin Valley communities hardest hit by drought and new protections for
endangered species in the Delta — including the nation's largest irrigation
district — are nevertheless illegally getting water that belongs to the
northerners.
<more> Feb. 19, 2010 Contra Costa Times
Poll
shows water bond failing - - A poll commissioned by opponents of an $11
billion water bond shows only 34% of respondents planning to vote yes on the
state ballot measure in November, while 55% said they'll vote no and 11%
remain undecided. "We are encouraged to see that voters across California
share our view that this bond is a bad deal for taxpayers," said Tina
Andolina, Legislative Director for the Planning and Conservation League. The
poll, by Tulchin Research, surveyed 600 likely voters and has a margin of
error of 4 points.
<more> Feb. 19, 2010 Fresno Bee
Wisconsin dairy cow sets national milk production record - - At first glance she seems no different than her peers. Four stomachs? Check. Black patches? Check. Distinctive moo? Check. But on Tom and Gin Kestell's Ever-Green-View Farm just north of Waldo, one of these cows is not like the others. A Holstein named 1326 — after the sequential registration tag on her ear — recently broke the national milk production record, pumping out about 8,400 gallons of milk in a one-year span. That's 23 gallons of milk per day, a gallon less than the average American consumes in a year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. <more> Feb. 19, 2010 Sheboygan Press, WI
Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010
WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck
rules - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for
members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented
by the state Air Resources Board. A Diesel Truck Rule Informational Meeting
will be held Friday, Feb. 26, at 11 a.m. at the SFA Portuguese Hall, 800
South 3rd Street, Chowchilla. Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist,
will discuss the rule.
Another informational session will be held at WUD’s
annual convention on Wednesday, March 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"Diesel Truck Rule - How to Comply" by Kathleen Mead, Manager, California
Air Resources Board will be held in the Arbor Theatre. More sessions are
planned in various WUD district in the near future. Interested WUD members
are asked to contact their field representative if they would like a session
held in their area. Here is some additional background on the rule:
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Tulare
County biomethane pipeline in works - - Biogas from 50,000 Tulare County
cows could be put to good use making electric power instead of using fossil
fuel natural gas. Capturing 2.5 million cubic ft of dairy lagoon gas a day
would in turn clean up the local air. That’s the theory behind Calgren
Renewable Fuels, with a 50 million gallon ethanol plant near Pixley, in
applying to the California Energy Commission (CEC) for a grant to pay up to
half the cost of building 15 miles of pipeline. The pipeline would bring cow
powered biogas to the company’s cogeneration power plant on Highway 99 where
they make ethanol.
<more> Feb. 18, 2010 SierraToTheSea.com
Environmental stewardship classes set for Modesto, Tulare - - The
California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is once again offering
free classes in air quality, one of the components needed for environmental
stewardship certification. Dr. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis, will teach the
classes, which cover air quality-related environmental issues, regulatory
requirements and management practices for dairy producers. Producers wishing
to pursue certification in the Environmental Stewardship Program must
complete two hours of air quality (if operating in an air basin with air
quality regulations for dairies) and six hours of water quality education
prior to the third-party evaluation. The classes will be offered March 16 in
Modesto and March 18 in Tulare.
<more> Feb. 18, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Merced
County's dairy farmers took a big hit in 2009 - - Got milk? Not as
much. Merced County lost 29 dairies in 2009, the most in the state -- an
economic downturn that devastated the milk industry. And the worst may be
yet to come. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture,
109 dairies in the state closed their milking parlors last year. "This is
just devastating for Merced County," said Michael Marsh, chief executive
officer of Western United Dairymen in Modesto. "As dairies go, so go the
jobs and the investments."
<more> Feb. 18, 2010 Merced Sun Star
Organic dairy rule welcomed - - The USDA has issued a final rule on
organic dairy standards, a move welcomed by organic milk producers who
pushed for consistency in rules regarding pasturing of cows. The main
component of the rule, issued Feb. 12, is that animals must graze pasture
during the grazing season, which must be at least 120 days per year, and
they must obtain a minimum of 30 percent dry matter intake from grazing
pasture during the grazing season. Tony Azevedo, Merced County organic dairy
producer and president of the Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, said
it's important to emphasize that this is not a new rule.
<more> Feb. 18, 2010 Capital Press
Jennifer Hudson Latest to Wear Milk Mustache - - Jennifer Hudson is the
newest milk mustache wearing celeb. Check out
behind the scenes video and photos here. Her ad “The taste of fame”
reads: “Center stage, silver screen, joyful new mom. How do I keep this show
on the road? Milk. Its wholesome goodness helps make my family strong at
every stage. Talk about a powerful performance.”
<more> Feb. 18, 2010 WhyMilk.com
'Endangerment' Lawsuits Filed Against EPA Before Deadline - - Industry
groups, conservative think tanks, lawmakers and three states filed 16 court
challenges to U.S. EPA's "endangerment" finding for greenhouse gases before
yesterday's deadline, setting the stage for a legal battle over federal
climate policies. The lawsuits ask the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to
review EPA's determination that greenhouse gases endanger human health and
welfare. That finding -- released in December in response to a 2007 U.S.
Supreme Court ruling -- allows the agency to regulate the heat-trapping
emissions under the Clean Air Act. Observers expect the court to consolidate
the petitions.
<more> Feb. 18, 2010 NY Times
Time to make plans to attend WUD convention March 10-12 - - The New Year is zipping by fast. It is less than a month
until
Western United Dairymen holds its annual convention in Modesto on March
10-12. WUD members are urged to make plans now to attend this compelling and
informative dairy gathering.
Registration information is being mailed next week to all WUD members. For those
who would like to obtain that information quicker, it is available on the WUD
website at http://www.westernuniteddairymen. Click on the convention section
highlighted on the front page. Registration forms for both members and
non-members can be downloaded, along with complete schedules for each of the
three days.
February 24 is the hotel deadline to receive the special discounted WUD
convention rate. Rooms at the Modesto Doubletree may be booked either by calling
the hotel directly at (209) 525-3045 or (209) 526-6000. Be sure to request the
“Western United Dairymen Room Block” to receive the convention rate, starting at
$128. Rooms can also be reserved online at
www.Modesto.Doubletree.com.
Go to the “Reservations” button. Enter the hotel location, arrival and departure
dates, the number of rooms needed, and room type preferences. At the “Special
Accounts” section, go to “Group/Convention Code” and enter “WES”. Group rates
starting at $128 will appear. Click on the circle next to the available rate and
choose “Continue”. Enter your contact information and click “Book Now”. Your
reservation will automatically be added to the “WUD” room block.
Breakthrough claimed in making ethanol - - Scientists at the University
of Central Florida in Orlando may have just made the “breakthrough of a
lifetime,” in the university’s words, turning discarded fruit peels and
other throwaways into cheap, clean fuel to power the world’s vehicles.
Researcher Henry Daniell has developed a “groundbreaking way” to produce
ethanol from waste products such as orange peels and newspapers, the
university says Thursday. His approach is greener and less expensive than
the current methods available to run vehicles on cleaner fuel -- and his
goal is to relegate gasoline to a secondary fuel, the school says.
<more> Feb. 18, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Nunes
to introduce water legislation - - A local congressman said Wednesday
that he will introduce legislation to address a host of controversial water
issues that have frustrated San Joaquin Valley farmers and ranchers. Visalia
Republican Devin Nunes admits his legislation is doomed -- at least for now.
But he still vowed to do his best to press the matter in Washington, holding
hearings through the "hot, dry summer."
<more> Feb. 18, 2010 Fresno Bee
Saving delta fish doesn't save Valley farms -
- By Joe L. Del Bosque, owner of Empresas Del Bosque Inc., is a
farmer in the Westlands Water District - - The more it rains, the
more water we lose. It sounds crazy, but that's what these federal
restrictions on our water supplies mean for us in California. For the past
three years, we have all been suffering the effects of a prolonged drought.
But these restrictions on water deliveries have made the effects of the
drought much worse. Here in the San Joaquin Valley, we've experienced
drought conditions far worse than this year and still received 30 percent of
our water supplies. This year, we are expecting zero percent.
<more> Feb. 18, 2010 SF Chronicle
Water is jobs - - By Dianne Feinstein
- - This is a make-or-break moment for California's agricultural economy.
After three years of drought, winter storms have boosted storage capacity at
key reservoirs and replenished the Sierra Nevada snowpack to between 90 and
129 percent of average. Yet hundreds of family-owned farms in the Central
Valley still don't know if they'll be able to plant, hire and harvest this
year because they may not get sufficient water allocations. Thousands of
farm industry workers could again be standing in food lines in towns with
unemployment rates as high as 40 percent. However, there currently exists an
imbalance in the measures the government will take to protect the delta
smelt and those it will take to protect people from economic devastation. I
seek to remedy this imbalance by making technical modifications to the
biological opinions that restrict delta pumping and give west side farmers
the minimum amount of water necessary to work this year - 38-40 percent of
their contractual allocation - while respecting environmental protections.
<more> Feb. 18, 2010 SF Chronicle
Fresno Bee
editorial: Feinstein offers an equitable water plan - - We have
supported a balanced approach to dividing up California’s limited water
supply that recognizes the needs of protecting the environment, providing
drinking water to urban residents and giving farmers a fair share of this
crucial resource. But water allocations for agriculture on the San Joaquin
Valley’s west side are far from equitable. Federal law and court decisions
have led to thousands of acres of fallowed farmland, caused economic
devastation to some of Fresno County’s poorest communities, and damaged the
Valley’s agricultural-based economy. Sen. Dianne Feinstein is now offering
an amendment to the federal jobs bill that would temporarily modify pumping
restrictions and give farmers up to 40% of their normal allocation.
West-side farmers received only 10% of their federal allotments last year.
Feinstein’s proposal is a reasonable solution to the water allocation
disparity.
<more> Eeb. 18, 2010 Fresno Bee
If Gavin jumps in, what will Dean do? - - Speculation is building that San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom might jump into the race for lieutenant governor. The San Francisco Chronicle's Matier & Ross were the latest to fan the flames and in a column published today, suggested that if Newsom gets in, Valley state Sen. Dean Florez might get out: "The two other announced Democrats for the job are L.A. City Councilwoman Janice Hahn (who filed her campaign papers Tuesday) and soon-to-be-termed-out state Sen. Dean Florez of Shafter (Kern County). If Newsom does run, however, we're told Florez will probably drop out." <more> Feb. 18, 2010 Fresno Bee
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010
Dairy markets keep slipping - - Dairy markets
continue to slide this week, cash cheese prices slipped to $1.415 for
barrels and $1.445 for blocks on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange on
Wednesday while Class III futures saw another round of declines. In the last
week, the April and May contracts have lost 77-cents each and March has
dropped 83 cents. The dairy markets are under some pressure, milk intakes
are running ahead of year-ago levels and cheese inventories are building.
<more> Feb. 17, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
More milk from fewer, larger dairy farms - -
Quite a picture of the changing face of America’s dairy production from the
annual Farms, Land in Farms and Livestock Operations report from USDA. An
ever increasing amount of the nation’s milk supply is coming from larger
farms, 31 percent of the nation’s milk supply now comes from herds of 2,000
head or more compared to 19.9 percent just five years ago. The number of
farms with 2,000 or more cows increased from 495 in 2004 to 740 in 2009.
<more> Feb. 17, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Glenn County Dairy Farms Closing - - “Dairy
farming is always a challenge; there's never an easy day if you are a dairy
farmer," explained Betsy Karle, UC Cooperative Extension Dairy Program
Representative for Glenn and Tehama Counties. Dairy farms once a cash cow
are now struggling to survive. In Glenn County, times are especially tough.
Cory Kaiser's family has been in the business for 70 years and he's been
involved for 24, up until last June when he was forced to shut down. "It
just wasn't profitable, marketing, the environment stuff, just wasn't
panning out as well as it used to," Kaiser said.
<more> Feb. 17, 2010 KHSL TV
Air quality regulators reach out to business
community - - An olive branch went out to Bakersfield's business
community Tuesday as state air quality regulators took an opportunity to
quiet suspicions that they're bent on quashing profits and costing people
their jobs. At the annual Energy & Clean Air Business Exposition,
high-ranking officials from Sacramento and Fresno staked out the disputed
assertion that recent legislation won't necessarily hurt business, let alone
reduce California's competitive advantage against other states without
aggressive air quality rules. Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the state Air
Resources Board, said far-reaching rules expected to result from AB 32 --
the 2006 law that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions -- presents the
"potential for prosperity here if we do it right."
<more> Feb. 17, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
Texas challenging EPA's greenhouse gas finding
- - Texas became the first state to challenge the federal government's
finding that greenhouse gases are dangerous to people, claiming Tuesday that
the ruling is based on flawed science and would wreck the state's economy.
The EPA in December issued an "endangerment" finding about carbon dioxide
and other greenhouse gases, setting the stage for future rules restricting
such emissions. Texas - which leads the nation in greenhouse gas emissions
and is frequently at odds with the EPA - is asking a federal appeals court
to review the endangerment finding. The state also asked the EPA to
reconsider it.
<more> Feb. 17, 2010 AP
Federal judge in key rulings speaks at water
meeting - - The Fresno federal judge whose rulings have limited water
pumping from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta made his own case today before
a crowd of farmers and water officials in Madera. U.S. District Judge
Oliver W. Wanger, the keynote speaker at a half-day water conference
sponsored by the Madera County Farm Bureau, acknowledged that some people
see him as the bad guy. But Wanger said Congress has left him no option but
to rule for fish over farms in the legal battle surrounding pumping from the
delta.
<more> Feb. 17, 2010 Fresno Bee
Here's your chance to win the "Beef. It's What's
for Dinner" Kitchen Kit - - Answer a few easy questions about your beef
checkoff investment and you're automatically entered to win a
18-piece kitchen kit full of beef-cooking essentials, including steak
knives, a cutting board, thermometer, steak seasoning, The Healthy Beef
Cookbook and so much more. Click
here to take the beef checkoff trivia challenge. Feb. 16, 2010
CattleNetwork.com
Governor rebukes Assembly Democrats over Maldonado nomination - - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger suggested Tuesday that Assembly Democrats are losing a public relations war by resisting the nomination of his choice for lieutenant governor. At a news conference, the governor read from editorials and columns published in California newspapers that called the Assembly "shameful" and "infantile" for voting Thursday against state Sen. Abel Maldonado, a Republican from Santa Maria. Schwarzenegger announced Friday he would withdraw and then resubmit Maldonado's nomination. He made it official Tuesday. <more> Feb. 17, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010
Vilsack says dairy industry must come together
-- U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told struggling dairy farmers in
Vermont Saturday that the USDA is committed to making milk prices more
stable and helping to create regional food systems linking farmers with
local consumers. Some farmers called for supply management of milk to ensure
stable, fair prices. "We need to do something and the only way we can do it
is through supply management," said Roger Rainville, of Alburg. If there is
consensus for it across the country, Vilsack said he would be all for it. He
said he hoped the National Dairy Council would meet soon to discuss the milk
pricing system and to tell the USDA and Congress what changes are needed to
make prices more stable and predictable. <more>
Feb. 16, 2010 AP
New Pasture Rules Issued for Organic Dairy
Producers - - The Department of Agriculture issued new rules on Friday
meant to settle a dispute in the organic agriculture industry over how much
time cows at organic dairies must spend grazing on pasture. The ruling was
cheered by many in the organic industry who said it would shore up consumer
confidence in organic milk and could force some larger dairies in Western
states to change how they operate.
<more> Feb. 16, 2010 NY Times
USDA imposes new standards for milk to qualify as
organic - - Got grass? The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed
strict new standards for what kind of milk qualifies as organic: Cows must
get plenty of fresh grass and spend at least four months a year grazing in
pastures. The rules, which will go into effect June 17, are aimed at
standardizing industry practices and easing consumer concerns about how the
milk they buy is created.
<more> Feb. 16, 2010 LA Times
Kraft's Net Profit Jumps - - Kraft Foods
Inc.'s fourth-quarter earnings soared amid lower restructuring costs as well
as hedging gains. In the latest period, the maker of Kraft cheese, Oscar
Mayer lunch meat and Planters nuts reported a profit of $710 million, or 48
cents a share, up from $178 million, or 12 cents a share, a year earlier.
The prior year had 37 cents a share less in restructuring costs and a net 11
cents in additional earnings from hedging efforts. At its U.S. cheese
business, revenue fell 14% mostly due to lower prices caused by passing
through significantly lower dairy costs. However, earnings still rose 7.4%
on cost cutting.
<more> Feb. 16, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Plenty of Spilled Milk to Cry Over for Dairymen
Lured to U.S. - - From a strip mall in this town of 7,200, Willy van
Bakel built a multimillion-dollar business bringing fellow Dutch dairy
farmers to America. They're "dreamers" like himself, he says. Mr. van
Bakel's company, Vreba-Hoff Dairy Development, signed up 70 Dutch immigrants
over the past decade for a package deal designed to help them start dairy
farms here. Typically, Mr. van Bakel helped clients sell their farms in the
Netherlands and used the proceeds as seed money to finance bigger dairies
with more cows in America. Today, the dream has soured. About a dozen of his
clients have filed for bankruptcy protection or are being foreclosed on by
banks.
<more> Feb. 16, 2010 Wall Street Journal
China says "most" melamine-tainted milk destroyed
- - Most of the melamine-tainted dairy products which have resurfaced in
China over the past few months have been destroyed, and none has hit shop
shelves or been exported, state media said on Saturday. A number of cases of
melamine in milk have appeared in the past few months, some of which appear
to have come from old batches of contaminated powder that was never
destroyed despite a scandal that damaged the reputation of China's dairy
industry.<more>
Feb. 16, 2010 Reuters
Here's your chance to win the "Beef. It's What's
for Dinner" Kitchen Kit - - Answer a few easy questions about your beef
checkoff investment and you're automatically entered to win a
18-piece kitchen kit full of beef-cooking essentials, including steak
knives, a cutting board, thermometer, steak seasoning, The Healthy Beef
Cookbook and so much more. Click
here to take the beef checkoff trivia challenge. Feb. 16, 2010
CattleNetwork.com
Feb. 24 deadline for discounted convention hotel rooms - - February
24 is the deadline to receive the special
discounted rate for hotel rooms for those attending WUD’s annual convention on
March 10 to 12 in Modesto. Rooms at the Modesto Doubletree may be booked either
by calling the hotel directly at (209) 525-3045 or (209) 526-6000. Be sure to
request the “Western United Dairymen Room Block” to receive the discounted room
rate, starting at $128.
Rooms can also be reserved online at
www.Modesto.Doubletree.com. Go to the “Reservations” button. Enter the
hotel location, arrival and departure dates, the number of rooms need, and room
type preferences. At the “Special Accounts” section, go to “Group/Convention
Code” and enter “WES”. Group rates starting at $128 will appear. Click the
circle next to the available rate, and then choose “Continue”. Enter your
contact information and click “Book Now”. Your reservation will automatically be
added to the “WUD” room block.
California water debate is more than merely 'fish
vs. people' - - By Jim Boren - - It's much easier to reduce a
complicated issue like California water policy to a slogan that fits on a
bumper sticker. But calling the struggle over limited water allocations in
the state "fish vs. people" or a "man-made drought" oversimplifies an issue
that impacts every part of California life. In a state of 38 million people,
we have a water system that was built for half that many people. We could
have enough water for environmental, agricultural and urban uses. But too
many of the players in California's water wars would rather argue on the
extremes than compromise.
<more> Feb., 16, 2010 Fresno Bee
Social Media: The New Battleground For American Agriculture - - There is a new battleground in the fight against the anti-animal forces that are bent on destroying the American livestock industry. What makes this significant is that is battleground is not controlled by the mass media, special interest groups, PR companies, HSUS, or PETA. This new battleground is controlled by consumers, individuals from a variety of backgrounds taking on the radical fringe and their efforts to control what we eat. This new battleground is the world of social media: Facebook, Twitter, and the myriad of other web-based networks that link people together in cyberspace and transmit information around the world at the speed of light. Unlike the wacko-friendly mass media, this social media has a decidedly anti-nutcase slant, and these social networkers do not suffer fools for more than a few milliseconds. HSUS, PETA, and some large US corporations are learning some painful lessons in this new social world.<more> Feb. 15, 2010 Hoosier Ag Today
Friday, Feb. 12, 2010
Feinstein seeks to ease curbs on water delivery to farmers- - Sen.
Dianne Feinstein has drawn up legislation that for the next two years would
loosen Endangered Species Act restrictions on pumping water from the
Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to increase irrigation deliveries to San
Joaquin Valley growers. Feinstein has not released details of the proposal,
which she is calling the Emergency Temporary Water Supply Amendment and
which is expected to be attached to a jobs bill. In a statement Thursday she
said that the language had not been finalized and that she was open to
"alternative ways" of boosting water supplies for the valley's west side,
which has been hit hard by delivery cuts caused by the state drought and the
pumping limits.
<more> Feb. 12, 2010 LA Times
Dairyline: Optimism seems to be fading - - Cash dairy prices have the
full attention of farmers, bankers, and processors as the "recovery" appears
to be slowing, though cash block cheese closed the second week of February
at $1.5050 per pound, up 1 1/4-cents on the week and 26 1/2-cents above that
week a year ago. Barrel closed Friday at $1.4450, down 2 3/4-cents on the
week but 21 1/2-cents above a year ago. Four cars of block traded hands on
the week and six of barrel. The NASS-surveyed U.S. average block price
gained 2.5 cents, hitting $1.4750. Barrels averaged $1.5258, up 2.3 cents.
<more> Feb. 12, 2010 Capital Press
Drinking Milk While Pregnant May Lower Kids' MS Risk - - Children born
to mothers who drink lots of milk and have a high dietary intake of vitamin
D during pregnancy have a much lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis
later in life, researchers say. The new study included 35,794 U.S. nurses
whose mothers provided information about their experiences and diet during
pregnancy. The nurses were followed for 16 years, and 199 of them developed
multiple sclerosis (MS) during that time period.
<more> Feb. 12, 2010 HealthDay News
Tunnel
emerges as favored way to deliver Sacramento River water to the state -
- A giant tunnel now is the primary concept for delivering water from the
Sacramento River to the rest of California. The Bay Delta Conservation Plan,
a coalition of water agencies and nonprofit groups, agreed at its meeting in
Sacramento Thursday to pursue the tunnel idea. It now is the group's primary
option for further study as a solution to freshwater delivery problems in
the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
<more> Feb. 11, 2010 Modesto Bee
Labor
reverses Bush regulation on agricultural guest workers - - In a move
that is sure to have the agricultural industry grimacing and labor-rights
advocates cheering, the Labor Department is reversing a Bush administration
rule that allowed farmers an easier path to hiring temporary or seasonal
foreign workers. The department has issued new regulations that will force
growers to make more of an effort to find Americans to fill these jobs of
picking crops and other harvest-time roles, as well as increase pay and
provide more job-safety protections for the thousands of foreign farm
workers who are hired.
<more> Feb. 12, 2010 Fresno Bee
Schwarzenegger says Maldonado confirmed – Assembly disagrees - - Did the
state Assembly vote Thursday to reject Sen. Abel Maldonado's appointment as
lieutenant governor? Assembly members said they did. Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger said they didn't. Maldonado said he assumed he'll be sworn in
as the state's second-in-command within two weeks – but he's keeping his
Senate seat in the meantime. Democrats accused the governor of dictatorial
behavior.
<more> Feb. 12, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Bad
Day at Black Rock - - By Steve Kopperud - - The truly regrettable
part of the CBS scenario is that it has become the poster child for “news as
entertainment.” When Time Magazine allowed its environmental editor to echo
agriculture’s critics without evidence or merit, it was passed off as
“point-of-view” journalism. This week’s CBS report is just more of the
same; if it isn’t sexy enough to garner viewers by telling the whole story,
as in both sides of an issue, then just air that half of the story that
alarms, worries or scares the crap out of your viewers because that will
jack up the ratings.
<more> Feb. 12, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Confused about the Diesel Truck Rule? Attend Feb.
16 Dairy Day - - Get your questions answered at the North Valley Dairy
Day, hosted by Glenn County University of California Cooperative Extension,
on Tuesday, Feb. 16. The UCCE in conjunction with Western United Dairymen
has added Paul Sousa, WUD Environmental Specialist, to the agenda to speak
about the new Diesel Truck Rule and what is required. Registration forms
will be available. If you are interested in attending please register free
of charge by phone at 530-865-1107 or by e-mail:
bmkarle@ucdavis.edu. Any
questions please call Field Representative Leslie Corp at (530) 354-4981.
Feb. 8, 2010 WUD Notice
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010
Dairies still face tough times - - After what many dairy operators
described a horrible year-and-a-half for their industry, milk prices have
finally been on the rise over the past few months. But many operators at the
World Ag Expo aren't ready to say their industry is on the road to recovery.
They say the price bump has been enough only to allow some dairies to start
breaking even while many still are selling milk for less than it costs them
to produce it. And current predictions for the rest of the year aren't
indicating that prices will improve much more, they say.
<more> Feb. 11, 2010 Visalia Times Delta
Dairies look to Ag Expo for technology - - Dairy operators looked to the
World Ag Expo on Wednesday for products and technology to help them survive
one of the worst economies in many years. Vendors and experts were ready,
offering everything from high protein feeds, nutritional supplements and
even a robotic milking machine at this year's Expo. The automatic milker
drew lots of attention from dairy operators. Made by the Swedish-based
DeLaval, the equipment uses sensors to attach itself to the udders. It is
used in Europe, and the company has been making inroads on the East Coast.
<more> Feb. 11, 2010 Fresno Bee
Former
USDA Deputy Undersecretary Food Safety Responds to CBS News Segment on
Antibiotics - - Dr. H. Scott Hurd, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production
Animal Medicine, Iowa State University has prepared a point by point
rebuttal of claims made in the CBS News Segment on Antibiotics Aired on
February 9, 2010. Hurd is the Former Deputy Undersecretary Food Safety,
USDA.
Click here to read Hurd’s comments. Feb. 11, 2010 Iowa State
University
Criticism of CBS News report continues to flow - - Livestock industry
officials are critical of this week’s CBS Evening News report on the use of
antibiotics in farm animals. The CBS report was “rather short on facts and
science and rather long on speculation,” Richard Carnevale, veterinarian and
vice president of regulatory, scientific and international affairs for the
Animal Health Institute, told a media briefing on Thursday. <more>
Feb. 11, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Denmark's Case for Antibiotic-Free Animals -- They call it the "Danish
Experiment" - a source of pride for the country's 17,000 farmers. CBS
Evening News Anchor Katie Couric reports how unlike industrial farms in the
U.S., which use antibiotics to promote growth and prevent disease, farmers
in Denmark use antibiotics sparingly, only when animals are sick. The
experiment to stop widespread use of antibiotics was launched 12 years ago,
when European studies showed a link between animals who were consuming
antibiotic feed everyday and people developing antibiotic resistant
infections from handling or eating that meat.
<more> Feb. 11, 2010 CBS News
Cardoza calls on Congress to include emergency ag water in jobs bill - -
Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) today announced he is working with
Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congressman Jim Costa on an Emergency Temporary
Water Supply Amendment to the Jobs Bill. The amendment aims to provide for
an emergency stop-gap agriculture water allocation of 40 percent for the
next 2 years. Senator Feinstein is expected to introduce the amendment to
the Jobs Bill. This amendment will result in a 40 percent water allocation
for a two year period. The amendment is based on previous legislation
approved by Congress in 2003 that provided municipal water supply
allocations to Albuquerque, New Mexico that were being threatened by the Rio
Grande Silvery Minnow, a fish similar in size to the Delta smelt. Feb.
11, 2010 Cardoza Press Release
West
siders expect forecast of zero federal water delivery - - The first
water-delivery forecast for west San Joaquin Valley farmers is expected near
the end of next week -- and water officials are still privately expecting a
zero allocation, despite big storms this winter. Hopes had been raised last
week when a federal judge set aside endangered salmon protections and
allowed water pumping to go full blast in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
But another protected fish, the delta smelt, triggered pumping reductions
just a few days later. Now, no one is sure if there was enough pumping to
raise the forecast. Last year, west siders were forecast to get zero early
in the year. The number eventually rose to 10%. Feb. 11, 2010 Fresno Bee
Judge
rejects delay in delta pumping restrictions - - West Valley farmers last
week were celebrating a reprieve from water pumping restrictions in the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Five days later, it's over. A federal judge
Wednesday rejected an emergency request by water districts to delay a new
set of pumping restrictions.
<more> Feb. 11, 2010 Fresno Bee
Cardoza: Court Ruling on Delta Smelt is “Absolutely Absurd” - -
Congressman Cardoza (D-Merced) strongly criticized a court ruling this week
that will lead to further blocking of agricultural water for Westside
farmers. Congressman Cardoza called the ruling another example of the
complete insanity with which California’s water system has been managed.
“This is absolutely absurd,” said Cardoza. “The Environmental Species Act
has essentially become the default management tool for our state’s water
system. Regulation after regulation is blocking us from using this system
that was intended to provide water throughout California and ensure that our
farmers have the water they desperately need to grow our nation’s food.”
Feb. 11, 2010 Cardoza Press Release
Farmers sue over ignored Delta woes - - For the past two years,
California farmers have faced extraordinary water shortages -- not so much
because of a lack of water supplies, but because of a tightening of federal
and state regulations protecting the Delta smelt and salmon, which are on
the endangered species list. Farmers acknowledge that pumping from the Delta
estuary does impact smelt and salmon populations to some extent. They also
say they are being unfairly blamed for the entire problem. They say other
factors contributing to the decreasing population of smelt and salmon --
invasive species, in-stream pumping and treated wastewater that gets dumped
into the Delta -- are not considered. This argument forms the basis of
several lawsuits that farmer-backed groups have filed against state and
federal government agencies.
<more> Feb. 11, 2010 Capital Press
Yellow
Tail stubs its toe - - Last week Yellow Tail wine, based in Australia,
had established a new promotion with the Humane Society of the United
States. The effort included an agreement for the winery to contribute
$100,000 to HSUS. Specifically, Yellow Tail’s $100,000 was going to support
an HSUS program called “Spay Day on-line pet photo contest.” The program
seems a bit indirect if one is truly attempting to focus on animal care and
well-being. The backlash from many U.S. wine drinkers and food producers was
quick and angry. In just a few days, hundreds of farmers, ranchers, hunters
and pet lovers used, among other avenues, social media to urge Yellow Tail’
officials to reconsider their HSUS support. The Facebook group “Yellow Fail”
quickly gathered more than 1,300 fans last week.
<more> Feb. 11, 2010 Drovers.com
Governor's office gears up for legal fight on Maldonado - - With Sen.
Abel Maldonado's lieutenant governor nomination currently five votes short
of clearing the Assembly, the Schwarzenegger administration is arguing that
the lower house's failure to approve Maldonado's bid wouldn't kill the
nomination. "The Governor's office is officially interpreting the
constitution to say that unless there are 41 votes against Senator Maldonado
- he's our next Lt. Governor," Schwarzenegger spokeswoman Rachel Arrezola
said in a statement. "If the Legislature interprets the constitution
differently we're prepared to defend our position in court."
<more> Feb. 11, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Labor
Dep't Approves New Rules on Farm Workers - - The Labor Department moved
Thursday to reverse Bush administration rules that made it easier for
farmers to hire temporary foreign workers to help pick their crops. The new
regulations will increase wages and offer greater job safety protections for
thousands of foreign farm workers hired each year. The rules also require
growers to make a greater effort to fill those jobs with domestic workers.
Farm owners have vehemently opposed changes to the H-2A guest worker program
since the Obama administration first attempted to reverse them last year.
Growers claim the new rules will make it more burdensome and expensive to
hire foreign workers for physically grueling jobs that most Americans don't
want.
<more> Feb. 11, 2010 AP
Latest
plan to cut farm subsidies likely dead - - If history and the political
lineup are any guides, President Barack Obama's latest effort to cut
subsidies for wealthy farmers likely will fare no better than his first try
— or his predecessor's attempt. Congress twice overrode President George W.
Bush's veto of the 2008 Farm Bill. When Obama tried reforming the system
last year, his proposal was dead on arrival on Capitol Hill, where farm
state lawmakers largely control the agriculture committees.
<more> Feb. 11, 2010 AP
Confused about the Diesel Truck Rule? Attend Feb.
16 Dairy Day - - Get your questions answered at the North Valley Dairy
Day, hosted by Glenn County University of California Cooperative Extension,
on Tuesday, Feb. 16. The UCCE in conjunction with Western United Dairymen
has added Paul Sousa, WUD Environmental Specialist, to the agenda to speak
about the new Diesel Truck Rule and what is required. Registration forms
will be available. If you are interested in attending please register free
of charge by phone at 530-865-1107 or by e-mail:
bmkarle@ucdavis.edu. Any
questions please call Field Representative Leslie Corp at (530) 354-4981.
Feb. 8, 2010 WUD Notice
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010
Judge rejects delay in delta pumping restrictions
- - A federal judge today rejected an emergency request by west Valley
agricultural and urban water users to delay a new set of water-pumping
restrictions in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. U.S. District Judge Oliver
W. Wanger’s ruling means one of five delta pumps operated by the federal
government will be shut down at 7 a.m. Thursday. The action is being taken
to protect the delta smelt, a fish listed as threatened under the Endangered
Species Act.
<more> Feb. 10, 2010 Fresno Bee
A big day for Class III milk futures - - A
little nudge higher in the cash cheese market on Wednesday prompted the
Class III traders to jump in on thoughts the market may have bottomed-out.
Barrels on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange increased one-half cent to
$1.4775 per pound while blocks increased three-quarter cent to $1.50 on six
sales and two unfilled bids. Tuesday’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand
Report had a slight increase in projected milk production this year but more
than enough demand to push cheese price estimates higher for the year, that
seemed to be enough to push cheese higher and Class III futures to post
their biggest single-day gains in ten months.
<more> Feb. 10, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Kawamura announces partnership to aid digester
projects - - To help spread the use of green technology, CDFA Secretary
A.G. Kawamura, secretary of the announced at the World Ag Expo Tuesday a
public-private partnership aimed at creating several digester projects on
California dairies. Digester projects use cow-manure to produce natural gas
or electricity. Dairy operators have complained that it can take years to
create such projects, because of the government permitting process. Some
dairy operators have shut down their digesters because they have been unable
to meet tighter air-quality restrictions in the Valley. The partnership --
involving three north Valley dairies, the state, the Merced Irrigation
District and ProTech GCS Inc. in Sacramento -- will help break through the
bureaucratic red tape.
<more> Feb. 10, 2010 Fresno Bee
New project energizes dairy waste treatment -
- State support of a new methane digesting project could help three Central
Valley dairy farms more efficiently treat their waste. Officials from the
California Department of Agriculture, the Merced Irrigation District, a West
Sacramento-based environmental engineering company and representatives of
three dairies met Tuesday at the World Ag Expo in Tulare to sign an
agreement to pursue digester pilot projects at each of the dairies. The
dairies -- Joseph Gallo Farms of Atwater, Hillcrest Dairy Farms in Le Grand
and Lima Farms in Lodi -- could house a new digesting system designed to
comprehensively treat dairy waste by turning it into fertilizer, treated
water or renewable energy.
<more> Feb. 10, 2010 Merced Sun-Star
Katie Couric's 3-minute 'factory farm' barrage
- - The fact that she used the term “factory farm” or “factory farming”
five times in a three-minute period probably showed her bias. CBS Evening
News anchor Katie Couric left the confines of her New York City TV studio to
visit an Iowa hog farm and ask some questions related to antibiotic use in
livestock — and whether such use could be contributing to drug-resistant
bacteria. The first of a two-part series aired Tuesday night..
<more> Feb.10, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
'Columbo' fights gas emissions law - - As
mismatches go, "Columbo" vs. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger may not rank with
David vs. Goliath, but California's environmental and energy policy would be
dramatically altered if the little guy wins this fight. "Columbo" is the
nickname of freshman Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Linda, who is battling to
suspend a landmark greenhouse gas emissions law pushed by Democrats and
touted as part of Schwarzenegger's environmental legacy. Thwarted this year
at passing legislation to suspend the greenhouse gas restrictions, adopted
four years ago as Assembly Bill 32, Logue is pushing to take his case
directly to voters through an initiative proposed for the November ballot.
<more> Feb. 10, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Dean Foods' 4Q profit falls on higher expenses
- - Retailers who had been absorbing price hikes for milk to try to hang
onto cash-strapped customers began pushing back late last year, demanding
more price concessions from dairy processors. That helped eat into margins
at Dean Foods Co., which Wednesday reported fourth-quarter profits off 24
percent, to $50 million, due in part to rising commodity prices.
<more> Feb. 10, 2010 The Dallas Morning News
Maldonado faces tough road in Assembly - -
State Sen. Abel Maldonado -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s choice to fill the
empty lieutenant governor’s seat -- survived a preliminary confirmation
hearing in front of the Assembly Rules Committee on Tuesday afternoon, but
faces a tough road toward confirmation before the full Assembly. Maldonado
(R-Santa Maria) endured more than two hours of sometimes testy grilling from
Democrats and sometimes bizarre questions from fellow Republicans. In the
end, the committee voted unanimously to pass Maldonado along for a vote by
the full Assembly, but used a procedural maneuver known as a
“non-recommendation” to avoid casting up or down votes themselves. He goes
forward with no formal recommendation.
<more> Feb. 10, 2010 LA Times
Confused about the Diesel Truck Rule? Attend Feb.
16 Dairy Day - - Get your questions answered at the North Valley Dairy
Day, hosted by Glenn County University of California Cooperative Extension,
on Tuesday, Feb. 16. The UCCE in conjunction with Western United Dairymen
has added Paul Sousa, WUD Environmental Specialist, to the agenda to speak
about the new Diesel Truck Rule and what is required. Registration forms
will be available. If you are interested in attending please register free
of charge by phone at 530-865-1107 or by e-mail:
bmkarle@ucdavis.edu. Any
questions please call Field Representative Leslie Corp at (530) 354-4981.
Feb. 8, 2010 WUD Notice
Dairy Leader Program accepting applications until March 19 - - The deadline is March 19 to apply for Western United Dairymen's highly successful California Dairy Leaders Program. Designed to train the next generation of California's dairy leaders, the leadership program consists of several sessions devoted to developing a better understanding of the economic, legislative, marketing, and environmental issues facing the industry. Application forms can be downloaded by clicking here. The yearlong program kicks off in the spring. Topics include environmental issues, the state and federal legislative process, dairy pricing and economics, biotechnological developments, marketing and promotion, and public relations skills. Participants will develop and enhance their leadership skills through communication, business etiquette, negotiation skills, time management, and team building workshops. Instruction will be provided by recognized experts in their field. Eligible participants must be actively involved in milk production, be able to spend the necessary time in class, as well as studying resource materials, and be able to commit to visits to locations such as Sacramento and Washington DC. Class IX enrollment will be limited to ensure one-on-one instruction. The program enrollment fee of $750 should be submitted with letters of recommendation. Further information is available by contacting Western United Dairymen at (209) 527-6453. Feb. 5, 2010
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010
Milk production estimates bumped a little higher
- - The monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates from USDA on
Tuesday increased the milk production estimates for 2009 and 2010. The
report bumped 2009 production 100,000 pounds higher to 189.3 billion pounds
and increased the 2010 production estimate 500,000 pounds to 188.9 billion
pounds. The changes reflect the milk production trend in fourth quarter of
2009 along with that 4.5 million head of replacement heifers in the January
1 cattle inventory.
<more> Feb. 9, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
California is No. 1 in laws protecting animals,
Humane Society reports - - California has the strongest
animal-protection laws in the country, with detailed regulations shielding
animals from harm whether in homes, on farms, at racetracks or in the wild,
the Humane Society of the United States reported Monday. In a comprehensive
analysis of the laws in each of the 50 states, the animal-welfare advocates
ranked the Golden State No. 1 for the legal protections it has enacted
across the animal kingdom. New Jersey, Colorado, Maine and Massachusetts
also scored high in protecting pets and livestock. Idaho and South Dakota
earned the lowest scores, in part for their failure to make egregious animal
abuse a felony or to outlaw cockfighting.
<more> Feb. 9, 2010 LA Times
New website to watch over HSUS - - The Center
for Consumer Freedom will be launching a new site that will act as a
watchdog over the Humane Society of the United States. Called
HumaneWatch.org, the site will consist of a blog, document library for
online use, a list of HSUS personnel, and a way to browse HSUS-affiliated
organizations. No views will be censored on this site and anonymous
contributions will be welcome. Please visit
www.consumerfreedom.com/news_detail.cfm/h/4094-get-ready-for-humanewatch
for announcements, which include information about a new P.O. Box and a
dedicated e-mail address for tips and submissions. Feb. 9, 2010 CCF Press
Release
The 'Happy Cow' people respond - -
Editor's Note: The following letter was sent to Dairy Herd Management by a
representative of the California Milk Advisory Board. She was responding to
criticism of the "Happy Cows come from California" commercials that appeared
in an editor's commentary last week in Dairy Alert. The editorial was
prompted by a recent broadcast on the ABC News program "Nightline." - -
"We wanted to respond to your editorial regarding the recent Nightline
segment showing images of animal abuse in New York. This segment used a
number of dairy promotion images – from milk mustaches to the Happy Cows –
as well as the iconic “Got Milk?” tag line to paint the entire industry in a
negative light. I believe that to call out one consumer advertising campaign
like Happy Cows as the cause of the industry’s woes is shortsighted and does
not take the researched facts into consideration.
<more> Feb. 9, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Dairy industry related coops offered assistance
- - The California Center for Cooperative Development is seeking
cooperatives in and related to the dairy industry (including grain millers,
service providers, and more) that are interested in receiving technical
assistance to address problems or opportunities in their businesses. CCCD
has helped write loan guarantee applications to refinance distressed firms,
examined potential value-added opportunities and relevant funding sources,
and engaged consultants on behalf of our clients. CCCD also has extensive
experience in developing new cooperatives. This project is funded by USDA
Rural Development- Business and Cooperatives Program. If you see a need or
opportunity in your cooperative that CCCD can help with, please contact us
at: California Center for Cooperative Development, 430 F St, Suite 1, Davis,
CA 95616 Phone: (530) 297-1032 Fax: (530) 297-1033 Email:
jellerby@cccd.coop Website:
www.cccd.coop Feb. 9, 2010 CCCD Press
Release
Pumps
blast water to west Valley farmers - - Federal officials are pumping an
extra billion gallons of river water daily into San Luis Reservoir for west
Valley farmers, thanks to a federal judge's order and a string of
winter storms. But if the storms disappear, the full-blast pumping could
stop far sooner than the two weeks ordered by the judge. West San Joaquin
Valley farm leaders say the extra water would help them keep stressed
orchards and vineyards alive. There's even a small chance some idled acreage
would be brought back into production, which would help a region suffering
from widespread job losses.
<more> Feb. 9, 2010 Fresno Bee
New delta pumping cutbacks proposed - - The
federal government today proposed a new set of water pumping restrictions in
the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, just four days after west-side farmers
hailed a court ruling that temporarily halted a similar cutback. The latest
restrictions are being triggered by the endangered delta smelt, which are
now being found near the massive delta pumps that send water to west-side
agriculture and to millions of urban users from the East Bay to Southern
California.
<more> Feb. 9, 2010 Fresno Bee
GOP candidate Whitman explains her support for
water bond- - Eight months ago, I wrote in these pages that our failure
to rebuild California's water supply system is crippling our economy and
hurting large parts of the Central Valley. I'm sad to say that the suffering
continues. California needs action to solve its water crisis. I'm proud that
I was the first candidate for governor to take a strong position on this
critical issue. And I immediately announced my support for the comprehensive
water bond when it passed the Legislature last fall. It's a needed start to
solving a crisis years in the making. My support of the bond on the November
ballot underscores my commitment to finding a solution.
<more> Feb. 9, 2010 Fresno Bee
The Growing Problem in Agriculture Markets -
- A government report last month of record crops startled agriculture
markets. Tuesday could bring the first in a series of aftershocks. Corn
prices have plummeted 16% and soybeans by 7% since the Department of
Agriculture said Jan. 12 that American farmers produced more of each than
ever before. Many observers expected a lower forecast because they thought
the crop would suffer due to bad weather, but instead the market faced a
surprise glut. There may be more on the way. The USDA is due to release its
estimate of world supply and demand Tuesday morning. Analysts already
anticipate a bumper crop from Argentina and Brazil, including at least 65
million tons of soybeans from Brazil. That would be about 14% larger than
the prior year's production.
<more> Feb. 9, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Tomato bribery probe just the beginning,
prosecutors say - - Federal prosecutors say the investigation into SK
Foods is just the beginning as the government ramps up its scrutiny of the
food sector. Behind the push are growing concerns that, as the industry
becomes increasingly consolidated, the public's grocery bills are getting
bigger in part from corrupt or monopolistic practices among food processors,
distributors or farmers. Step into a grocery store these days and on almost
every aisle there's an item tied to a federal investigation: dairy
distributors, egg producers, citrus firms and seed developers are all the
targets of federal lawsuits or investigations. Starting next month, the
Justice Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will hold meetings
to gather complaints and hear concerns over lack of competition in the
dairy, grain, livestock and poultry sectors.
<more> Feb. 9, 2010 LA Times
China Shuts Ice Cream Makers for Tainted Milk
Powder- - China shut three ice cream makers in the northern province of
Liaoning for using materials tainted with the chemical melamine as the
government widens its scrutiny of dairy-based products. Liaoning Yachao
Foods Ltd. and Yingkou Aoxue Foods Ltd. were shut after melamine was found
in milk powder meant for use in ice cream production, Liaoning’s health
bureau said in separate statements dated Feb. 5. Wuzhou Foods Ltd. was also
shut, the bureau said in a statement dated Feb. 2.
<more> Feb. 9, 2010 Bloomberg
Williamson Act’s demise leads Yolo County to
consider self taxation - - Ranchers in Yolo County might have to tax
themselves in a last-ditch attempt to keep alive a state program that
protects agricultural land from development. The land preservation program –
called the Williamson Act – was cut by $28 million this year because of the
state's budget crisis. Two concepts are being evaluated by county legal
experts: • A local assessment district imposed only on rural, unincorporated
lands. That likely would involve a vote by landowners. • A measure calling
for a new property tax for agricultural land that could appear on a future
countywide ballot.
<more> Feb. 9, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Dan Walters: Left and right both hammer centrist
Maldonado - - The few centrist politicians who win legislative seats are
ostracized when they attempt to bridge the partisan divide and get some work
done. They are ignored, relegated to minor committees or even threatened
with ouster if they don't hew to ideological marching orders. It happened
to the Republicans who voted for a 2009 budget deal that included new taxes
and it happened to Fresno Democrat Juan Arambula when he defied the
leadership on water. And it may be happening to Sen. Abel Maldonado, another
Republican who voted for the budget deal and whom Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
has nominated for lieutenant governor. There's no rational reason why
Maldonado, known to Capitol insiders as "Maldo," shouldn't succeed
Democratic Rep. John Garamendi as lieutenant governor. The position has few
important duties and probably should be abolished, but Maldonado is as
qualified as anyone to fill it.
<more> Feb. 9, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Confused about the Diesel Truck Rule? Attend Feb.
16 Dairy Day - - Get your questions answered at the North Valley Dairy
Day, hosted by Glenn County University of California Cooperative Extension,
on Tuesday, Feb. 16. The UCCE in conjunction with Western United Dairymen
has added Paul Sousa, WUD Environmental Specialist, to the agenda to speak
about the new Diesel Truck Rule and what is required. Registration forms
will be available. If you are interested in attending please register free
of charge by phone at 530-865-1107 or by e-mail:
bmkarle@ucdavis.edu. Any
questions please call Field Representative Leslie Corp at (530) 354-4981.
Feb. 8, 2010 WUD Notice
Dairy Leader
Program accepting applications until March 19 - -
The deadline is March 19 to apply for Western
United Dairymen's highly successful California Dairy Leaders Program.
Designed to train the next generation of California's dairy leaders, the
leadership program consists of several sessions devoted to developing a
better understanding of the economic, legislative, marketing, and
environmental issues facing the industry. Application forms can be
downloaded by
clicking here.
The yearlong program kicks off in the spring. Topics
include environmental issues, the state and federal legislative process,
dairy pricing and economics, biotechnological developments, marketing and
promotion, and public relations skills. Participants will develop and
enhance their leadership skills through communication, business etiquette,
negotiation skills, time management, and team building workshops.
Instruction will be provided by recognized experts in their field. Eligible
participants must be actively involved in milk production, be able to spend
the necessary time in class, as well as studying resource materials, and be
able to commit to visits to locations such as Sacramento and Washington DC.
Class IX enrollment will be limited to ensure one-on-one instruction. The
program enrollment fee of $750 should be submitted with letters of
recommendation. Further information is available by contacting Western
United Dairymen at (209) 527-6453. Feb.
5, 2010
CalEPA deputy enforcement secretary named to U.S.
EPA post - - President Barack Obama today tapped Cal/EPA's Deputy
Secretary for Enforcement and legal counsel Matt Bogoshian as the U.S. EPA's
deputy assistant administrator. Bogoshian, who was appointed to his CalEPA
post by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2007, has worked on enforcement of
state environmental laws and the department's efforts to design a
cap-and-trade system for California. His new position is focused on
enforcing the nation's environmental laws. "Matt's experience in California
will serve him well in his new capacity. We hope that the work we're doing
here in California can be modeled in other states, and look to Matt to help
continue California's leadership at the national level," Cal/EPA's Secretary
Linda Adams said in a statement. Feb. 9, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Dairy herdsman short course April 27-29 in Tulare- - A three-day dairy herdsman short course sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension will be held in Tulare April 27-29. The course is designed for working dairy employees and is designed to provide information on the latest technology and training in all aspects of dairy management. Simultaneous translation will be available to assist Spanish-speaking attendees. Morning session will focus on classroom sessions, with the afternoons devoted to hands-on training. Registration fee is $280. Companies or dairies with more than one participant will be charged $260 for each additional participant. Individual student fees are $220. Pre-registration is required. Additional information is available online at http://cefresno.ucdavis.edu/Dairy/ or by contacting Fresno/Madera dairy Advisor Gerald Higginbotham at (559) 456-7558 or gehigginbotham@ucdavis.edu. Feb. 4, 2010 UCCE Notice
Monday, Feb. 8, 2010
Ag users hail federal judge's temporary hold
- - A federal judge on Friday put a temporary hold on a controversial
management plan for endangered salmon -- a critical decision that will send
more water to parched farms and ranches on the San Joaquin Valley's west
side. The 23-page ruling by U.S. District Judge Oliver W. Wanger in Fresno
is in place for only two weeks, but it comes at a time when there is
increased water flow into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the main source
for agricultural users in the Westlands Water District. Agriculture
officials say an additional 40,000 to 50,000 acre-feet of water will be sent
to federal water users in the next two weeks, saving ranchers and farmers an
estimated $10 million to $12 million. <more>
Feb. 7, 2010 Fresno Bee
China seizes more melamine-tainted milk powder -
- Chinese inspectors tracing new cases of contaminated milk have shut dairy
firms in the northwest and seized 72 metric tons of milk powder tainted with
melamine, an industrial compound that killed at least six children in 2008.
Nearly 100 metric tons of tainted milk powder may still be on shop shelves,
the China Daily reported Monday in detailing the closure of a Ningxia firm
that sold the product.
<more> Feb. 8, 2010 Reuters
Tulare's World Ag Expo ready for visitors - -
The hotels are booked, the tractors are parked and hundreds of yards of bark
are being laid down as the world's largest farm equipment extravaganza
prepares to open. Celebrating its 43rd year, the World Ag Expo begins its
three-day run Tuesday at the International Agri-Center in Tulare. It is the
place for everything agriculture. Farmers, vendors and interested people
from all over the world attend the show every year to look over the newest
tractor, or the latest money-saving piece of equipment.
<more> Feb. 8, 2010 Fresno Bee
Dairy air and water issues discussed at World Ag
Expo Tuesday - - Paul Martin, director of environmental services, Western
United Dairymen, and Cynthia Cory, director of environmental affairs for the
California Farm Bureau Federation, will provide an update on new air and
water quality regulations and compliance requirements on Tuesday Feb. 9 at
the World Ag Expo. The 11 a.m. seminar “What air and water issues will
dairymen face in 2010?” will discuss everything from diesel engine
restrictions to lagoon and wastewater management regulations. The new
seminar venue is located along Expo Lane and R Street near the huge Farm
Credit Dairy Center on the southeast corner of the Expo grounds. Feb. 1,
2010 Ag Expo Notice
Confused about the Diesel Truck Rule? Attend Feb.
16 Dairy Day - - Get your questions answered at the North Valley Dairy
Day, hosted by Glenn County University of California Cooperative Extension,
on Tuesday, Feb. 16. The UCCE in conjunction with Western United Dairymen
has added Paul Sousa, WUD Environmental Specialist, to the agenda to speak
about the new Diesel Truck Rule and what is required. Registration forms
will be available. If you are interested in attending please register free
of charge by phone at 530-865-1107 or by e-mail:
bmkarle@ucdavis.edu. Any
questions please call Field Representative Leslie Corp at (530) 354-4981.
Feb. 8, 2010 WUD Notice
UC Merced scientist honored for biofuels research
- - Elliott Campbell, a professor in the School of Engineering at the
University of California, Merced, has received the National Science
Foundation’s Faculty Early Career Development Award, through which he’ll
receive $407,588 over five years to study the capacity of abandoned
agricultural lands to generate crops used to produce biofuels.
<more> Feb. 8, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Dairy Leader
Program accepting applications until March 19 - -
The deadline is March 19 to apply for Western
United Dairymen's highly successful California Dairy Leaders Program.
Designed to train the next generation of California's dairy leaders, the
leadership program consists of several sessions devoted to developing a
better understanding of the economic, legislative, marketing, and
environmental issues facing the industry. Application forms can be
downloaded by
clicking here. The yearlong program kicks off in the spring. Topics
include environmental issues, the state and federal legislative process,
dairy pricing and economics, biotechnological developments, marketing and
promotion, and public relations skills. Participants will develop and
enhance their leadership skills through communication, business etiquette,
negotiation skills, time management, and team building workshops.
Instruction will be provided by recognized experts in their field. Eligible
participants must be actively involved in milk production, be able to spend
the necessary time in class, as well as studying resource materials, and be
able to commit to visits to locations such as Sacramento and Washington DC.
Class IX enrollment will be limited to ensure one-on-one instruction. The
program enrollment fee of $750 should be submitted with letters of
recommendation. Further information is available by contacting Western
United Dairymen at (209) 527-6453. Feb.
5, 2010
Dairy herdsman short course April 27-29 in Tulare- - A three-day dairy herdsman short course sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension will be held in Tulare April 27-29. The course is designed for working dairy employees and is designed to provide information on the latest technology and training in all aspects of dairy management. Simultaneous translation will be available to assist Spanish-speaking attendees. Morning session will focus on classroom sessions, with the afternoons devoted to hands-on training. Registration fee is $280. Companies or dairies with more than one participant will be charged $260 for each additional participant. Individual student fees are $220. Pre-registration is required. Additional information is available online at http://cefresno.ucdavis.edu/Dairy/ or by contacting Fresno/Madera dairy Advisor Gerald Higginbotham at (559) 456-7558 or gehigginbotham@ucdavis.edu. Feb. 4, 2010 UCCE Notice
Friday, Feb. 5, 2010
Judge
orders Calif water pumping limits lifted temporarily - - A federal judge
says pumping limits intended to protect native salmon can be lifted for two
weeks in order to boost irrigation supplies for California's drought-addled
farmers. Districts representing some of the country's largest farms asked
for a temporary restraining order that would suspend the limits in the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta through mid-June. The pumping restrictions part
of federal biologists' plan aimed at safeguarding winter-run Chinook salmon
as they breed and swim out to the Pacific Ocean. Despite the restrictions,
several native fish populations are still crashing. Farms as well as
fisheries have suffered under the persistent drought, which has left
thousands jobless. U.S. District Judge Oliver Wanger said Friday afternoon
the limits could be lifted for two weeks. Feb. 5, 2010 AP
USDA plans to drop National Animal ID system
- - Faced with stiff resistance from ranchers and farmers, the Obama
administration has decided to scrap a national program intended to help
authorities quickly identify and track livestock in the event of an animal
disease outbreak. In abandoning the program, called the National Animal
Identification System, officials said they would start over in trying to
devise a livestock tracing program that could win widespread support from
the industry.
<more> Feb. 5, 2010 NY Times
USDA
announces new framework for animal disease traceability - - Agriculture
Secretary Vilsack announced today that USDA will develop a new, flexible
framework for animal disease traceability in the United States, and
undertake several other actions to further strengthen its disease prevention
and response capabilities. “After concluding our listening tour on the
National Animal Identification System in 15 cities across the country,
receiving thousands of comments from the public and input from States,
Tribal Nations, industry groups, and representatives for small and organic
farmers, it is apparent that a new strategy for animal disease traceability
is needed,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "I’ve decided to revise
the prior policy and offer a new approach to animal disease traceability
with changes that respond directly to the feedback we heard."
<more> Feb. 5, 2010 USDA Press Release
Dairies serve up healthy scoop of jobs, study
finds - - The dairy industry outshines Hollywood and the wine business
when it comes to creating jobs in California. Dairy-related spending
generated an estimated 443,574 jobs in 2008, according to a new study funded
by the California Milk Advisory Board. It's not just the people who milk the
cows or make the cheese. The job total includes suppliers of feed and other
dairy farm needs, truckers who haul dairy products, grocers who sell the
goods and many other workers. These people in turn spend their paychecks on
housing, clothing and other goods and services, employing yet more
Californians.
<more> Feb. 5, 2010 Modesto Bee
Administration, lawmakers battle over water
projects - - San Joaquin Valley lawmakers and the Obama administration's
top irrigation official clashed Thursday over proposals to speed up valley
water projects. Valley lawmakers want stimulus funds to build fish screens
and other facilities that boost irrigation deliveries. They also want
taxpayers and not local farmers to pay the bill for helping the
drought-ridden region.
<more> Feb. 5, 2010 Modesto Bee
Central Valley Water Pump Wars Continue on
Capitol Hill - - Partisan bickering resumed yesterday over water pumping
restrictions in California's Central Valley, as Republicans attacked a
Democratic bill meant to shore up area farmers. H.R. 4225 from Rep. Jim
Costa (D-Calif.), would waive or lower required state and local matching
funds for qualifying water projects, including ones that would bring more
water to valley farmers through new pipelines that are not restricted by the
federal rules. The bill "is not a silver bullet," Costa said, but would
nonetheless provide a measure of relief by allowing helpful projects to move
forward.
<more> Feb. 5, 2010 NY Times
Biofuel Production Falls Far Short of Targets
- - The Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday that it expects the
biofuels industry to produce 6.5 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol this
year, a fraction of the volume anticipated by Congress. The announcement
suggests that government goals for turning inedible crops into
transportation fuel have been unrealistic and too optimistic about the
private sector's ability to advance existing technology and finance new
refineries for biofuels.
<more> Feb. 5, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Dairy Leader
Program accepting applications until March 19 - -
The deadline is March 19 to apply for Western
United Dairymen's highly successful California Dairy Leaders Program.
Designed to train the next generation of California's dairy leaders, the
leadership program consists of several sessions devoted to developing a
better understanding of the economic, legislative, marketing, and
environmental issues facing the industry. Application forms can be
downloaded by
clicking here. The yearlong program kicks off in the spring. Topics
include environmental issues, the state and federal legislative process,
dairy pricing and economics, biotechnological developments, marketing and
promotion, and public relations skills. Participants will develop and
enhance their leadership skills through communication, business etiquette,
negotiation skills, time management, and team building workshops.
Instruction will be provided by recognized experts in their field. Eligible
participants must be actively involved in milk production, be able to spend
the necessary time in class, as well as studying resource materials, and be
able to commit to visits to locations such as Sacramento and Washington DC.
Class IV enrollment will be limited to ensure one-on-one instruction. The
program enrollment fee of $750 should be submitted with letters of
recommendation. Further information is available by contacting Western
United Dairymen at (209) 527-6453. Feb.
5, 2010
Radanovich's wife dies of cancer -- Ethie Weaver Radanovich, the wife of
Rep. George Radanovich, R-Mariposa, died Thursday night following a
three-year ovarian cancer ordeal. A former California political consultant,
the 50-year-old congressional spouse was undergoing hospice care in the
family's northern Virginia home when she died. Her husband was present.
<more> Feb. 5, 2010 Sacramento Bee
North Valley dairy day set for Feb 16 in Orland
- - A North Valley Dairy Day will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at the
Glenn County Farm Bureau office, 831 Fifth Street, Orland. Sponsored by the
UC Cooperative Extension, the program will feature talks on climate change,
dairy cow welfare and comfort, how to stay off the residue list, factors
affecting the price of dairy cows at auction, the impact of feed additives
on productivity and succession planning in uncertain times. To register
free of charge, phone (530) 865-1107, extension 0 or email
bmkarle@ucdavis.edu Jan. 25,
2010 UC Extension Notice
Washington dairyman at odds with Pacific Power
over manure digester- - Dan DeRuyter doubts he would do it again if he
knew what he knows today. The 42-year-old dairy producer east of Zillah
operates the only manure digester in Eastern Washington, one of four
currently operating in the state. His 1.2-megawatt capacity digester may
ultimately be the only one in a county where facilities like his that turn
manure into electricity and usable products would appear to be a natural. He
was encouraged by local and state policymakers, but things aren't turning
out quite the way the models envisioned when he built the $3.8 million
facility and began producing power more than three years ago.
<more> Feb. 5, 2010 Yakima Herald
Dairy herdsman short course April 27-29 in Tulare-
- A three-day dairy herdsman short course sponsored by UC Cooperative
Extension will be held in Tulare April 27-29. The course is designed for
working dairy employees and is designed to provide information on the latest
technology and training in all aspects of dairy management. Simultaneous
translation will be available to assist Spanish-speaking attendees. Morning
session will focus on classroom sessions, with the afternoons devoted to
hands-on training. Registration fee is $280. Companies or dairies with more
than one participant will be charged $260 for each additional participant.
Individual student fees are $220. Pre-registration is required. Additional
information is available online at
http://cefresno.ucdavis.edu/Dairy/ or by contacting Fresno/Madera
dairy Advisor Gerald Higginbotham at (559) 456-7558 or
gehigginbotham@ucdavis.edu.
Feb. 4, 2010 UCCE Notice
Speak
Now or Forever Hold Your Peace - - By Steve Kopperud - -
There’s an odd psychology among many national ag groups – whether producer,
input or processor – as well as among monster-big companies when it comes to
“responding” to attacks from activists or ill-informed bureaucrats on what
we do and how well we do it. It generally comes down to waiting until the
bomb has dropped or getting someone else to stand up and scream, “Enough of
this junk.” Those days have got to end. If you plumb the motivation for
this hesitance to confront our adversaries or to challenge the Big Lie(s)
about production agriculture and modern food production, you generally get
the following responses: 1. “I/we don’t want to make a bigger deal out of
this than it already is”, or 2. “We don’t want to tick off (fill in the
name of your favorite critic – private or government) because they might
punish us with something worse.” Forgive my frankness, but this kind of
thinking is crap.
<more> Feb. 5, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Merced farmer named to USDA’s California Farm Service Committee - - Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) commended the appointment today of Merced County resident Lynn Skinner to the USDA’s California Farm Service Agency State Committee. As one of the State Committee members she will help oversee such activities as carrying out state agricultural conservation programs, resolving appeals from the agriculture community, and keeping producers informed about FSA programs. “This new appointment allows me the opportunity to support California farmers even further and hopefully bring new understanding of California agriculture – large or small, sustainable or commercial – to the national level,” said Skinner. She was raised on a working California family farm. Mrs. Skinner and her husband operate the historic Wolfsen Land and Cattle Company, carrying on a family agribusiness legacy that has spanned some 80 years. Feb. 5, 2010 Cardoza Press Release
Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010
State considering settling Humboldt Creamery
dairy suit - - Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro said that the state Attorney
General's Office and the California Department of Food and Agriculture are
interested in settling their lawsuit against a group of dairy farmers who
were caught up in the Humboldt Creamery fiasco. The Arcata Democrat said he
approached Attorney General Edmund “Jerry” Brown in December to inquire
about the lawsuit, which seeks $430,000 in assessments, fees and penalties.
Chesbro said that a meeting was set up with an official from the Attorney
General's Office and the undersecretary and general counsel for the
Department of Food and Agriculture.
<more> Feb. 4, 2010 Eureka Times-Standard
Heifer numbers trigger milk futures crash - -
Milk futures crashed across the board Feb. 1, falling 37 cents on first-half
2010 contracts to $13.65 a hundredweight, according to the CME Daily Dairy
Report. Second-half 2010 contracts also fell 39 cents to $15.16 a
hundredweight. "As far as I can tell, these are new lows in front-month
contracts," said Alan Levitt, editor of the report. "Futures have been
tracking down, but today, it's major. It's notable for how much the
sentiment in this market has turned in just the last couple of weeks."
<more> Feb. 4, 2010 Capital Press
No wonder these cows are happy; dairies are a
boon for California - -The wow of the cow. That's the end result of a
study of the economic impact of the California dairy business. The study,
done by the California Milk Advisory Board, shows that California dairy
farms contributed $63 billion to the state's economy in 2008. "That's more
than the wine industry or the movie and television industry's impact on the
state," said Stan Andre, chief executive officer of the California Milk
Advisory Board.
<more> Feb. 4, 2010 Merced Sun-Star
Got Ethics? U.S. dairy industry: ‘Yes, we do.’-
- After experiencing one of the worst years for milk prices, dairy farmers
across the nation were served yet another forceful blow just a few weeks
into the new year. On Jan. 26, ABC and some of the biggest names in animal
rights groups revealed undercover videos showing dairy cattle being
dehorned, tails being docked, some suffering from infections and one cow
that was struck with a wrench. The videos were taken at New York’s largest
dairy — the 5,000-cow Willet Dairy — located in Cayuga County. But footage
there was used to represent all of the dairy industry, turning the popular
marketing phrase “Got milk?” into a question of, “Got Ethics?”
<more> Feb. 43, 2010 Farm and Dairy
Initiative to suspend AB 32 cleared to gather
signatures - - A proposed initiative to suspend California's landmark
legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emission was cleared by the secretary
of state's office late Wednesday to begin collecting signatures. A creator
of the initiative, Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Linda, said he has commitments
of $600,000 from business interests for a campaign to qualify the measure
for the ballot. The initiative would suspend implementation of Assembly Bill
32, which called for reducing California's greenhouse gas emissions to 1990
levels by 2020.
<more> Feb. 4, 2010 Sacramento Bee
EPA biofuels guidelines could spur production of
ethanol from corn - - The nation's farmers got a big boost Wednesday
when the Obama administration issued new biofuels guidelines that could open
the way for large increases in the production of corn-based ethanol. The
Environmental Protection Agency said new data showed that, even after taking
into account increased fertilizer and land use, corn-based ethanol can yield
significant climate benefits by displacing conventional gasoline or diesel
fuel.
<more> Feb. 4, 2010 Washington Post
EPA ruling boosts ethanol after fierce lobbying
effort for corn-based fuels - - The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) handed a victory to ethanol producers Wednesday by issuing final
regulations that conclude corn-based fuels will meet greenhouse gas
standards imposed under a 2007 energy law. The release of the final
regulations follows a fierce campaign by ethanol companies that alleged 2009
draft rules unfairly found that large volumes of ethanol production would
not meet targets in the statute for reducing greenhouse gases?
<more> Feb. 4, 2010 The Hill
Hackers Steal Millions in Carbon Credits - -
Credit card numbers are so passe. Today’s hackers know the real powerhouse
data to steal is emission certificates. That’s exactly what hackers went
after last week when they obtained unauthorized access to online accounts
where companies maintain their carbon credits, according to the German
newspaper Der Spiegel. The hackers launched a targeted phishing attack
against employees of numerous companies in Europe, New Zealand and Japan,
which appeared to come from the German Emissions Trading Authority. The
workers were told that their companies needed to re-register their accounts
with the Authority, where carbon credits and transactions are recorded.
<more> Feb. 4, 2010 Wired.com
Dairy herdsman short course April 27-29 in Tulare-
- A three-day dairy herdsman short course sponsored by UC Cooperative
Extension will be held in Tulare April 27-29. The course is designed for
working dairy employees and is designed to provide information on the latest
technology and training in all aspects of dairy management. Simultaneous
translation will be available to assist Spanish-speaking attendees. Morning
session will focus on classroom sessions, with the afternoons devoted to
hands-on training. Registration fee is $280. Companies or dairies with more
than one participant will be charged $260 for each additional participant.
Individual student fees are $220. Pre-registration is required. Additional
information is available online at
http://cefresno.ucdavis.edu/Dairy/ or by contacting Fresno/Madera
dairy Advisor Gerald Higginbotham at (559) 456-7558 or
gehigginbotham@ucdavis.edu.
Feb. 4, 2010 UCCE Notice
DWR predicts further limits on water deliveries
-- A draft report by the state Department of Water Resources says future
water deliveries will suffer more than previously expected from the impacts
of current environmental rules and projected climate change. The report
shows a "continuing erosion" of the state's ability to maintain its water
deliveries from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The report, the latest in
a series published over the past decade, shows present-day Delta pumping
shrinking under the weight of regulations to protect fish and future efforts
to preserve the Delta's freshwater environment.
<more> Feb. 4, 2010 Capital Press
Holstein Club Convention Feb. 4-6 in Modesto - -
The Stanislaus County Holstein Club is hosting the 2010 Holstein Convention
in Modesto Feb. 4-6. A Ladies Day Tour set for Friday, Feb. 5 is open to
members and non-members. The tour begins at 8 a.m. with a bus boarding at
the Double Tree Hotel. Stops include a tour of the family owned Classic Wine
and Vinegar Co.; a tour of a beautiful home of a local dairyman and his
wife; lunch at the S.O.S club featuring a fashion show from Coldwater Creek.
The afternoon events include a home and garden tour, capped off with a stop
at a Turlock gift shop owned by a local dairy family. The cost is $50.
Further information is available from Lindsey Texeira at (209) 678-2540.
Jan. 22, 2010 Holstein Club Notice
North Valley dairy day set for Feb 16 in Orland
- - A North Valley Dairy Day will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at the
Glenn County Farm Bureau office, 831 Fifth Street, Orland. Sponsored by the
UC Cooperative Extension, the program will feature talks on climate change,
dairy cow welfare and comfort, how to stay off the residue list, factors
affecting the price of dairy cows at auction, the impact of feed additives
on productivity and succession planning in uncertain times. To register
free of charge, phone (530) 865-1107, extension 0 or email
bmkarle@ucdavis.edu Jan. 25,
2010 UC Extension Notice
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010
Former Humboldt Creamery CEO Ghilarducci charged,
plans to plead guilty - -Former Humboldt Creamery CEO Rich Ghilarducci
will plead guilty to a single federal charge filed against him of making
false statements to an agricultural credit bank, according to a statement
from his attorney. ”Rich has agreed to waive indictment and will plead
guilty to this charge,” Ghilarducci's attorney, Elliot Peters, said in a
statement sent to the Times-Standard on Tuesday. “Rich accepts
responsibility for providing false financial information to Humboldt
Creamery's lender in 2007.”
<more> Feb. 3, 2010 The Times-Standard
Calif. dairies boost economy, study finds - -
California's dairy industry generated $63 billion in economic activity and
created 443,574 jobs in 2008, according to a study released Tuesday. "People
often see us as just cows in barns," said Michael Marsh, CEO of the
Modesto-based Western United Dairymen, whose 1,000 dairy members produce 60%
of the state's milk. "But we generate a lot of jobs and economic activity."
<more> Feb. 3, 2010 Fresno Bee
RFS rule still leaves corn ethanol in play -
- Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced details of the
newly-expanded rule for the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) which does
recognize that ethanol from all sources provides significant carbon benefits
compared to gasoline. However ethanol supporters are concerned of the
agency's use of the indirect land use change theory which puts corn-based
ethanol at a disadvantage to other biofuels such as Brazilian sugar-based
ethanol.
<more> Feb. 3, 2010 Feedstuffs
CBS News antibiotic piece to air next week -
- CBS Evening News, featuring Katie Couric, has scheduled a two-part report
on antimicrobial use in food-animal production. Baring major breaking news
that would delay the reports, the series is scheduled for evening news
broadcasts next week -- possibly Feb. 9 and 10.
The reports are expected to feature CBS news anchor, Kathy Couric, and will
look at both meat and poultry production. A CBS production crew has filmed
organic and conventional pork production systems, as well as a Pennsylvania
organic turkey grower among other entities.
<more> Feb. 3, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
California to measure methane to pinpoint
emissions -- California plans to install a network of computerized
monitors to measure methane emissions from regions that are home to dairy
ranches, farms, landfills and other sources. It will be the first network of
its kind in the United States and will help the state take another step
toward reducing emissions of the gases related to global warming. By May,
seven devices about the size of a personal computer will be placed in
regions of the state where methane emissions are believed to be the highest.
Those include the farm fields of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys and
landfills in the Los Angeles basin.
<more> Feb. 3, 2010 AP
Hope Returns After Year of Steep U.S. Dairy
Losses - - Only months ago, dairy producers were slaughtering an average
of 50,000 dairy cows a week because a milk glut made it impossible to sell
their milk for what it cost to produce. Now, with prices improving, dairy
farmers are reversing course, saying they'll produce as much milk as
possible this year. One Modesto, Calif.-based dairy group is advising its
members to weather the storm not by maximizing milk production but by
cutting costs, for example by locking in long-term feed contracts at lower
prices. ''We say maximize your efficiency,'' said Michael Marsh, the chief
executive of Western United Dairymen. ''If you can enhance your productivity
and lower your costs, that's going to pay off more in the long run.''
<more> Feb. 3, 2010 AP
House Ag Chairman Backs Bid to Block EPA
Greenhouse Gas Regs - - A trio of House lawmakers yesterday introduced a
bill to block U.S. EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gases, marking the
latest in a string of bipartisan attacks against forthcoming climate rules.
The measure from Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Missouri
Reps. Ike Skelton (D) and Jo Ann Emerson (R) would amend the Clean Air Act
to prohibit EPA from regulating greenhouse gases based on their effects on
global climate change.
<more> Feb. 3, 2010 NY Times
Obama Retreats From Goal of Cap-Trade Bill -
- President Barack Obama said for the first time Tuesday that legislation
that would require industries to pay for emissions of greenhouse gases may
need to be separated from a more popular "green jobs" bill in the Senate, a
maneuver that could kill what once had been one of the administration's top
policy priorities. Answering a participant in a town-hall meeting in Nashua
who asked about green jobs—those connected to renewable energy—and so-called
cap-and-trade legislation, Mr. Obama said, "The only thing I would say about
it is this: We may be able to separate these things out. And it's possible
that that's where the Senate ends up."<more>
Feb. 3, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Florez trails in poll for lt. Governor - -
He's out of the governor's race, but a new poll puts San Francisco Mayor
Gavin Newsom as the instant front-runner in a three-way Democratic match-up
for lieutenant governor. The poll of 600 likely Democratic voters statewide,
conducted last month by San Francisco pollster Ben Tulchin, shows Newsom
clocking in with 33 percent of the vote, giving him a big lead over Los
Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn, at 17 percent, and state Sen. Dean
Florez of Shafter (Kern County), at 15 percent. Both Hahn and Florez are
declared candidates for the June primary.
<more> Feb. 3, 2010 SF Chronicle
North Valley dairy day set for Feb 16 in Orland
- - A North Valley Dairy Day will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at the
Glenn County Farm Bureau office, 831 Fifth Street, Orland. Sponsored by the
UC Cooperative Extension, the program will feature talks on climate change,
dairy cow welfare and comfort, how to stay off the residue list, factors
affecting the price of dairy cows at auction, the impact of feed additives
on productivity and succession planning in uncertain times. To register
free of charge, phone (530) 865-1107, extension 0 or email
bmkarle@ucdavis.edu Jan. 25,
2010 UC Extension Notice
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010
Dairy industry responsible for more than 443,000
California jobs - - California’s dairy industry, much of it located in
the Central Valley, was responsible for creating a total of 443,574 jobs and
$63 billion in economic activity for the state in 2008, the dairy industry’s
marketing arm claims. (For more information
please
click here.) The typical California dairy cow and farm stimulates a
positive ripple effect throughout the state, according to the research
conducted by J/D/G Consulting Inc., an independent dairy industry research
firm based in Florida and paid for by the California Milk Advisory Board. It
says the typical dairy farm in California generates $33.1 million in
economic activity and 232 jobs in the state. .
<more> Feb. 2, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Be prepared for dairy to go up or down - -
Dairy markets continue to disappoint. While cash cheese prices have been
hanging around the $1.50 range, Class III futures have been sliding. On
Monday, March through December 2010 contracts lost anywhere from 30 to 62
cents. February through June are now all below $14.00. There are a number of
factors weighing-in, a 13 percent increase in cold storage stocks in 2009,
lower feed prices, a stronger dollar and 4.5 million replacement heifers in
the country as of the end of December.
<more> Feb. 2, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
December cheese production below a year ago in CA
and U.S. - - Total cheese production in the U.S. in December was 862
million pounds, 0.1 percent
below
December of 2008. The National Ag Statistics Service reports Italian type
production was 2.5 percent above a year ago at 373 million pounds while
American type production was 2.6 percent lower at 349 million pounds.
Cheddar production was 8.3 percent lower than a year ago. Total cheese
production in California in December was 175.87 million pounds, down 2.3
percent from a year earlier. Italian cheese production increased 0.1 percent
in the Golden State to 104.76 million pounds. American type production
slipped 4.4 percent to 54.2 million pounds; cheddar output was 10.3 percent
lower at 30.6 million pounds.
<more> Feb. 2, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
China launches emergency sweep for tainted milk
- - China has launched a 10-day emergency crackdown on tainted milk
products after several were found creeping back onto the market despite a
massive scandal that sickened hundreds of thousands of children in 2008. No
one knows how many tainted milk products are still on the market, a member
of the country's food safety committee, Chen Junshi, was quoted as saying by
the China Daily newspaper Tuesday.
<more> Feb. 2, 2010 AP
Proposed USDA budget under fire - - Despite
its trillion dollar price tag, agriculture took a big hit in the federal
budget proposed by President Barack Obama’s this week. In it, he asked
Congress on Monday to slash crop subsidies to "wealthy farmers" and to pare
federal support for crop insurance, moves estimated to save $10 billion over
10 years. Obama targeted those areas for large cuts last year without
success. In his proposed budget for fiscal 2011, Obama suggested a sharply
lower cut-off in income that qualifies for crop supports, implemented over a
three-year period. It would save $2.26 billion over 10 years.
<more> Feb. 2, 2010 DairyHerd Management
Obama budget seeks cuts in farm subsidies - -
Crop and farm-trade subsidies would be shaved under the Obama
administration's fiscal 2011 budget proposed Monday. Resurrecting previously
failed money-saving ideas, the White House wants to cut payments to wealthy
farmers and shrink an overseas marketing program favored by California fruit
and vegetable farmers. If Congress goes along, reducing the Market Access
Program and curtailing subsidies for crops like cotton and rice could save
taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. "It's time we put our fiscal house in
order," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said.
<more> Feb. 2, 2010 Fresno Bee
Handling difficult media interviews - - Chris
Galen, senior vice president of communications, National Milk Producers
Federation (NMPF), was interviewed as part of the recent “Nightline”
segment. While only a few seconds of his interview aired in the segment,
preparation played a critical role in responding to tough questions. Galen
outlines his approach in this article.
<more> Feb. 2, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Vermont Bill Would Authorize HSUS to Oversee
Livestock Commerce in the State - - A Vermont lawmaker has introduced a
bill that would authorize that "An inspector who is a representative of a
the humane society of the United States, a Vermont-domiciled humane society,
or similar organization approved by rule of the secretary, shall be present
to observe a slaughterer, packer, or stockyard operator when engaged in the
practice of bleeding or slaughtering livestock." Steve Kopperud, who helped
found the Animal Agriculture Alliance, says that " Animal Rights activists
may be headed toward an unprecedented power grab in Vermont."
<more> Feb. 2, 2010 Oklahoma Farm Report
Minnesota dairy to be closed for exceeding
emission limits- - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
announced this week that it will take action to force the closure of a
large, 1,500+ cow dairy near Thief River Falls. Excel Dairy has exceeded
hydrogen sulfide emission limits nearly 700 times in the past two years, say
MPCA officials. In 2008, the Minnesota Department of Public Health declared
the dairy a public health hazard.
<more> Feb. 2, 2010 Dairy Today
Poizner and Whitman contribute nearly $60 million
of their own money to gubernatorial campaigns - - With four months to go
before the June primary election, the two leading Republican candidates for
governor have poured more than $58 million of their personal fortunes into
their campaigns while the presumptive Democratic nominee, state Atty. Gen.
Jerry Brown, has conserved his money for the fight ahead. The 71-year-old
Brown, a former two-term governor who is still unannounced in the race,
spent only $370,000 last year, mostly on mundane items such as $79,000 in
office expenses, according to campaign filings released Monday. At the end
of 2009, Brown had $12.1 million on hand for a contest that could shatter
state spending records.
<more> Feb. 2, 2010 LA Times
Senate Ag Committee Chair Lincoln trails badly in new poll- - A new Public Policy Polling survey in Arkansas finds Rep. John Boozman (R) leading Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D), chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, by a wide margin, 56% to 33%. "Lincoln's approval rating has sunk to just 27%, with 62% of voters in the state disapproving of her. She's at a middling 51% even within her own party and just 17% of independents and 9% of Republicans are happy with how she's doing." Feb. 2, 2010 PoliticalWire.com
Monday, Feb. 1, 2010
State of the cheese: Valley seeing end to dairy
profit freefall - - The cheese industry treasures people such as Joyce
Tschetter. During a lunch stop last week at the Hilmar Cheese Co. visitor
center, the Minnesota resident rattled off the product's virtues." It's very
versatile," she said. "It improves Mexican food. It improves American. It
improves French. It improves Italian." Tschetter — whose name happens to be
pronounced "cheddar" — is among the millions of people who have helped drive
the rapid growth in U.S. cheese production in recent decades. Some of it has
taken place in the Northern San Joaquin Valley, where several thousand
people work at 10 plants turning out a wide variety of products. Cheese is
the No. 1 use of California milk, soaking up nearly half of the state's
top-grossing farm product. If dairy farmers are to recover from the sharp
drop in milk prices last year, it will be in part because of renewed demand
for mozzarella and Monterey jack and the like.
<more> Jan. 31, 2010 Modesto Bee
Organic dairy farmers debate change in federal
regulations - - Organic dairy farmers are divided over proposed federal
regulations that could require them to keep fewer cows on larger pastures
for a longer period of time. Supporters of the rules proposed by the
National Organic Standards Board say they would help prevent vast "factory
farms" from claiming organic status - and the higher milk prices it confers.
But opponents, including West Marin dairyman Albert Straus, fear the new
rules would impose a "one-size-fits-all" approach on organic dairies that
could make it difficult for Marin's ranches to retain their status.
<more> Feb. 1, 2010 Marin Independent Journal
Fresno Raw Milk Farmer Takes Stand Against FDA
- - To no one's surprise, raw milk dairyman Mark McAfee, owner of
Organic Pastures Dairy Company near Fresno, Calif., has come out swinging
against the federal Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) legal attempt to
put him and his dairy under tighter scrutiny. "It's ridiculous to come after
us like this," McAfee said in a Jan. 25 interview with Food Safety News.
"It's like throwing us into the shark pool. They want a pound of flesh and
blood. In December 2009, the FDA asked a district court in California to
impose a permanent injunction that would forever prevent Organic Pastures
from selling its raw milk and raw milk products across state lines--no
matter how they're labeled.
<more> Feb. 1, 2010 Food Safety News
CBS Evening News antibiotic piece to air this
week - - CBS Evening News featuring Katie Couric, has scheduled a
two-part report on antimicrobial use in food-animal production. Baring major
breaking news that would delay the reports, the series is scheduled for
evening news broadcasts on Feb. 3 and 4. The reports are expected to feature
CBS news anchor, Kathy Couric, and will look at both meat and poultry
production.
<more> Feb. 1, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Viewers respond to 'Nightline' broadcast - -
The blogosphere was busy following last Tuesday night’s “Disturbing Reality
of Dairy Land” broadcast by ABC News. As of Monday afternoon, 172 user
comments were recorded on an ABC News Web site. The comments were pretty
much divided among pro-dairy and anti-dairy factions.
<more> Feb. 1, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Just show consumers that you CARE (commentary)
- - Last week’s scathing portrayal of alleged abuses in the dairy
industry by ABC News has saddened many people and caused others to
re-examine the images that we are sending to consumers. “There has been a
tectonic shift in the animal-human relationship, in the way we interact with
animals in this culture,” said animal-welfare authority Wes Jamison . That
relationship has shifted from seeing animals as commodities and cuisine to
seeing them as companions and partners, he added. This has created a
“perfect storm” that has been exploited by the animal-rights groups. The
dairy industry must appeal to this emotion by showing, first and foremost,
that we CARE for the animals. The messaging should be simple. Consumers
don’t want to wade through the science; they just want to know that farmers
CARE.
<more> Feb. 1, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Dairy air and water issues discussed at World Ag
Expo Feb. 9 - - Paul Martin, director of environmental services, Western
United Dairymen, and Cynthia Cory, director of environmental affairs for the
California Farm Bureau Federation, will provide an update on new air and
water quality regulations and compliance requirements on Tuesday Feb. 9 at
the World Ag Expo. The 11 a.m. seminar “What air and water issues will
dairymen face in 2010?” will discuss everything from diesel engine
restrictions to lagoon and wastewater management regulations. The new
seminar venue is located along Expo Lane and R Street near the huge Farm
Credit Dairy Center on the southeast corner of the Expo grounds. Feb. 1,
2010 Ag Expo Notice
Dairy nutrient management seminar on tap Feb. 11
at Ag Expo - - Sustainable Conservation is hosting its “Simplifying
Dairy Nutrient Management” seminar at the World Ag Expo, Thursday, Feb. 11
from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Panelists will discuss the use of innovative
technologies and practices they’ve used to improve water quality on and off
the farm, while also satisfying water-quality regulations and protecting
important water resources; utilizing the nutrients of dairy waste on silage
crops to maintain healthy yields, and reducing the need for costly
commercial fertilizers. Feb. 1, 2010 Sustainable Conservation Notice
Corn Prices Set To Rebound On Ethanol Demand,
Economic Recovery - - A flailing economy and record crops have worked to
pull corn prices some 20% off their 2009 peak, but analysts say the move is
only a temporary setback, with an economic recovery under way and ethanol
demand on reliable footing. "Nearly a third of the domestic corn output in
the U.S. is being used for ethanol production and this volume is set to
expand even further," Commerzbank analysts wrote in a recent research note.
"This should push up prices."
<more> Feb. 1, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Hilmar Cheese water treatment OK'd - - Hilmar
Cheese Co. won state approval Friday for a change to its waste-water
treatment process. The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board
voted unanimously to let the company test a new method for one of the final
treatment steps at its Lander Avenue plant. Waste-water from the plant, the
world's largest cheese producer, has drawn years of scrutiny from regulators
and neighbors. The change involves a part of the process that removes salts
from the water. The current system uses reverse osmosis -- forcing water
through a membrane to trap the salts -- for up to 1.4 million gallons a day.
<more> Jan. 31, 2010 Modesto Bee
Animal-welfare battle begins in Ohio - - The
Ohioans for Humane Farms have submitted a petition to Ohio’s Secretary of
State in support of placing an anti-cruelty measure on the statewide
November ballot. This measure would seek to direct the work of the newly
enacted Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board by setting certain standards
relative to livestock. According to a press release from the Humane Society
of the United States, veal calves, pigs, egg-laying hens, downer cows and
inhumane methods of euthanasia will be targeted. The group will now seek to
collect more than 600,000 signatures of registered Ohio voters upon approval
of the petition forms by the Secretary of State. The ballot measure is
backed by The Humane Society of the United States and other organizations.
<more> Feb. 1, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Kings County farm Bureau uses video conferencing
to reach into classrooms- - Students at Frontier Elementary School were
mesmerized by the life-sized woman on the screen, who saw and heard them as
if she was actually standing in the classroom. Except Diana Peck was several
miles away Wednesday at the Kings County Office of Education, working in a
brand new video-conferencing studio that is already bringing interactive
live lessons from all over the U.S. into local classrooms. Its’ first video
conference lesson, a session on cotton production taught by Peck, went live
Dec. 17. By all accounts, it's been a big hit with students.
<more> Jan. 31, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
RSS
feed now available on WUD news website - - Dairy news junkies now have
another tool to help them keep up on the latest California dairy news. A
feature known as RSS - - for Really Simple Syndication- - has been added to
the news section of the Western United Dairymen website. The Newsflash RSS
Feed can be accessed in the News drop-down menu or can be reached directly
by clicking here. The new feature benefits readers who want to subscribe
to timely updates from WUD’s newsflash section. RSS feeds can be read using
software called an "RSS reader", "feed reader", or "aggregator", which can
be web-based, desktop-based, or mobile-device-based. Jan. 29, 2010
North Valley dairy day set for Feb 16 in Orland
- - A North Valley Dairy Day will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at the
Glenn County Farm Bureau office, 831 Fifth Street, Orland. Sponsored by the
UC Cooperative Extension, the program will feature talks on climate change,
dairy cow welfare and comfort, how to stay off the residue list, factors
affecting the price of dairy cows at auction, the impact of feed additives
on productivity and succession planning in uncertain times. To register
free of charge, phone (530) 865-1107, extension 0 or email
bmkarle@ucdavis.edu Jan. 25,
2010 UC Extension Notice
Friday, Jan. 29, 2010
Class
III futures continue to slide - - It was a mixed week in the dairy
markets, while cash cheese on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange saw barrels
hold steady at $1.505 blocks gained 3.5 cents to end the week at $1.515. But
Class III futures slipped through the week with the February contract losing
13 cents, March fell 54 cents, April lost 76 cents and May dropped 80 cents.
The March, April and May contracts all fell below the $14.00 mark with
February just holding-on at $14.05.
<more> Jan. 29, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Leprino Foods says it no longer gets milk from ‘Night Line’ dairy - -
Denver cheese maker Leprino Foods Co. said Thursday that a New York dairy
accused by an animal-rights group of abusing its cows no longer supplies one
of its cheese plants with milk. Chicago-based Mercy for Animals, which works
to expose animal cruelty and promotes vegan diets on its website, on
Thursday released a video it said was covertly shot by a farm worker at
Willet Dairy in Locke, N.Y. Until Wednesday, milk from the Willet Dairy went
to Leprino’s Wavery, N.Y., plant through a dairy cooperative, Dairy
Marketing Services, said Mike Reidy, a senior vice president of Leprino, a
private company. “We are no longer served by that dairy,” Reidy said
Thursday. <more>
Jan. 29, 2010 Denver Business Journal
Dairy
farmers send pizza to troops for Super Bowl parties - - America’s dairy
farmers are proud to partner with Pizzas 4 Patriots, DHL, and pizza shops
Gino’s East of Chicago and Edwardo’s Natural Pizza to deliver a taste of
home to servicemen and women stationed in Iraq. This morning enough pizza
and high-protein Athletes Honey Milk to feed 30,000 soldiers left Chicago
for Camps Liberty and Victory in Baghdad. The shipments will arrive at the
camps over the next week for upcoming Super Bowl celebrations. Dairy farmers
also included 500 footballs for the impromptu football games that take place
on the bases. To learn more about the ‘Pizzas 4 Patriots’ program or to
donate to the program, visit
http://pizzas4patriots.com/ Jan 29, 2010 DMI Notice
Dairyline:
Butter stocks weigh on market - - The cash market saw block cheese move
higher for the third week in a row while butter and nonfat dry milk plunged
the final week of January. Cash block closed Friday at $1.5150 per pound, up
3 1/2-cents on the week and 36 1/2-cents above a year ago. Barrel closed at
$1.5050, unchanged on the week, and 39 cents above a year ago. Ten carloads
of each traded hands on the week. The NASS-surveyed block price averaged
$1.4644 across the U.S., down 8.4 cents. Barrel averaged $1.4769, down 0.3
cent. Butter closed the week at $1.33, 13 3/4-cents below the previous week,
but 22 3/4-cents above a year ago. Thirteen cars were sold on the week. NASS
butter averaged $1.3854, up 4.6 cents.
<more> Jan. 29, 2010 Capital Press
Posting annual summary of injuries and illnesses - -
By Anthony P. Raimondo - -
Employers with 11 or more employees must
post
an annual summary of job related injuries and illnesses from February 1
through April 30 where other employment related posters are posted.
Employers should remember that if they had as many as 11 employees
(including temporary, seasonal, or part time employees) at any time during
the year, then they must post the annual summary. Cal/OSHA has created
forms for the recordkeeping logs and the annual summary. While only the
summary must be posted, employees have a right to review the detailed record
upon request. Generally, employers must record any work related illnesses or
injuries that involve lost time from work, restrictions from full work
activities, or medical treatment beyond first aid. Employers should
remember that serious injuries or illnesses must be reported to Cal/OSHA by
telephone within eight hours, no matter what time of day or night. If you
do not know the reporting number for your area, call your local Cal/OSHA
office and they can provide it to you. There is an automatic $5,000 fine
for failing to report a serious injury or illness.
<more> Jan. 29, 2010
Terrorism Grand Jury Subpoenas HSUS Lawyer - - The Center for Consumer
Freedom reports that Humane Society of the US (HSUS) attorney Leana Stormont
has been subpoenaed Monday to testify before a federal grand jury about a
2004 animal rights attack on a University of Iowa animal laboratory carried
out by the terrorist Animal Liberation Front (ALF). <more> Jan. 29, 2010
Center for Consumer Freedom
http://www.qctimes.com/news/local/article_d02016d6-07da-11df-8aa9-001cc4c03286.html
RSS
feed now available on WUD news website - - Dairy news junkies now have
another tool to help them keep up on the latest California dairy news. A
feature known as RSS - - for Really Simple Syndication- - has been added to
the news section of the Western United Dairymen website. The Newsflash RSS
Feed can be accessed in the News drop-down menu or can be reached directly
by clicking here. The new feature benefits readers who want to subscribe
to timely updates from WUD’s newsflash section. RSS feeds can be read using
software called an "RSS reader", "feed reader", or "aggregator", which can
be web-based, desktop-based, or mobile-device-based. Jan. 29, 2010
Hard
to wash away drought- - The question gurgles up from every storm drain
and creek in California: Is the drought over? The simple answer is no. The
reasons are not so simple. Two weeks of heavy rain and snow, nice as it is,
cannot erase three years of drought statewide. For starters, California's
largest reservoirs are far from full. This includes Shasta, Oroville and
Folsom, all vital storage points for state and federal water supply canals.
These reservoirs likely won't fill completely with the snowpack on the
ground now, especially if there is no more of it by April 1.
<more> Jan. 29, 2010 Modesto Bee
California’s agricultural heartland threatens to become a wasteland - -
Mike Chrisman looks out from his SUV as he drives through seemingly endless
rows of walnut trees on his property near Visalia, in central California. “I
have to be optimistic, I’m so tied to this land,” he says. His
great-grandfather, after trying his luck in the Gold Rush, settled in
Visalia in the 1850s, and the family has been there ever since. But as
California’s secretary for natural resources—a job at the intersection of
the environmental and farming lobbies, perennially at loggerheads over the
state’s scarcest resource, water—Mr Chrisman also knows that optimism has
become a minority view.<more>
Jan. 29, 2010 The Economist
Gov. plugs Maldonado on brink of his Lt. Gov confirmation - - State Sen. Abel Maldonado, who is bidding to become California's lieutenant governor, got another blessing from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday at a gathering of top Silicon Valley business leaders. The two appeared side-by-side at a luncheon held by the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, a day after Senate leaders scheduled Wednesday to begin deciding whether Maldonado should be confirmed as the state's second-in-command. <more> Jan. 29, 2010 San Jose Mercury News
Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010
Florez’
antibiotics bill defeated again on Senate floor - - For the second time
in seven months, legislation by Sen. Dean Florez (D-Shafter) that would
restrict the use of antibiotics in raising livestock has been defeated by
the California Senate. The bill was defeated on the Senate floor today with
16 votes in favor, 17 against and six Senators not voting.
SB 416 was last defeated on June 3, 2009 with only 15 votes in favor and
20 opposed. Jan. 28, 2010
Dairy
downturn reduces demand for young heifers - - Plagued by huge financial
losses, dairy farmers looking to cut costs by scaling back their herds are
dealing a hard blow to calf and heifer raisers who depend on the incoming
flow of young cattle for continued business. Gordon Aue, who runs Triple A
Cattle and Farming in Merced County, said when the financial crisis hit,
dairy producers he was working for were pulling out their animals because
they couldn't afford the cost of raising them off site. "Basically, we lost
almost all of our customers," he said. "When dairymen are having trouble
financially, then they don't pay us. A lot of them have had to sell their
heifers just to keep their heads above water, so they're not putting heifers
out for us to raise."
<more> Jan. 28, 2010 Ag Alert
Dehorning: 'Standard Practice' on Dairy Farms- - According to figures
from the USDA, more than nine out of ten dairy farms practice dehorning,
meaning the farmers cut or burn the horns off of cows. But while there is
serious pressure to end the controversial practice of tail docking, in which
farmers remove the ends of cows' tails, there is no sign of similar momentum
to stop dehorning. Lyndon Odell, CEO of Willet Dairy, one of New York
state's largest dairies, said dehorning is a "standard practice in
agriculture" and done to protect both the animals and dairy employees. "Part
of the issue with this is cow injury," said Odell, "and also safety for the
employees. If you have an animal running around with a sharp horn, they can
gore other animals that are in the same group with them or they can injure
an employee that's working with the animals."
<more> Jan. 28, 2010 ABC News
Merced
Sun-Star: Give Hilmar Cheese the time it needs - - The Sun-Star firmly
supports Hilmar Cheese Co.'s request Friday to the California Regional Water
Quality Control Board, Central Valley Region, in Sacramento for more time to
meet a regulatory requirement. We think the homegrown company that's become
a global competitor deserves more time to evaluate the long-term operating
costs and the economic sustainability of several technologies. Hilmar Cheese
experts are studying at least three ways to increase the production of
high-quality reclaimed water at its plant in our county.
<more> Jan. 28, 2010 Merced Sun Star
What
they really meant to say - - There was a Bee story Wednesday about an
Interior Department announcement that made it seem as though west San
Joaquin Valley farmers would get an additional 350,000 to 400,000 acre-feet
of water this year. As the story said, that's a false impression. The
announcement was a commitment from the federal government to make room in
San Luis Reservoir for water that west-side farmers already have purchased.
This commitment has been renewed annually for at least 15 years. This was
the earliest commitment in memory, and that was the significant point.
<more> Jan. 28, 2010 Fresno Bee
Cap
and trade expected to stall this year - - A Farm Bureau representative
in Washington, D.C., says the odds of Congress adopting a cap and trade
climate bill in 2010 are slim. "I don't think (climate legislation) is in
the works for this year," said Rick Krause, American Farm Bureau Federation
senior director of Congressional relations.
<more> Jan. 28,2010 Capital Press
Obama's pick for food safety chief surprises consumer advocates - - Soon
after taking office, President Obama highlighted food safety as a domestic
priority. A string of national outbreaks of food illnesses were a "troubling
trend," the president said. He called the problems "critical" and said they
presented a "risk to public health." But the Obama administration has had a
difficult time filling the post of chief food safety official at the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, and it wasn't until this week -- one year into
his term -- that the president nominated someone to assume that role. The
choice of Elisabeth Hagen, 40, a physician with four years' experience in
food safety, surprised food safety advocates, who said they knew little
about her.
<more> Jan. 28, 2010 Washington Post
California gets
half its request for federal bullet train funding- -
The federal government on Thursday officially announced that California will
get $2.25 billion in stimulus money to pour into the California high-speed
rail project. The state had submitted a request for 44.7 billion. “Today’s
announcement is fantastic news for job creation in California,” says Gov.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, in written comments. In 2008, Californians voted to
put $9.95 billion in bond funding toward the effort. Estimates of the final
cost of the entire system range as high as $80 billion.
<more> Jan. 28, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
North Valley dairy day set for Feb 16 in Orland
- - A North Valley Dairy Day will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at the
Glenn County Farm Bureau office, 831 Fifth Street, Orland. Sponsored by the
UC Cooperative Extension, the program will feature talks on climate change,
dairy cow welfare and comfort, how to stay off the residue list, factors
affecting the price of dairy cows at auction, the impact of feed additives
on productivity and succession planning in uncertain times. To register
free of charge, phone (530) 865-1107, extension 0 or email
bmkarle@ucdavis.edu Jan. 25,
2010 UC Extension Notice
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010
Got Milk? Got Ethics? Animal Rights v. U.S. Dairy
Industry - - Undercover videos produced by animal rights groups are
fueling a debate over the need for new laws to regulate the treatment of
American dairy cows. The graphic videos include one made inside a huge New
York dairy operation where cows never go outside, have the ends of their
tails cut off in painful procedures without anesthesia, and are seen being
abused by one employee who hits a cow over the head with a wrench when it
refuses to move.
<more> Jan. 27, 2010 ABC News
Efforts were made to explain dairying to ABC
News- - Prior to Tuesday night’s broadcast on Nightline, dairy industry
officials took an ABC News producer and a camera crew to a farm in
Pennsylvania so they could understand what happens on a dairy farm — and
why. Only about four seconds of that trip ended up on Tuesday night’s
broadcast, according to Chris Galen, vice president of communications for
the National Milk Producers Federation. The rest was taken at a New York
dairy farm where an animal-rights organization had shot some undercover
video. The video showed tail docking, dehorning and a cow being hit on the
head with a wrench. To listen to the AgriTalk interview,
please click here. Jan. 27, 2010 AgriTalk
Stanislaus Farm Bureau hosts hedging and risk
management forum Jan. 29 - - Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, in
conjunction with UC Cooperative Extension,
CSU Stanislaus and Modesto Jr. College, is hosting a Dairy Business
Education Hedging & Risk
Management Forum
Friday, Jan. 29 at
the SCFB office, 201 L Street, Modesto at
1 p.m. This is the first in a potential series
of business education classes designed to aid farmers and ranchers in
gaining access to resources and materials that can help them sustain their
businesses. The guest speaker is Sean Haynes of
Rabobank. Please RSVP to SCFB at
(209)
522-7278 by
Thursday, Jan. 28. There is no charge for this event. Jan. 27,
2010 SCFB Notice
Methane Causes Vicious Cycle In Global Warming
- - Carbon dioxide is the gas we most associate with global warming, but
methane gas also plays an important role. For reasons that are not well
understood, methane gas stopped increasing in the atmosphere in the 1990s.
But now it appears to be once again on the rise. Scientists are trying to
understand why — and what to do about it. Methane gas comes from all sorts
of sources including wetlands, rice paddies, cow tummies, coal mines,
garbage dumps and even termites. Drew Shindell, at NASA's Goddard Institute
in New York, says, "It's gone up by 150 percent since the pre-industrial
period. So that's an enormous increase. CO2, by contrast, has gone up by
something like 30 percent."<more>
Jan. 27, 2010 NPR
Vt. tops in methane power change - - Vermont
could see a boost in the number of farms producing electricity from methane
gas, after the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would work to
bring more manure digesters to large and small dairy farms across the
country. With only about 1.5 percent of the cows in the country, Vermont has
6 percent of the working digesters. There are eight digesters in the state
with another 14 set to be put on line in the coming years.
<more> Jan. 27, 2010 Tisman Brattleboro Reformer, Vt.
Get your new Johne’s disease brochure - -
Dairy producers who have culled one or more animals for unresponsive chronic
diarrhea combined with reduced milk production and thin condition might want
to learn more about Johne’s disease — and find out if their herds are
infected with Johne’s disease. A good source of information about Johne’s
disease is a recently released 16-page brochure that is free to dairy and
beef producers and veterinarians.
<more> Jan. 27, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Feds promise more water to California - -
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar sought to mollify San Joaquin Valley farmers
but ended up disappointing them again Tuesday when he declared federal pumps
will deliver more water this year. Facing considerable political pressure
from California farmers and lawmakers, Salazar announced that 350,000 to
400,000 acre-feet of additional water will be delivered. But San Joaquin
Valley farmers said the water described by the Interior Department will not
increase irrigation supplies, as they already have bought most of it.
<more> Jan. 27, 2010 Fresno Bee
Valley urged to fight for water at congressional
forum - - Major change in federal policies fueled by mounting public
pressure must happen in order to solve the Valley's ongoing water crisis,
several speakers said Monday at a congressional town hall forum in Fresno.
More than 200 people attended the meeting at Fresno's City Hall chambers.
The event was chaired by Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Thousand Oaks, the ranking
Republican of the House Natural Resources Committee. McClintock was joined
by Reps. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, and Rob
Bishop, a Utah Republican. A panel of witnesses that included water district
officials and farmers provided testimony.
<more> Jan. 27, 2010 Fresno Bee
Delta panel swears to avoid politics - - A
panel of scientists charged with conducting an objective review of the
ailing Delta will not be swayed by politics, a representative said Monday.
"We pride ourselves on independence," the National Research Council's
Stephen Parker said, speaking for 15 experts from across the country who
will decide if there are ways to help fish other than reducing the amount of
water that can be pumped out of the estuary.
<more> Jan. 27, 2010 Stockton Record
Delta smelt rules face new challenge in court
-- Already thwarted by a Fresno judge, a conservative legal organization is
pressing its case that federal rules to protect delta smelt are
unconstitutional. In an appeal filed Monday in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court
of Appeals in San Francisco on behalf of Valley farms, the Pacific Legal
Foundation argues that the government cannot enact the regulations because
smelt are not involved in interstate commerce.
<more> Jan. 27, 2010 Fresno Bee
Vilsack Announces Millions to Promote U.S. Food
and Agricultural Exports - - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today
announced the allocation of $234.5 million to 70 U.S. trade organizations,
including dairy, to help promote American food and agricultural products
overseas. The funding announced today was allocated under the Market Access
Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) Cooperator Program,
both administered by USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS.)
<more> Jan. 27, 2010 USDA Press Release
North Valley dairy day set for Feb 16 in Orland
- - A North Valley Dairy Day will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at the
Glenn County Farm Bureau office, 831 Fifth Street, Orland. Sponsored by the
UC Cooperative Extension, the program will feature talks on climate change,
dairy cow welfare and comfort, how to stay off the residue list, factors
affecting the price of dairy cows at auction, the impact of feed additives
on productivity and succession planning in uncertain times. To register
free of charge, phone (530) 865-1107, extension 0 or email
bmkarle@ucdavis.edu Jan. 25,
2010 UC Extension Notice
Maldonado confirmation hearing set for next week
- - Lieutenant governor nominee Sen. Abel Maldonado will get his first
confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Rules Committee next week. Gov.
Arnold Schwarzenegger tapped the Republican senator as his pick for the
vacant post in late November, setting of a 90-day clock for lawmakers to
confirm or reject his nomination. If legislators fail to act before Feb. 22,
Maldonado assumes the post.
<more> Jan. 27, 2010 Sacramento Bee
NY dairy farmer's widow wants to keep farm going -- The widow of a New York dairy farmer who methodically slaughtered 51 cows before taking his own life says she wants to figure out a way to keep the farm going. Dean Pierson, 59, was found dead Thursday on the floor of his barn in Copake, a rural hamlet 115 miles north of New York City. Nearby, half his herd lay in their milking stalls, also dead of gunshot wounds. Pierson left no explanation for what he'd done, just a simple note on the barn door warning whoever found it not to come in and to call the police. <more> Jan. 27, 2010 AP
Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010
'Nightline' segment on dairy industry to air
tonight - - According to reliable sources, the ABC News "Nightline"
segment on the dairy industry that was to have aired last week will now air
Tuesday, Jan. 26. To view some of the undercover video highlighted in the
report,
please click here. The in-depth feature by investigative journalist Brian
Ross will focus on “where your milk comes from.” The air date is subject to
change due to breaking news. <more>
Jan. 26, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Legislators form new animal-rights caucus - -
At the urging of the Humane Society of the United States, two Democrats and
two Republicans have agreed to co-chair the new Animal Protection Caucus to
shine a light on animal issues. Jennifer Fearing, state director for the
Humane Society, said the caucus is beginning with four co-chairs but hopes
to grow its numbers soon. “We are reaching out to every office in the
Capitol,” she said. The four initial members are Sens. Tony Strickland
(R-Thousand Oaks) and Dean Florez (D-Shafter), and Assembly members Pedro
Nava (D-Santa Barbara) and Cameron Smyth (R-Santa Clarita).
<more> Jan. 26, 2010 LA Times
Video inspires call for NY tail-docking ban
-- A New York lawmaker is proposing a ban on tail-docking for cows after
viewing a video showing a farm worker lopping off a calf's tail and burning
off its budding horns as the animal moans and struggles to escape. The video
was recorded at one of New York state's largest dairy farms in an undercover
investigation by Chicago-based Mercy For Animals, a not-for-profit group
that publicizes what it calls cruel practices in the dairy, meat and egg
industries and promotes a vegan diet.
<more> Jan. 26, 2010 AP
IDFA: Dairy industry needs unity, innovation and
resolve - - International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) president and
CEO Connie Tipton told attendees at the annual U.S. Dairy Forum recently the
industry needs to use innovation and unity to combat the sluggish economy.
Speaking to more than 880 producers, processors and suppliers, Tipton said
the past year of low milk prices, plunging exports and consumer
belt-tightening has shown the current safety net for dairy doesn’t work. She
urged the industry to abandon the status-quo and give serious consideration
to the plan put forth by the National Milk Producers Federation task force.
She stated, “The U.S. dairy industry has a chance in 2010 to re-chart its
future.”
<more> Jan. 26, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
North Valley dairy day set for Feb 16 in Orland
- - A North Valley Dairy Day will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at the
Glenn County Farm Bureau office, 831 Fifth Street, Orland. Sponsored by the
UC Cooperative Extension, the program will feature talks on climate change,
dairy cow welfare and comfort, how to stay off the residue list, factors
affecting the price of dairy cows at auction, the impact of feed additives
on productivity and succession planning in uncertain times. To register
free of charge, phone (530) 865-1107, extension 0 or email
bmkarle@ucdavis.edu Jan. 25,
2010 UC Extension Notice
Ag Expo in Tulare keeps bad economy in mind - - With the economy in turmoil, the annual trade show that bills itself as the World Ag Expo is working to put its best face forward. The three-day event, which begins this year on Feb. 9, draws more than 100,000 visitors and about 1,500 vendors from around the world. But even the Ag Expo is not immune from a punishing economy. “There is attrition, but it is certainly less than we anticipated,” said Steve Knudsen, spokesman for the World Ag Expo. “The reality is that we are still a one-stop shop for people in agriculture.” <more> Jan. 26, 2010 Fresno Bee
Monday, Jan. 25, 2010
WUD launches new risk management section on website - -In response to our members, Western United Dairymen has
launched a risk management resources section on its website
www.westernuniteddairymen.com.
This new web-based resource center is part of WUD’s commitment to provide
background information and resources on risk management to California dairy
producers. The page is located under the “Pricing” tab on the website and can be
accessed directly at
http://westernuniteddairymen.com/content/view/759/55.
Resources include a downloadable file of presentations from the Western United
Dairymen risk management seminars held December 15 and 16, 2009, as well as
contact information for the speakers. There is also a listing of leading brokers
and consultants in the field, links to online risk management resources such as
the CME and University of Wisconsin, a listing of upcoming seminars and events,
and links to other consultants and brokers.
Risk management professionals who would like to be included in the resource
listing or who have risk management resources to provide can contact Tiffany
LaMendola, WUD director of economic analysis, by email at
tiffany@westernuniteddairymen.com. Jan. 22, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Efforts to save the Cal Poly dairy continue - - A Cal Poly cull cow
fundraiser will be held the week of Jan. 25 in the Northern part of
California’s central valley. This fundraiser is a continued effort to raise
money to save the Cal Poly dairy and will be held at these locations:
Monday, Jan 25, Escalon Livestock Market, Escalon; Tuesday, Jan. 26, Turlock
Livestock Auction Yard, Turlock; Thursday, Jan. 28, Farmers Livestock
Auction, Oakdale. Alumni and supporters of the Cal Poly dairy are asking
dairy farmers in the Stanislaus, Merced and San Joaquin counties area to
send cull cows to the livestock auction yards for the fundraiser.Proceeds
from the sale will go directly toward the purchase of current and long-term
forage needs for the Cal Poly dairy. Dairy farmers who live outside of this
area are asked to send cull cows to a local sales yard and have the check
sent to: Tulare Sales Yard/Cal Poly 4013 South “K” Street, Tulare, Calif.
93274. For more information, to donate or to arrange hauling, contact the
Cull Cow Fundraiser Organizers:Anthony Reis: (209) 678-3331; Johnnie Azevedo:
(209) 678-1965; Chris Sawyer: (209) 986-5562; Mike Wickstrom: (209)
495-8797; Stan Henderson: (805) 756-6112; Rich Silacci: (805) 756-1616.
Jan. 21, 2010
Dean Foods' purchase of Foremost Farms USA
division under fire - - The federal Justice Department thinks
Dallas-based Dean Foods Co.'s 2009 purchase of a Wisconsin dairy operation
has given it an unfair advantage over its competition, which has resulted in
higher milk prices. That's according to an antitrust lawsuit against the
nation's largest dairy company filed Friday. The lawsuit — filed in concert
with attorneys general from Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin — seeks to undo
Dean Foods' 2009 purchase of Foremost Farms USA's Consumer Products Division
and to require Dean to give 30 days notice before all future acquisitions of
milk processing operations.
<more> Jan. 25, 2010
Appleton
Post-Crescent, WI
American Farm Bureau against supply management
plan for dairy - - The consensus of farmers at the recent American Farm
Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual meeting in Seattle, Wash., was that they
didn’t want supply management for the dairy industry. Bill Bruins, president
of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, said the national discussion
mirrored the outcome of a policy discussion Wisconsin Farm Bureau delegates
had last month.
<more> Jan. 25, 2010 Waupaca Wisconsin State Farmer, WI
Delta pumping restrictions up for review by
scientists - - An expert on California's delta told a panel of the
National Academies of Sciences on Sunday that their decisions about the
largest estuary on the West Coast could alter how Californians use water. "I
view this as the thorniest water environmental issue in the West," said
Jeffrey Mount, a professor at the Center for Watershed Sciences at the
University of California at Davis. The 15-member panel of independent
scientists is meeting this week to examine whether the federal government
should lift or modify limits on pumping from the Sacramento-San Joaquin
Delta, restrictions that farmers blame for a water shortage that has left
once-fertile fields to wilt.
<more> Jan. 24, 2010 AP
Drought topic of Wednesday state food and ag
meeting- - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will
continue drought discussions with state government officials, water agency
representatives and county agricultural commissioners on Wednesday, Jan. 27
in Sacramento. The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the
California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street – Main
Auditorium, Sacramento. The state board will hear testimony from Director
Lester Snow, California Department of Water Resources; Scott Hudson,
President of the California Association of County Agricultural Commissioners
and Sealers; and Sarah Woolf, Westland’s Water District. Discussions will
focus on current drought conditions, local impacts and water transfers. In
December 2009, California Department of Water Resources estimated that the
21,000 jobs were impacted as a result of drought and environmental pumping
restrictions. The agricultural sector continues to demonstrate the
site-specific nature of drought impacts. “We have the lowest state water
delivery allocation since 1968,” said Al Montana, President of State Board
of Food and Agriculture. “A 5 percent allocation will hurt California
farmers, local communities and result in more agricultural related job
losses – we must work together to find solutions.” Jan. 25, 2010 CDFA
Press Release
McCain: Immigration reform unlikely in 2010
- - While he remains committed to comprehensive immigration reform, U.S.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) doesn’t have a positive outlook on its passage
this year. Leadership on the immigration issue is required by President
Barack Obama before Congress can act, McCain recently told Western Growers
officials, but that’s unlikely in an election year. McCain told Western
Growers said it will likely be impossible to pass AgJOBS as a stand-alone
bill in 2010. “He believes that it will take passage of comprehensive
(reform) in order to get AgJOBS,” said Tom Nassif, Western Growers
president, who was in the group that met with McCain on Jan. 14.
<more> Jan. 25, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
No shame in Gilmore cutting his losses early
- - By Jim Boren - - Some might not grasp the significance of what
Gilmore did last week. He had the guts to pull the plug on a political
career after only a year in office. Gilmore thought a lawmaker was supposed
to go to Sacramento and represent the voters who put him in office. He was
wrong. The Legislature is about self-absorbed people playing political
games. He was smart enough to say he didn't want to be part of it.
<more> Jan. 25, 2010 Fresno Bee
North Valley dairy day set for Feb 16 in Orland
- - A North Valley Dairy Day will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at the
Glenn County Farm Bureau office, 831 Fifth Street, Orland. Sponsored by the
UC Cooperative Extension, the program will feature talks on climate change,
dairy cow welfare and comfort, how to stay off the residue list, factors
affecting the price of dairy cows at auction, the impact of feed additives
on productivity and succession planning in uncertain times. To register
free of charge, phone (530) 865-1107, extension 0 or email
bmkarle@ucdavis.edu Jan. 25,
2010 UC Extension Notice
Potential of Dairy-Based Package Wraps Outlined -
- Food-packaging products made from dairy ingredients could provide a viable
alternative to petroleum-based packaging products, according to a chapter
written by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist Peggy Tomasula for
a new book, “Dairy-Derived Ingredients: Food and Nutraceutical Uses.” The
book was written by an
international team of contributors and
published by London-based Woodhead Publishing in October 2009. It serves as
a guide to new developments for the dairy and nutraceutical industries, as
well as researchers in those fields.
<more> Jan. 25, 2010 ARS Press Release
NY Rep Owens to fight dairy imports - - Rep.
William L. Owens has joined the dairy industry's calls against more open
trade with New Zealand, saying U.S. farmers have more to lose than to gain.
Mr. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, is collecting colleagues' signatures on a letter
to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk urging consideration of dairy farmers
as the Obama administration negotiates a trans-Pacific trade deal with New
Zealand and several other countries. Lobbyists for U.S. dairy farmers are
urging the administration to leave dairy products out of any agreement.
<more> Jan. 25, 2010 Watertown Daily Times, NY
Don Curlee: Agriculture taskforce peers into farming’s future in state - - For California agriculture, viewing the road ahead is a little like driving with a bug-splattered windshield. But one group is working to provide a clearer picture. The Ag Vision Taskforce is an informal gathering of some of the most capable and energetic representatives of the state’s basic commodities and agricultural issues. It has received financial encouragement from the California Department of Food and Agriculture. In its two-year existence, the taskforce has grappled with the shrinking influence of the state’s leading industry and pondered studies, suggestions and forecasts that might lead to a better understanding and relationship between agriculture and the teeming millions in the state’s urban centers.<more> Jan. 25, 2010 Visalia Times Delta
Friday, Jan. 22, 2010
Kings County willing
to negotiate in disputed dairy expansion - - Earlier this month, after a
heated dispute erupted over a dairy expansion Kings County officials said
was unauthorized, it looked like a major confrontation was brewing between
the struggling dairy industry and county officials worried that the law is
being ignored. Things have simmered down now, with county planning staff
agreeing to try to work it out with the J.D. Mello Dairy on Grangeville
Boulevard. But at the Kings County Planning Commission meeting on Jan. 4, it
looked like a battle was imminent.<more>
Jan. 22, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
U.S.
milk production still trending lower - -December was the sixth month in
a row that U.S. milk production was below that of a year ago, though not by
much. The Agriculture Department's preliminary data put the final month's
output at 14.6 billion pounds, down 0.8 percent from December 2008.
Revisions added another 24 million pounds to the November estimate and
totaled 14 billion pounds, down 0.8 percent from November 2008. USDA's
preliminary estimate of total milk production in all 50 states in 2009
amounted 189.3 billion pounds, down 0.4 percent from 2008, the first year
milk output fell since 2001, and only the third year of contraction in the
last 18 years, according to the CME's Daily Dairy Report.
<more> Jan. 22, 2010 Capital Press
Holstein Club Convention Feb. 4-6 in Modesto - -
The Stanislaus County Holstein Club is hosting the 2010 Holstein Convention
in Modesto Feb. 4-6. A Ladies Day Tour set for Friday, Feb. 5 is open to
members and non-members. The tour begins at 8 a.m. with a bus boarding at
the Double Tree Hotel. Stops include a tour of the family owned Classic Wine
and Vinegar Co.; a tour of a beautiful home of a local dairyman and his
wife; lunch at the S.O.S club featuring a fashion show from Coldwater Creek.
The afternoon events include a home and garden tour, capped off with a stop
at a Turlock gift shop owned by a local dairy family. The cost is $50.
Further information is available from Lindsey Texeira at (209) 678-2540.
Jan. 22, 2010 Holstein Club Notice
New
York farmer killed 51 cows before killing himself -- Police say a dairy
farmer in Columbia County, New York, shot and killed over 50 of his cows
before taking his own life. State Police responded to the call of a possible
suicide at a farm on Weed Mine Road in Copake on Thursday. Upon arrival,
police discovered the body of 59-year old farmer Dean Pearson. Pearson was
located inside a cow barn and suffered what was said to be a self-inflicted
gunshot wound. State Police later determined that Pearson shot 51 of his own
cows before committing suicide in the barn.<more>
Jan. 22, 2010 WTEN-TV
It's
soaking. But the drought's not over just yet - - Storms this week have
flooded roads, toppled trees and added billions of gallons of water to
reservoirs across California. But has all that rain ended the state's
drought? Not yet, say meteorologists and top state water managers. From the
Sierra snowpack to reservoirs in Silicon Valley, the rough consensus among
top water experts Thursday was that the wet week has been vitally important
to improving the state's 2010 water outlook. But they projected that
Northern California needs two more weeks just like it between now and April
to end the winter with rain and snow levels at historic averages. <more>
Jan. 22, 2010 San Jose Mercury News
USDEC
members offer Haiti relief - - Six U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC)
members – Darigold Inc., James Farrell & Co., Hoogwegt U.S. Inc., Land
O’Lakes Inc., Agri-Mark Inc., and Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers
Cooperative Association – donated and pledged more than 30,000 lbs. of
nonfat dry milk bound for Haiti to replace previously purchased powder that
was lost in last week’s devastating earthquake. The milk powder will be used
by Meds &Food for Kids (MFK), an organization that manufactures
UNICEF-approved, ready-to use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) for Haiti’s
malnourished children. MFK produces and distributes Medika Mamba,
single-serve foil sachets that serve as a complete food product for children
under the age of five. It is a mixture of powdered milk, ground peanuts,
sugar, oil, vitamins and minerals. Jan. 22, 2009 USDEC Press Release
Biodiesel
plants cease operations without tax incentives - -
With the U.S. Senate not extending the
$1-per-gallon biodiesel blender’s tax credit, most biodiesel plants have
ceased operations, according to Michael Frohlich, director of communications
for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). “Pretty much every plant is idle,”
he said. Frohlich thinks some larger biodiesel plants might wait awhile
before releasing all employees in hopes Congress will take action soon.
Congress might address the issue in February or March, some lawmakers have
indicated. Even with the federal tax incentives, the biodiesel industry was
already having financial troubles. U.S. biodiesel production was down 31
percent last year compared with 2008 due to a lack of profitability.
Nationwide, last year’s capacity utilization was only 15 percent.
Jan. 22, 2010 NBB Press Release
Keyes
ethanol plant to reopen in spring - - A new operator plans to restart
the ethanol plant along Highway 99, which ran for only a few months after
its late-2008 opening. AE Biofuels Inc., based in Cupertino could have the
plant back in service by mid-spring, Chief Operating Officer Andy Foster
said Monday.
<more> Jan. 2, 2010 Modesto Bee
CSU Stanislaus Student Amarpreet Kandola selected for USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum - - Amarpreet Kandola, a junior Agricultural Business major at California State University, Stanislaus, has been selected to represent the University at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2010 Agricultural Outlook Forum. Kandola, who lives in Livingston and is planning a career in the agriculture field, was chosen from a nationwide field of entrants to participate in the forum that will be held February 18 and 19 in Arlington, Virginia. <more> Jan. 22, 2010 CSU Stanislaus Press Release
Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010
Assembly Ag
Committee ponders dairy industry reforms -- Industry experts told
lawmakers that dairy producers need better risk-management strategies and
improved access to global market information to survive the next downturn.
The Assembly Agriculture Committee is seeking ideas for legislation to help
smooth market volatility in the dairy industry.
<more>
Jan. 21, 2010 Capital Press
Storm water discharge monitoring stressed by
CDQAP - - The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program staff is
reminding dairy producers of the importance of sampling and reporting
off-site discharges to surface water of storm water and tail water during
the current heavy rain storms. CDQAP staff note that ongoing rains likely
meet the definition of a “peak storm event” in the General Order Waste
Discharge Requirements for Existing Milk Cow Dairies (Order #R5-2007-0035).
The CDQAP staff reminds those prodcuers involved in complying with the Order
that sampling during a storm during the next month or so at the very least
is required. The Order states (MRP-4 & -5): “The Discharger shall monitor
discharges of manure and/or process wastewater, storm water, and tailwater
from the production area and land application area as specified in Table 3
below.” The table goes on, “Storm Water Discharges to Surface Water from the
Production Area (shall be monitored) daily during each discharge to surface
water” and “Storm Water Discharges to Surface Water from Each Land
Application Area (shall be monitored) during the peak storm season
(typically February) each year from one third of the land application areas.
” Further information is available on the CDQAP website
by clicking here
Jan. 20, 2010 CDQAP notice
Storms
bring California’s snow water to nearly average - - A week of intense
Pacific storms that have raked California have brought the water content of
the Sierra Nevada snowpack to close to average for this time of year.
According to remote electronic sensor readings, the total snowpack water
content averaged 14 inches on Wednesday, 96 percent of the average for
January 20. Some parts of the mountain range are above average. The
Department of Water Resources divides the reading into north, center and
south.
<more> Jan. 21, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Cost
estimate for fish protection project more than doubles - - The federal
Bureau of Reclamation has stalled a project to install swiveling fish gates
in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The 2-Gates Fish Protection
Demonstration Project involves two temporary, mechanically operated gates
intended to help control Delta flows and protect endangered fish. The gates
would be installed in two locations for a five-year trial. Their anticipated
cost of $29 million has risen as high as $80 million, according to the
bureau.
<more> Jan. 21, 2010 Capital Press
Diesel truck exemptions must be filed by March 31- -
Trucks used on agricultural operations, including dairies, have received
some exemptions from a new rule regulating all diesel trucks that were
originally designed for on-road use. Pickups are exempt from the rule. The
exemptions were granted due to the types of uses and the economic impact the
rule would have on agriculture. However, dairy producers must file for the
exemptions by March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for these exemptions,
producers were required to record the odometer reading of all of their
trucks as of January 1. That information, plus information about the truck
and its owner, must be reported to the California Air Resources Board by
March 31, 2010. WUD’s environmental specialist, Paul Sousa says,
“Agriculture got some valuable exemptions from this rule; however, dairy
producers must register for those exemptions through this process. If a
producer fails to register they will have to comply with the rule, which
means turning over your truck fleet on an accelerated basis.” The exemptions
forms can be downloaded from the ARB website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBReportingForm091222.pdf
Efforts to save the Cal Poly dairy continue - - A Cal Poly cull cow
fundraiser will be held the week of Jan. 25 in the Northern part of
California’s central valley. This fundraiser is a continued effort to raise
money to save the Cal Poly dairy and will be held at these locations:
Monday, Jan 25, Escalon Livestock Market, Escalon; Tuesday, Jan. 26, Turlock
Livestock Auction Yard, Turlock; Thursday, Jan. 28, Farmers Livestock
Auction, Oakdale. Alumni and supporters of the Cal Poly dairy are asking
dairy farmers in the Stanislaus, Merced and San Joaquin counties area to
send cull cows to the livestock auction yards for the fundraiser.Proceeds
from the sale will go directly toward the purchase of current and long-term
forage needs for the Cal Poly dairy. Dairy farmers who live outside of this
area are asked to send cull cows to a local sales yard and have the check
sent to: Tulare Sales Yard/Cal Poly 4013 South “K” Street, Tulare, Calif.
93274. For more information, to donate or to arrange hauling, contact the
Cull Cow Fundraiser Organizers:Anthony Reis: (209) 678-3331; Johnnie Azevedo:
(209) 678-1965; Chris Sawyer: (209) 986-5562; Mike Wickstrom: (209)
495-8797; Stan Henderson: (805) 756-6112; Rich Silacci: (805) 756-1616.
Jan. 21, 2010
Hanford
dairyman Valadao receives Gilmore endorsement for Assembly- -
Assemblyman Danny Gilmore and
other Republicans are coalescing behind David Valadao, a Hanford dairyman
who is running to replace Gilmore in the competitive 30th Assembly District.
Gilmore, the district incumbent, announced Tuesday that he won't seek
re-election. Gilmore threw his support behind Valadao, 32, who has never
held office before. "[David] is a business guy. He's a local guy. I think he
has an interesting success story. He's going to bring I think some real
insight," Gilmore said.
<more> Jan. 21, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
Cal EPA names Deputy Secretary for Climate Change - - Cal/EPA announced that Michael J. Gibbs, Assistant Secretary for Regional Climate Initiatives, has been promoted to Deputy Secretary for Climate Change, replacing Eileen Wenger Tutt who departed to become the executive director of the California Electric Transportation Coalition. In his new role, Gibbs will continue to foster California's efforts to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals and manage Cal/EPA's climate change programs. Michael has more than 25 years of experience in environmental policy analysis and program implementation. He's worked on emission inventory methods, emission reduction analyses, and program development throughout his career. Jan. 21, 2010 Cal EPA Press Release
Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010
Things looking “up” for the dairy industry -
- The monthly Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook from USDA on Wednesday is
a mixed bag for dairy. The Outlook Board says moderating feed costs and
higher milk prices will lead to an end to the decline in milk production
although rebounding exports and stronger domestic use should push prices
higher throughout the year. The nation’s dairy herd is expected to average
just below 9 million head this year compared to 9.2 million cows in 2009.
Production per cow is projected to increase 1.9 percent this year thanks in
part to the lower-quality cows having been culled throughout 2009. However,
the report notes that “while the worst of the economic contraction is over,
many producers are not in a financial position to consider herd expansion at
this time.”
<more> Jan. 20, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
'Nightline' dairy segment postponed - -
UPDATE: We just learned the ABC 'Nightline' piece on "where your milk comes
from" will not air this week. It may air next week, but that has not yet
been confirmed. We will keep you updated as we learn more. The ABC News show
"Nightline" will take a look at the dairy industry. The in-depth feature by
investigative journalist Brian Ross will focus on “where your milk comes
from.”
<more> Jan. 20, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Storm water discharge monitoring stressed by
CDQAP - - The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program staff is
reminding dairy producers of the importance of sampling and reporting
off-site discharges to surface water of storm water and tail water during
the current heavy rain storms. CDQAP staff note that ongoing rains likely
meet the definition of a “peak storm event” in the General Order Waste
Discharge Requirements for Existing Milk Cow Dairies (Order #R5-2007-0035).
The CDQAP staff reminds those prodcuers involved in complying with the Order
that sampling during a storm during the next month or so at the very least
is required. The Order states (MRP-4 & -5): “The Discharger shall monitor
discharges of manure and/or process wastewater, storm water, and tailwater
from the production area and land application area as specified in Table 3
below.” The table goes on, “Storm Water Discharges to Surface Water from the
Production Area (shall be monitored) daily during each discharge to surface
water” and “Storm Water Discharges to Surface Water from Each Land
Application Area (shall be monitored) during the peak storm season
(typically February) each year from one third of the land application areas.
” Further information is available on the CDQAP website
by clicking here
Jan. 20, 2010 CDQAP notice
Stephen Hall, top figure in California water,
dies - - Stephen Hall, former executive director of the Association of
California Water Agencies from 1993 until his retirement in 2007, and who
played a central role in some of the biggest issues in recent California
water policy history, died Jan. 19 after a lengthy battle with amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ACWA says.
He was 58.
<more> Jan. 20, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Massachusetts vote hurts U.S. climate bill -
- Republican Scott Brown's upset victory on Tuesday in the special Senate
race has dealt a further blow to Democrats' drive to pass a climate control
bill in 2010. Last June, the House of Representatives narrowly passed a cap
and trade bill that would require reductions in industrial emissions of
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases over the next four decades. It
also would allow pollution permits to be traded in a new regulated market.
But the global warming bill has languished in the Senate, where some members
have been trying to find a compromise. Once Brown takes office, Democrats
will hold 59 of the 100 votes in the Senate and the Republicans 41. The bill
needs 60 votes to overcome procedural hurdles that could block passage.
<more> Jan. 20, 2010 Reuters
Commentary: Regulators must balance environmental
and economic sustainability - - By Corny Gallagher - - Wineries,
cheese plants, olive processors and other food production companies are
increasingly facing more stringent water quality regulation for salt and
other minerals in their wastewater. Their pending permits have been singled
out by environmental activists and unfairly criticized in the media.
Regulators, attempting to balance environmental and economic concerns, have
also been unjustly criticized. Finding and maintaining the appropriate
balance between environmental and economic sustainability will be critical
as the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board continues its
management and regulation of salts. Hilmar Cheese Co. is the latest food
processor to be singled out for criticism. As one of the first food
processing companies to face increasing regulation for salts, Hilmar's
experience provides a keen perspective on evolving salt management efforts,
and the need to develop sustainable solutions. Three years after formalizing
a settlement with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board
for not meeting salt discharge requirements, the cheese processor finds
itself back before the board once again to obtain a final permit for the
efforts it started long before the 2006 settlement.
<more> Jan. 20, 2010 Ag Alert
Newman milk transport company fined $37,000 for
emissions violations - - The California Air Resources Board last month
fined a Newman, Calif. heavy-duty diesel fleet $37,000 for failing to
inspect its diesel trucks for compliance with the state's smoke emissions
standards. ARB investigators found that Mello Milk Transport, Inc., failed
to conduct diesel truck smoke tests in 2008 and 2009 at its fleet facility,
as required by state law. "Reducing diesel particulate emissions is the most
important thing we can do to protect the public against the harmful health
effects of air pollution," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "Businesses that
do their part by maintaining their vehicles help keep our air healthy."
<more>
Jan. 20, 2010 ARB Press Release
Pete Parra snares endorsement from water activist
- - A lifelong Democrat, comedian and farm water activist Paul Rodriguez
last week proudly declared that he has switched sides. "I found out I was a
Republican. I didn't even know. I had no idea. Wait till I tell my mom," he
said at a water forum in Fresno last week. But days later, he endorsed a
Democrat for state Assembly -- Pete Parra, who is running for a South Valley
seat now held by Republican Danny Gilmore.
<more> Jan. 20, 2010 Fresno Bee
Water briefing provides little encouragement - - Hope was in shorter supply than water at a briefing on the state's water supply situation last week. More than 200 farmers and local leaders showed up at the Los Banos Fairgrounds to hear from state and federal officials about the impact of the continuing drought, low reservoir levels, regulatory inflexibility, crippling court decisions and dwindling options for those who grow irrigated crops—particularly on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley. Most of all, farmers wanted to know how much irrigation water will be available to support crops during this year's growing season. <more> Jan. 20, 2010 Ag Alert
Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010
Milk production down for the month and the year
- - Milk production in the U.S. in December totaled 15.75 billion pounds,
down 0.9 percent from December of last year. The National Ag Statistics
Service reports production per cow in the country increased 32 pounds to
average 1,735 but the number of milk cows in the nation’s dairy herd
declined 252,000 head to 9.082 million. California milk production continued
to slide in December, 3.28 billion pounds down 4.6 percent compared to
December of last year. The Golden State’s dairy herd lost 76,000 cows to
1.76 million head and production per cow slipped 10 pounds to average 1,860.
<more> Jan. 19, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
CWT Contributes $100,000 to Help Victims of
Haitian Earthquake - - In conjunction with the National Milk Producers
Federation, Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) announced today that it is
donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross to assist in the aid and
recovery effort in Haiti. With tens of thousands of people feared dead in
Haiti, little or no functioning infrastructure, and absent a strong
governmental response, CWT is making a cash contribution to the Red Cross’s
specific Haiti relief fund to best assist the people of that nation. Kozak
said that CWT’s monetary contribution will be used to provide dairy products
and other foods, along with water, fuel, medicine, shelter, or whatever
services are most critically needed.
<more> Jan. 19, 2010 CWT Press Release
Dairy's Social Media Activist. California
producer uses Facebook, Twitter and his own Web site- - From his dairy
in Hanford, Calif., Dino Giacomazzi wields a personal sphere of influence
that extends to thousands of people around the world. To view video of
this interview
please
click here. Through social media like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and
his own Web site, Giacomazzi communicates regularly with friends, family and
business colleagues. But this fourth-generation dairy producer does more
than trade baby pictures and make restaurant recommendations. Giacomazzi
uses social networking sites to advocate on issues he believes are critical
to dairy’s survival.
<more> Jan. 16, 2010 Dairy Today
Wastewater-to-crops idea bubbling up - - With
the drought in full swing, all kinds of ideas are afloat to make additional
water available to agriculture -- including sending treated wastewater from
urban residents to plants in the field. Think of the residents of a home
sending their washing machine water to the backyard garden, but blow it up
on a massive scale. That gives some idea of the possibilities of using
treated wastewater to grow a variety of agricultural commodities.
<more> Jan. 19, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
Farmworker diabetes risk linked to bad air -
- More than 1 million California farmworkers face a higher risk of diabetes
as well as respiratory diseases related to poor air quality, according to
articles in the latest issue of California Agriculture. The journal is put
out by the University of California. In the articles, scientists affiliated
with UC Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety offer details of
their research on the potential health effects of particulates in ambient
air inhaled by laboratory animals in the San Joaquin Valley. They also
reviewed factors such as the effect of pesticide exposure on diabetes rates
among California farmworkers.
<more> Jan. 19, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Gilmore officially bows out of AD30 re-election
bid - -As expected, first-term Republican Assemblyman Danny Gilmore
announced today that he won't seek re-election this year, saying that though
"there are those who enjoy political games and legislative intrigue. I'm
just not one of them." "If I could sum up in one word my feeling about
serving in the Legislature that word would have to be frustration," he said
in a statement. "This most recent phase of public service does not suit my
family or me. Simply put, I do not have the temperament or personality to be
a long-term politician."
<more> Jan. 19, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Interior is committed to water solutions - -
By David J. Hayes deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior-
- - The Fresno Bee's opinion page got it wrong. It claimed that the Two
Gates project would have provided additional water deliveries to the west
side, but that the Interior Department "abruptly ... pulled the plug" on the
project. The Bee concluded that Secretary Salazar and the Obama
Administration are "unwilling to find a solution to the San Joaquin Valley's
water challenges. The Bee did not check its facts. First, the Two Gates
project was proposed by water users as a scientific experiment. It was never
the silver bullet for solving the west side's water challenges. Nonetheless,
because of the federal government is committed to pursue all possible angles
to relieve the suffering caused by water shortages in the Valley, the
agencies worked furiously through the fall to complete the review and
permitting of this project.
<more> Jan. 19, 2010 Fresno Bee
Farming is big business, but some green activists
are seeking to destroy it - - In this high-tech information age few look
to the most basic industries as sources of national economic power. Yet no
sector in America is better positioned for the future than agriculture--if
we allow it to reach its potential. Like manufacturers and homebuilders
before them, farmers have found themselves in the crosshairs of urban
aesthetes and green activists who hope to impose their own Utopian vision of
agriculture. This vision includes shutting down large-scale scientifically
run farms and replacing them with small organic homesteads and urban
gardens.
<more> Jan. 19, 2010 Forbes
Gordon Brown warns America's Kraft over Cadbury job cuts - -British Prime Minister Gordon Brown today fired a warning shot at Kraft, outlining his determination to secure jobs at Cadbury, the 186-year old maker of Dairy Milk chocolate, which has agreed to be taken over by the American company for £11.9 billion. The Prime Minster was speaking after the board of Cadbury, which employs 45,000 staff including 9,000 in the UK, announced that it would recommend an 850p a share offer from Kraft, ending one of the City's most fiercely contested bid battles. <more> Jan. 19, 2010 The Times
Friday, Jan. 15, 2010
Dairyline: Block cheese levels off as butter heats up - - All eyes are
on the cash dairy markets as three weeks of declines in block cheese came to
an end and the butter market started to heat up. The second full week of
2010 saw the block price close at $1.4150 per pound, up a half-cent on the
week, and 34 1/2-cents above that week a year ago. Barrel closed Friday at
$1.4650, up 3 1/4-cents on the week, 37 1/2-cents above a year ago, and a
nickel above the blocks. Nineteen cars of block traded hands on the week and
only three of barrel. The NASS-surveyed U.S. average block price dropped 6
cents, to $1.6407. Barrel averaged $1.4783, down 0.9 cent.
<more> Jan. 15, 2010 Capital Press
Haiti
veterinary outreach efforts in progress - - The Christian Veterinary
Mission has served in Haiti since the early 1980s and has set up a dedicated
fund for earthquake relief. They currently have three long-term fieldworkers
on site, all of whom have checked in as safe. They have also trained more
than 1,000 village-level animal health workers. The fieldworkers are
"working with the Haitian people to assess the damage, respond to the
immediate needs, and understand how to help once again," CVM Executive
Director Dr. Kit Flowers said in a statement.
<more>
Jan. 15, 10 Dairy Herd Management
USDA joins
Dairy Council, NFL in campaign to defeat childhood obesity
- - The USDA has joined a
campaign to fight and defeat childhood obesity in cooperation with the NFL,
National Dairy Council, multiple health organizations and several major
corporations. The campaign, known as Fuel Up to Play 60, is funded with an
initial private sector financial commitment of $250 million over five years
by America's Dairy Farmers. Funding is expected to grow as government,
business, communities and families join this effort to improve nutrient-rich
food choices and achieve 60 minutes of physical activity each day among
children. More than 58,000, or 60 percent, of the nation's 96,000 private
and public schools are currently enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60.
<more> Jan. 15, 2010 USDA Press Release
Dairy
a key part of Fuel Up to Play 60 - - At 5 feet, 7 inches, Maurice
Jones-Drew is one of the smaller players in the National Football League. In
order to compete with the bigger ones, Jones-Drew says he has to eat a
healthy diet, which includes low-fat milk among other things. “I eat a lot
of cheese,” he told New York City middle-schoolers Friday morning.
Jones-Drew and three other NFL players were on hand, along with NFL
Commissioner Roger Goodell, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and
Tom Gallagher, CEO of Dairy Management, Inc., to kick off the Fuel Up to
Play 60 program.
<more> Jan., 15, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Passing: Adeline Souza, 86 - - Adeline Souza, mother of Western United
Dairymen President Ray Souza, passed away Jan. 8, 2010. She married Manuel
S. Souza in 1941 and settled in Turlock. Together, they owned and operated
Manuel S. Souza Dairy and the Diamond Hay Company. She is survived by her
sons, Ray (Lynette) Souza and John (Joellen) Souza, her sister, Lorraine
(Manuel) Martins, her grandchildren, Jaymilyn (Dr. Robert) Barandica, John
Souza Jr., Michelle Souza, and her great grandchild, Dominic Barandica. Mass
of Christian Burial has already been held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in
Turlock. Entombment followed at Chapel of the Flowers Mausoleum at Turlock
Memorial Park. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ray and his family members
as they grieve their loss,” said CEO Michael Marsh. “She was dedicated to
her family and was a great example of the spirit exemplified by California
dairy families.” The full obituary can be read by
clicking here. Jan. 15, 2010 Modesto Bee
Efforts to save the Cal Poly dairy continue - - A Cal Poly cull cow
fundraiser will be held the week of Jan. 25 in the Northern part of
California’s central valley. This fundraiser is a continued effort to raise
money to save the Cal Poly dairy and will be held at these locations: *
Monday, Jan 25, Escalon Livestock Market, Escalon. * Tuesday, Jan. 26,
Turlock Livestock Auction Yard, Turlock. * Thursday, Jan. 28, Farmers
Livestock Auction, Oakdale. Alumni and supports of the Cal Poly dairy are
asking dairy farmers in the Stanislaus, Merced and San Joaquin counties area
to send cull cows to the livestock auction yards for the fundraiser.
<more> Jan. 15, 2010 Save the Cal Poly Cows Press Release
Vote
for Madera students' milk video - - Students at Pioneer Technical Center
need your vote. And, frankly, they've earned it. A video produced by 17
students at the Madera charter school is a finalist in a $50,000 competition
held by the California Milk Processor Board. Thanks to the ingenuity of
teacher Sharon Revis-Green, the determination of senior Vincent Ortega, the
humor of junior Montreal Foster and the technical mastery of sophomore
Samantha Barriga, Pioneer Tech is guaranteed at least $2,500 for its
fledgling drama and music program. But the school for at-risk students has
designs on the $20,000 first-place prize in the contest, which will be
decided in "American Idol" fashion by online voting ending Jan. 24. You can
support Pioneer Tech by going to
www.milkquarious.com. Click the "vote now" tab and select the
video titled "White Gold meets Jug Life -- Scene 2." Then hit the
"thumbs-up" tab below the video. Rules allow one vote per day. Nine schools
were selected by a panel of young professional musicians. Pioneer Tech
nabbed the last spot by winning an earlier online voting contest, becoming
"the People's Choice."
<more> Jan. 15, 2010 Fresno Bee
Scientists turn stem cells into pork - - Call it pork in a petri dish —
a technique to turn pig stem cells into strips of meat that scientists say
could one day offer a green alternative to raising livestock, help alleviate
world hunger, and save some pigs their bacon. Dutch scientists have been
growing pork in the laboratory since 2006, and while they admit they haven't
gotten the texture quite right or even tasted the engineered meat, they say
the technology promises to have widespread implications for our food supply.
<more> Jan. 15, 2010 AP
Florez
taking a second look at his LG bid - -State Sen. Dean Florez is
re-evaluating his run for lieutenant governor, as his primary challenger
racks up key labor endorsements. In an interview today, the Shafter Democrat
emphasized that he is still "100%" in the race. But he said the next few
weeks will be critical as he does more private polling on his chances of
beating Los Angeles City Council Member Janice Hahn. Hahn, the sister of
former Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn, enjoys high name recognition in
voter-rich Southern California and has performed well in private polling.
<more> Jan. 15, 2010 Fresno Bee
Farmers plead to send water to valley fields - - Farming advocates
pleaded with federal officials Thursday to send water to drought-wracked
parts of the San Joaquin Valley. More than 200 people turned out for a
briefing by lawmakers and other officials on the severe shortages in parts
of the western and southern valley. Farmers urged officials to build more
reservoirs to store water from wet years. They also favor improvements to
the delta. For the near future, farmers urged that the Endangered Species
Act be relaxed so more water can flow.
<more> Jan. 15, 2010 Modesto Bee
Cardoza says
Water Supply Crisis Demands Short Term and Long Term Answers
- - Following a meeting with
federal, state and local officials in Los Banos today to discuss
California’s water supply crisis, Congressman Cardoza made the following
statement: “Our Valley, already at the breaking point because of the
foreclosure crisis, high unemployment rates, and drought conditions, cannot
sustain the additional hit of this ‘regulatory drought.’ We have to come at
this crisis from every angle. We need to stop blaming the pumps and our
farmers as the reason for the decline of species in the Delta. Every factor
– whether it’s the pumps, municipalities that dump wastewater in the Delta,
urban run-off, or non-native species feeding on endangered species – needs
to be held responsible and mitigated in a way that doesn’t devastate our
farmers.”
<more> Jan. 15, 2010 Cardoza Press Release
State's parched reservoirs need help from storms - - Experts agree the
three-year drought must end in the next 12 weeks if California’s depleted
reservoirs are to recover in 2010 — and it might just happen, if the 10-day
forecast is any indication. But will the rain and snow fall in the right
place to replenish the state’s largest reservoirs? Meteorologists say they
expect a series of Pacific storms to pound California, starting Sunday. But
will the rain and snow fall in the right place to replenish the state’s
largest reservoirs?
<more> Jan. 15, 2010 Fresno Bee
Levee
repair moves forward - - A bill to extend state cost-sharing for
maintaining levees in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta has passed the Senate
Natural Resources and Water Committee. SB808, by Sen. Lois Wolk, D-Davis,
passed on an 8-0 vote. It would extend the state's current reimbursements to
local agencies for levee maintenance until 2016.
<more> Jan. 15, 2010 Capital Press
Judge
voids landmark California Colorado river water agreement -- A judge
invalidated a landmark pact Thursday intended to curtail Southern
California's overuse of water from the Colorado River but left the deal in
place during an appeals period. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Ronald
Candee ruled that many of the contracts enacted as part of the 2003
agreement were invalid because they involved an improper effort by the state
to pay much of the cost of saving the Salton Sea in Southern California.
Candee, however, allowed water shipments to continue for 30 days after he
formally enters his judgment.
<more> Jan. 15, 2010
Deadline extended for Self-Propelled Off-Road Agricultural Equipment Survey
- -
The deadline has been extended to Feb. 15 to fill out a questionnaire
regarding self-propelled off-road agricultural equipment that is 25 hp or
greater. Western United Dairymen, along with other agricultural
organizations, is asking its members to fill out this survey. There are
three to four questions in this survey dealing with region, commodities and
equipment. It will take approximately 20 minutes to fill out depending on
how much equipment you own. Please complete and return the survey even if
you don't own any equipment. To complete the on-line form, go to
www.cfbf.com/agoffroadsurvey/ Jan. 15, 2010
New FDA deputy to lead food-safety mandate - - A year ago, Michael Taylor was sitting in his office at George Washington University, considering a basic mission of the federal government: making sure food is safe. In July, Taylor became an adviser to Margaret Hamburg, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, and Wednesday he was named deputy commissioner for foods, a new position that elevates food in an agency long criticized for placing greater emphasis on drugs and medical devices. <more> Jan. 15, 2010 Washington Post
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010
Dairy markets nudge higher - - Cash cheese
prices nudged a half-cent higher on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange on
Wednesday. Barrels closed at $1.44,
blocks
at $1.415. This is the first increase in the block price since December
18th. Dairy Market News describes the cheese market as steady with a little
uneasiness over the inverted barrel-to-block spread. The fear is the ratio
will correct itself by the barrel price going down. It could also correct
itself by having the blocks move up. The big drop in the prices two weeks
ago piqued buyer interest and a little nudge in the price on Wednesday may
be just enough to have them pull the trigger on some purchases.
<more> Jan. 13, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Record U.S. corn crop may bring welcome relief
- - The record U.S. corn crop offers cattle and hog producers a prospect
of something they haven’t had in a while: profits. American farmers reaped a
13.15-billion-bushel corn harvest in 2009, up 2 percent from a November
projection and up 8.8 percent from 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture
said in a report Jan. 12. The 2009 estimate topped the previous record of
13.04 billion bushels in 2007. Despite an unusually wet spring that delayed
planting, corn yields averaged a record 165.2 bushels per acre in 2009, up
7.3 percent from the 2008 average of 153.9 bushels, the USDA said. The
unexpectedly large crop sent corn futures on the Chicago Board of Trade
plunging, with the March contract tumbling 30 cents, the maximum daily
trading limit, to $3.92 ½ a bushel.
<more> Jan. 13, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Committee rejects greenhouse gas bill
postponement - - An attempt to delay California's mandate to reduce
greenhouse gases was rejected Monday by an Assembly committee. Assembly
Bill 118 - by Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Marysville, and co-authored by
several others, including Assemblyman Bill Berryhill, R-Ceres - would have
suspended climate change law AB32 until the state's unemployment rate is 5.5
percent for a full year. AB32 requires reducing greenhouse gases to 1990
levels by 2020. Some in the business community fear it will cost the state
dearly. The Assembly Natural Resources Committee voted 5-3 against advancing
Logue's bill.
<more> Jan. 13, 2010 Stockton Record
Energy-Only Option Tests Senate's Climate Bill
Backers - - Advocates for Senate climate legislation are pushing back
against calls to abandon a mandatory cap on U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in
favor of a stand-alone energy bill that some say has a better chance of
passing in an election year. For starters, President Obama's top energy
adviser insisted yesterday that the administration's goal remains a
"comprehensive bill" that touches on all corners of the energy and climate
debate, including the controversial cap-and-trade program that most
Republicans have labeled as an energy tax.
<more> Jan. 13, 2010 NY Times
Irish dairy trade body slams carbon tax - -
The Irish Dairy Industries Association (IDIA) has attacked a new carbon tax
in Ireland saying that the measure will put jobs at risk. In his December
budget Irish finance minister Brian Lenihan introduced a carbon tax
equivalent to €15 per tonne. Lenihan said the new tax would help alleviate
the Irish budget deficit and encourage companies to make the transition to a
low carbon economy. IDIA director, Michael Barry, disagrees, claiming that
the dairy industry needs revenue to innovate, and that the tax will just
benefit food imports and put domestic jobs in danger.
<more> Jan. 13, 2010 FoodNavigator.com
California moves forward with low carbon fuel
standard - - The California Office of Administrative Law has approved
the state’s Low Carbon Fuels Standard for implementation. The standard
includes the indirect land use clause for ethanol and effectively removes
corn-based ethanol from the California market. The Renewable Fuels
Association had asked the OAL to review the standard citing concerns with
the modeling and methodology used to establish the carbon footprint for
corn-based ethanol. RFA president Bob Dineen expressed his disappointment
with the OAL’s decision saying it leaves them no choice but to pursue legal
action.
<more> Jan. 13, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Biomass seen fueling California economic revival
- - California could tap the energy stored in wood, garbage, plants and
animal waste to fuel a job creation engine that could pull the state out of
its economic doldrums, biomass energy advocates said Tuesday. So far,
though, the engine has barely crept out of the station, said James D. Boyd,
vice chairman of the California Energy Commission. "(Biomass) is a treasure
sort of waiting to be discovered," he said. Boyd on Tuesday addressed
attendees of the Pacific West Biomass Conference & Expo, which wraps up its
three-day run today at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento.
<more> Jan. 13, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Modesto City Council to study selling water to
West Side farmers - - One man's trash is another man's treasure, and the
same goes for waste water. The Modesto City Council on Tuesday night
advanced a plan to sell its treated waste water to drought-stricken West
Side farmers. The council voted 7-0 to pay for part of a feasibility study
that will look at how the city could pipe treated waste water from its
Jennings Road sewer plant to the Del Puerto Water District. The district is
a narrow, 45,000-acre strip that hugs Interstate 5.
<more> Jan. 13, 2010 Modesto Bee
Other States Hope to Lure California Poultry
Producers Unhappy About Prop. 2 - - A year after Californians approved
stricter rules on the treatment of farm animals, Idaho and other states are
trying to lure away the Golden State's poultry and egg farmers with promises
of friendlier regulations and lower costs. In Idaho, as lawmakers convened
Monday, Republican state Sen. Tim Corder said he would introduce legislation
designed to attract California chicken farmers who might consider
relocating. In Nevada, Pershing County is aggressively recruiting poultry
farmers in California, the nation's fifth-largest producer of eggs.
Georgia's poultry industry also has reached out to some California farmers
in a bid to woo them eastward, California egg-industry officials say.
<more> Jan. 13, 2010 NY Times
Annual district member meetings under way - - This year’s annual WUD district meetings are underway. Meetings will follow in all WUD districts, ending in Bakersfield for District 11 and Tulare for District 8 on February 16. The complete list of meeting times, dates and locations is listed below. After a brief welcome by the district chairman, the members will elect a slate of delegates for 2010. Last year’s delegate body serves through the annual convention on March 10-12, 2010, after which the new slate takes over. After the selection of delegates, WUD president Ray Souza will report on the year’s activities, followed by a discussion of current legislative, environmental, and pricing issues. Members are encouraged to bring friends and neighbors who are interested in learning how WUD works to enhance the position of California’s dairy producer families. Please let your local field representative know if you will be bringing guests to ensure that there will be enough food for everyone. Jan. 4, 2010
Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010
Grain prices sink as crop report shows big supply
-- Grain prices tumbled Tuesday after the Department of Agriculture said
2009 crops came in above previous estimates. Corn, soybean and wheat prices
all plummeted on the Chicago Board of Trade following a government report
that showed corn and soybean production surpassed forecasts made in November
and hit record levels last year. Even tough the agency may update its
harvest estimates again in March, analysts say the market has heard enough
from the January report to conclude that this year's grain crops were
abundant enough to send market prices sharply lower.
<more> Jan. 12, 2010 AP
Adjustments made to dairy outlook - -The
monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates from USDA made some
adjustments from last month. The Outlook Board raised its 2010 milk
production estimate in response to a slowing in the cull rate at the end of
2009. Milk production is now projected to be 188.4 billion pounds for the
year, a 5 million pound increase from last month. The cheese and butter
price forecasts were lowered a bit as a result however stronger export
interest pushed nonfat and whey prices higher compared to a month ago. The
cheese price was trimmed 4 cents now expected to range between $1.57 and
$1.65 per pound. Butter also 4 cents lower at $1.39 to $1.50. The projected
price for nonfat dry milk was raised 2.5 cents to range between $1.27 and
$1.33 while dry whey is a penny higher, 36.5 to 39.5 cents.
<more> Jan. 12, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
McDonald's launches UK study into flatulent cows
used in its burgers - - Fast food chain McDonald's is to investigate the
methane produced by cattle used for its burger meat as part of a project to
help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The chain, which uses beef from
350,000 cattle a year and is one of Europe's largest beef buyers, has
launched a study into emissions from cattle on 350 farms across Britain.
Gas produced by flatulent livestock accounts for four per cent of Britain's
total carbon emissions and is 23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as
a greenhouse agent. McDonald's believes it can use the results of its
study, the first of which are due in April, to help suppliers reduce methane
through changes to farming practices.
<more> Jan. 12, 2010 Telegraph.co.uk
China to import more milk powder - - While
China is signaling a scaled-up need for milk powder imports, U.S. dairy
producers shouldn’t expect much of a demand boost yet, economists say.
China’s Ministry of Commerce expects the country will import a total of
40,000 metric tons of milk powder, a 29 percent increase over 31,000 metric
tons in December, according to a statement from the ministry earlier today.
The ministry didn’t specify the sources of its imports. Still, that
increase is “kind of a drop in the bucket” compared with overall U.S. dairy
exports, said Jim Dunn, an agricultural economist at Penn State University.
<more> Jan. 12, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Farm Bureau ask Congress to stop EPA regulation
on greenhouse gases - - The largest U.S. farm group called on Congress
on Tuesday to prevent the government from regulating greenhouse gases if
lawmakers kill climate change legislation. The 6 million-member American
Farm Bureau Federation also underlined its firm opposition to legislation to
reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases blamed for boosting
global temperatures. In their first item of policy work, delegates at the
AFBF annual meeting voted to support "any legislative action" to suspend
authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse
gases under air pollution laws.
<more> Jan. 12, 2010 Reuters
Misguided, Biased Reporting on Livestock
Antibiotics - - The Animal Agriculture Alliance is disappointed by the
many unsubstantiated claims portrayed as fact in the widespread Associated
Press article entitled "Pressure Rises to Stop Antibiotics in Agriculture."
Released on Dec. 29, the story was the third installment of a five-part
series about antibiotic resistance in the United States. Unfortunately, the
authors did not offer a balanced analysis of the complex issue, instead
relying on biased sources to portray America's food producers in a negative
light.
<more> Jan. 12,2010 Porkmag.com
USDA reports record corn, soybean crops for 2009
- - After a very trying season for producers in many areas of the U.S.,
USDA’s reporting 2009 corn and soybean production at new record levels. USDA
has last year’s corn crop at 13.151 billion bushels with a record average
yield of 165.2 bushels per acre while soybeans were reported at 3.361
billion bushels with an all time high average yield of 44.0 bushels per
acre.<more>
Jan. 12, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Europe’s Vast Farm Subsidies Face Challenges
- - The last time the European Union decided the future of its 50 billion
euro agricultural aid program, in 2005, the deal was cut behind closed doors
in a luxury suite at the five-star Conrad Brussels hotel. The president of
France, Jacques Chirac, and the chancellor of Germany, Gerhard Schröder,
joined forces in secret to protect the program against cuts until 2013,
outmaneuvering Tony Blair, the British prime minister, who was left fuming
over the generous subsidies. Now, 2013 is closer at hand and a new round of
maneuvering has begun to reshape the richest system of agricultural handouts
in the world. At stake are a host of delicate — some would argue intractable
— issues that have hardened to the point where resolution will be all the
more difficult: Who should receive the subsidies? What is their purpose? Is
there a way to tie payments to a crackdown on fraud and corruption? Can they
be more directed at small farmers instead of multinational conglomerates?
<more> Jan. 12, 2010 NY Times
Campbell could switch to Senate race Thursday -
- Former Rep. Tom Campbell (R-Calif.) appears primed to switch from
California's governor's race to its Senate race, and it looks like he will
make an announcement Thursday morning. Campbell apparently thinks he can
make more of a dent in the Senate primary, where Carly Fiorina's personal
funds aren't on the same level as Meg Whitman and Steve Poizner. They have
each spent about $19 million of their own money; Fiorina has spent $2.5
million.
<more> Jan. 12, 2010 The Hill
New ag
technology trends to be explored at Jan. 20 Modesto summit - - Sessions
on how to use GPS in precision farming, smart phone demonstrations,
web-based VOC calculators and web soil surveys will be offered Jan. 20 at
the Agriculture Technology Summit in Modesto. The session is free but
seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling Corrin Amaral at
(209) 522-7278. The summit is hosted by Connecting Stanislaus, a
community-based technology access initiative. Co-sponsors include the
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, Stanislaus County Ag Commissioner, the
Natural Resources Conservation Service and the UC Cooperative Extension. The
summit runs from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Stanislaus County Ag Center,
Harvest Hall, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto. Jan. 8, 2010 Connecting
Stanislaus Press Release
Greenhouse gas emissions and dairies on tap at Feb. 2 Marin meeting - -The
contribution of livestock agriculture to greenhouse gas emissions will be
examined at a meeting to be held Tuesday Feb. 2 in Point Reyes. The session
is co-sponsored by Western United Dairymen, the Marin Resource Conservation
District and the Natural resources Conservation Service. Topics include
practices to reduce greenhouse gases emitted from livestock production
systems; funding opportunities and compliance deadlines for the California
diesel rule; successful implementation of methane digesters and USDA Farm
Bill technological and financial assistance programs. Speakers include UC
Davis air quality specialist Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Cynthia Cory, Director of
Environmental Affairs, California Farm Bureau Federation; Robert Giacomini,
Robert Giacomini Dairy and Albert Straus, Straus Family Creamery. The
session will run from 3-5 p.m. at the Point Reyes Dance Palace. Reservations
can be made online at
http://ucanr.org/clearing_air or by calling (415) 499-4204. A $10
donation is requested. Jan. 8, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Monday, Jan. 11, 2010
New Senate proposal would offer ‘cap-and-refund
concept - - Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) and Susan Collins
(R-Maine) have introduced a 39-page bill that they bill as an alternative to
“cap-and-trade” legislation. The bill is based on a “cap-and-refund”
concept. Essentially, carbon would be capped “upstream” as it enters the
U.S. economy, with allocations – or permits – auctioned off only to energy
producers and importers. The bill seeks to derail a speculative market for
carbon credits driven by Wall Street. The Cantwell-Collins bill, Senate, S.
2877, is known as the Carbon Limits and Energy for American Renewal Act or
CLEAR Act. It would return 75% of the auction proceeds to consumers in the
form of refunds. The refunds would be distributed directly to al legal U.S.
consumers instead of setting up a complicated cap-and-trade system that
would create a complex new market of allowances for carbon emissions. More
information is available on Sen. Cantwell’s website at
http://cantwell.senate.gov/issues/CLEARAct.cfm
Jan. 11, 2010
Feedstuffs.com
Largest U.S. farm group rallies against climate
bill - - The largest U.S. farm group will oppose aggressively
"misguided" climate legislation pending in Congress and fight animal rights
activists, said American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman on
Sunday. In a speech opening the four-day AFBF convention, Stallman said
American farmers and ranchers "must aggressively respond to extremists" and
"misguided, activist-driven regulation ... The days of their elitist power
grabs are over." Vast amounts of farmland could become carbon-capturing
woodlands under cap-and-trade, "eliminating about 130,000 farms and
ranches," said Stallman. One federal analysis says 8 percent of crop and
pasture land could be turned into trees by 2050 because trees would be more
profitable than crops. <more>
Jan. 11, 2010 Reuters
House ag leader Peterson waffles on House climate
bill - - Blue Dog Democrat Collin Peterson, who played a major role
securing rural lawmakers' support for cap-and-trade legislation this summer,
said today he would vote 'no' if a similar bill returned to the House for
final passage. The Agriculture Committee chairman said he was "stuck
voting" for the bill (which is now awaiting Senate action) in June because
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi granted his requests for broad agriculture
concessions, but won't support it again if it remains unchanged.
<more> Jan. 11, 2010 Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Farmers fight back against animal rights groups
- - It’s little wonder that farmers fret about the future of the
livestock industry. In the past two years, feed costs skyrocketed, pork and
dairy prices plummeted, and animal rights groups stepped up efforts to
improve living conditions for farm animals. Some farmers are hoping to
strike back with proactive efforts to ward off unwanted legislation and
boost the struggling industry. "A line must be drawn between our polite and
respectful engagement with consumers and how we must aggressively respond to
extremists who want to drag agriculture back to the day of 40 acres and a
mule," said Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.
"The time has come for us to face our opponents with a new attitude," he
told some 5,000 members gathered in Seattle for the group's annual
convention Sunday. "The days of their elitist power grabs are over."
<more> Jan. 11, 2010 AP
What’s the impact of ethanol on corn prices? - - The futures price of corn is known globally, but the cash price is
always a moving target, reflecting local supply and demand. And with the
ascension of ethanol refiners as the No. 2 consumer of corn, those
refineries are significant dynamics in regional corn prices, says Stu Ellis,
editor of the farm gate blog. “But do those corn price spheres around
ethanol plants offer similar prices to corn growers, or is there a price
variation? If there is, how much is that variation and where are the farmers
who benefit the most?” he asks. A report from Kansas State University offers
some answers.
<more>
Jan. 11, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Valley congressional battle may get ugly - -
It's been a little more than a week since George Radanovich announced he
would retire from Congress, and already three high-profile, politically
viable Republicans are looking to replace him.Former congressman Richard
Pombo of Tracy and former Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson are in, as is current
state Sen. Jeff Denham of Atwater. Fresno City Council President Larry
Westerlund will announce his decision on a run Monday. Whatever the final
field of competitors, expect their stances on the issues to sound very
similar. They will talk about solving the state's water woes, building dams,
creating jobs and supporting agriculture. They will bash the Obama
administration. They will vilify House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Because of
those similarities, experts say, the Republican primary battle is very
likely to get ugly.
<more> Jan. 11, 2010 Fresno Bee
Specialty crop block grant funds available
-- Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 California Specialty
Crop Block Grant Program. An estimated $17 million in competitive grant
funding will be awarded to support of variety of projects aimed at enhancing
the competitiveness of the California specialty crop industry. Applicants
with the most competitive proposals will be invited to participate in the
second phase of the solicitation process by submitting a more formal
application. Deadline for applications is Monday, February 1, 2010.
Applicants must access the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) at
www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants for
detailed solicitation and application instructions.
<more>
Jan. 11, 2010 CDFA Pres Release
Nebraska Farmers Forced To Dump Million Gallons Of Milk - - Nebraska dairy farmers have been forced to dump a million gallons of milk because of snow-blocked roads. Just getting from place to place has been a struggle for Hooper dairy farmer Lowell Mueller. "We had to scoop our way to each barn because there were drifts all over the place," Mueller said. Closed roads have forced him to dump a day and a half of milk on the ground. His profits go down the drain when he can’t get the milk into town. <more> Jan. 11, 2010 KETV News
Friday, Jan. 8, 2010
An
uncertain week for dairy markets - - The first week of the year in the
dairy markets saw the barrel-to-block ratio not only narrow but invert. At
the close on Friday, barrels closed at $1.4325 while blocks ended at $1.41.
Class III futures for the first half of 2010 saw some nice gains for the day
while the July through December contracts ranged from 2 cents higher to 2
cents lower. The average weekly block price on the CME in 2009 was $1.2993
compared to $1.85 in 2008. Average barrel price in 2009 was $1.2549 compared
to $1.8305 in 2008 and $1.74 in 2007.
<more> Jan. 8, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Legalizing
unauthorized immigrants would help economy, study says
- - Legalization of the more than 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the
United States would raise wages, increase consumption, create jobs and
generate more tax revenue, two policy institutes say in a joint report
Thursday. The report by the Center for American Progress and the American
Immigration Council estimates that "comprehensive immigration reform that
legalizes currently unauthorized immigrants and creates flexible legal
limits on future immigration" would yield at least $1.5 trillion in added
U.S. gross domestic product over a 10-year period.
<more> Jan. 8, 2010 CNN.com
Schwarzenegger declares budget emergency, proposes deep cuts - - Gov.
Arnold Schwarzenegger unveiled an $82.9 billion state spending plan today
that calls for no tax hikes but envisions pay cuts for state workers,
reductions in services to California's neediest residents - and relies on
the benevolence of the federal government. The governor also declared yet
another fiscal emergency, and called for yet another special session of the
Legislature, designed to keep a projected $19.9 billion budget deficit from
growing by another $2.4 billion. The governor is proposing a three-part
deficit-closing solution: $8.5 billion in spending cuts, $4.5 billion in
"revenue shifts," some of which were rejected by voters last year, and $6.9
billion in additional money from the federal government.
<more> Jan 8, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Fonterra Says Dry Weather May Curb New Zealand Milk Collection - -
Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd., the world’s largest dairy exporter, may
collect less milk from its New Zealand suppliers this season as dry weather
affects pasture growth in North Island regions. Fonterra expects milk
production in the North Island will be down about 2 percent, said Jason
Minkhorst, general manager, commercial of the Auckland-based company’s trade
and operations unit. South Island production is expected to increase about 3
percent and overall collections will fall 0.8 percent.
<more> Jan. 8, 2010 Bloomberg
House
bill takes aim at EPA greenhouse gas rule - - North Dakota Rep. Earl
Pomeroy, a Democrat, has introduced a bill in Congress that would prohibit
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating greenhouse gases.
There is talk on the Senate side that a similar bill could emerge in that
chamber. Pomeroy's bill, of H.R. 4396, the Save Our Energy Jobs Act
introduced on Jan. 8, comes as the EPA has announced it would move forward
on new rules to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act.
"This action, if not prevented, could dramatically increase energy rates as
well as end up costing North Dakota jobs," Pomeroy said in a press
statement.
<more> Jan. 8, 2010 Feedstuffs
New ag
technology trends to be explored at Jan. 20 Modesto summit - - Sessions
on how to use GPS in precision farming, smart phone demonstrations,
web-based VOC calculators and web soil surveys will be offered Jan. 20 at
the Agriculture Technology Summit in Modesto. The session is free but
seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling Corrin Amaral at
(209) 522-7278. The summit is hosted by Connecting Stanislaus, a
community-based technology access initiative. Co-sponsors include the
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, Stanislaus County Ag Commissioner, the
Natural Resources Conservation Service and the UC Cooperative Extension. The
summit runs from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Stanislaus County Ag Center,
Harvest Hall, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto. Jan. 8, 2010 Connecting
Stanislaus Press Release
Fiorina's water and ag talk well-received by area farmers - - U.S.
Senate candidate and former Hewlett-Packard Chief Executive Officer Carly
Fiorina made her name in Silicon Valley. On Thursday, she worked to prove
her street cred in the San Joaquin Valley, talking water and ag issues at
the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau in Modesto. Fiorina is mounting a
challenge against Democratic incumbent Barbara Boxer. She'll face
Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, R-Irvine, in June's Republican primary.
<more> Jan. 7, 2010 Modesto Bee
Pérez
elected Assembly speaker - - John A. Pérez was showered with a 64-second
standing ovation from Democratic and Republican colleagues alike Thursday
after his election as Assembly speaker. Don't expect the bipartisanship to
last. "Thank you very much," Pérez said in a brief acceptance speech to
colleagues. "Now let's get back to work."
<more> Jan. 8, 2010 Sacramento Bee
State
Assembly race lures 2 more - - After a turbulent year on the Riverbank
City Council, 20-year-old Jesse James White is setting his sights on
Sacramento. White announced Thursday that he intends to join the race for
the 25th Assembly District. If White files papers, he'll face off in the
June primary against Modesto Councilwoman Kristin Olsen, former Modesto
Councilwoman Janice Keating, Tuolumne County Supervisor Teri Murrison and
former Turlock City Councilman Kurt Vander Weide. They're vying to succeed
Republican Tom Berryhill, who's not seeking re-election.
<more> Jan. 8, 20110 Modesto Bee
Dairy
products among weight-loss leaders - - A Men's Health article appearing
on Yahoo.com this week includes cheese, pork chops and milk among the top
weight-loss foods. “Instead of fruit juice, reach for moo juice in the
morning. Drinking milk at breakfast can help you eat less at lunch,
Australian scientists say. In their study, overweight people who downed
about 2 ½ cups of skim milk in the morning consumed about 8.5 percent fewer
calories at an all-you-can-eat lunch spread than people who drank the same
amount of fruit juice,” the article said. Both milk and cheese got kudos for
being full of protein. “Protein helps you feel fuller throughout the
morning,” the article said.
<more> Jan. 8, 2010 Yahoo.com
Would-be farmers flock to the fields - - It’s
official: Farming is cool again. So say local sustainable farms that are
experiencing a surge in interest among young people wanting to toil in the
fields. Apprenticeships, internships and other educational programs at
Coastside farms are recording unprecedented numbers of applicants who want
to learn the fundamentals of agriculture. “Across the board we’re seeing
more interest in sustainable agriculture,” said Nancy Vail, co-owner at Pie
Ranch, the sustainable nonprofit farm in Pescadero. “With the environmental
concerns and climate change, it’s all pointing in the directions of people
asking, ‘How can I be of use in the world in a passionate way?’, ‘How can I
connect with the land?’”<more>
Jan. 7, 2010 Half Moon Bay Review
Cal Poly cull cow meeting in Modesto Jan. 12
- - A meeting to organize a cull cow fundraiser to support the Cal Poly
dairy farm will be held Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the Durrer Barn, 3501 Dunn
Road, Modesto. Anthony Reis has taken the lead to organize the meeting set
for 3 p.m. A cull cow fundraiser will be held Monday Jan. 25 in Escalon, and
Tuesday Jan. 26 in Turlock. If you are interested in donating, or being
involved in preserving the legacy of the Cal Poly dairy farm, please contact
Dr. Bruce Golden at (805) 756-2560 or e-mail
bgolden@calpoly.edu Jan. 4, 2010 Save the Cal Poly Cows
campaign
Agricultural Leadership Program Seeks Applicants For Class 41 - -
Applications are now being accepted for Class 41 of the California
Agricultural Leadership Program. More information and all of the required
forms are available at www.agleaders.org
. Applications are due May 14. Founded in 1970, the California Agricultural
Leadership Program has more than 1,100 graduates and current fellows. The
intensive two-year program is designed to enable fellows to reach beyond
perceived limitations and boundaries in order to find common ground with
others and to bring about transformational change. Jan. 8, 2010 Ag
Leadership Press Release
Plan your trip to the World Ag Expo - - Exhibitors and attendees can now make the most of their time at World Ag Expo using the Digital Show Grounds feature at www.WorldAgExpo.com. The Digital Show Grounds feature allows those planning to attend World Ag Expo to view a high-resolution map of the show grounds and map out their experience minute-by-minute with seminars, tours and stops at exhibits that apply directly to their industry. <more> Jan. 8, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010
Has
cheese settled down? - - Cheese plants ran heavy over the holiday period
utilizing the extra milk that was available with
schools
closed down. Class I demand is now returning. Dairy Market News says most of
the cheese went into inventory as buyers are a bit reluctant to make any
purchases right now until the prices settle down. The general feeling is
they could settle “in this neighborhood”. The big drop in prices last week
was expected. Buying should pick up as the Super Bowl approaches. Some
nervousness also about Kraft selling their pizza business to Nestle’, that
has some wondering about the future of their supply agreements with those
pizza makers.
<more> Jan. 7, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Tougher federal smog standards proposed - - The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency today proposed the strictest health standards to date for
smog. There was no immediate comment from the San Joaquin Valley Air
Pollution Control District, but the Valley is not in compliance with current
federal smog standards. The agency is proposing to set the “primary”
standard, which protects public health, at a level between 0.060 and 0.070
parts per million (ppm) measured over eight hours. EPA is also proposing to
set a separate “secondary” standard to protect the environment, especially
plants and trees. This seasonal standard is designed to protect plants and
trees from damage occurring from repeated ozone exposure, which can reduce
tree growth, damage leaves, and increase susceptibility to disease.<more>
Jan. 7, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Schwarzenegger unveils an ambitious wish list - - Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger on Wednesday exhorted lawmakers to overhaul the funding
system for state prisons and higher education, approve a jobs creation
package and seek more money from Washington, even as he attacked the
national healthcare plan. But his ideas received a mixed reaction, and it
was unclear how much traction they might achieve in the face of the state's
ongoing financial crisis. In his seventh and final State of the State
address, the governor effectively offered a personal wish list for what he
would hope to accomplish before leaving Sacramento at the end of the year.
His agenda would have appeared ambitious even if the state were not staring
at a $20-billion deficit.
<more> Jan. 7, 2010 LA Times
Feb. 16 deadline for discounted convention hotel rooms - -
Feb. 16 is the deadline to receive the special discounted rate for hotel
rooms for those attending WUD’s annual convention on March 10 to 12 in
Modesto. Rooms at the Modesto Doubletree may be booked either by calling the
hotel directly 209-525-3045 or 209-526-6000. Be sure to request the “Western
United Dairymen Room Block” to receive the discounted room rate,
starting at $128. Rooms can also be reserved online at
www.Modesto.Doubletree.com. Go to the
“Reservations” button. Enter hotel location, the arrival and departure
dates, the number of rooms need and the room type preferences. At the
“Special Accounts” section, go to “Group/Convention Code” and enter “WUD”.
Group rates starting at $128 will appear. Click the circle next to the
available rate, and then choose “Continue”. Enter your contact information
and click “Book Now”. Your reservation will automatically be added to the
“WUD” room block. Jan. 7, 2010
Turlock, Hilmar dairy leaders named to USDA committee - - Two dairy
leaders from the Northern San Joaquin Valley were named to a new committee
that will advise U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the industry’s
economic troubles. They are Ray Souza, a Turlock-area dairy farmer, and
Patricia Stroup of Hilmar, a group manager for Nestle USA. Souza, president
of Western United Dairymen, is among the farming representatives on the
17-member Dairy Industry Advisory Committee. Stroup, formerly with Hilmar
Cheese Co., is among the processor members.
<more> Jan. 7, 2010 Modesto Bee
Dairy emissions plan
to reduce costs, regulation - - An industry initiative to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from the farm to the display case is about more
than on-farm digesters, dairy leaders say. The effort is far broader, said
David Pelzer, Dairy Management Inc. senior vice president of industry image
and relations. It comprises 12 projects identified by industry leaders and
coordinated by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, part of DMI. The
initiative initially focuses on the fluid milk supply chain, from production
of feed to processing, packaging and distribution. The 12 projects are aimed
at reaching half of the carbon reduction goal and have the potential to
create a conservatively estimated $238 million in business value across the
industry.
<more> Jan. 7, 2010 Capital Press
The
facts about food and farming - - Let's not join one of the armed camps
deeply suspicious of one another shouting past each other. One of the more
pleasing developments of the last decade has been the long-overdue beginning
of a national conversation about food -- not just the arcane techniques used
to prepare it and the luxurious restaurants in which it is served, but, much
more important, how it is grown and produced. The only problem is that so
far it hasn't been much of a conversation. Instead, what we have are two
armed camps deeply suspicious of one another shouting past each other (sound
familiar?).
<more> Jan. 7, 2010 LA Times
Jones
won't run to replace Radanovich - - Former Secretary of State Bill Jones
said Wednesday that he will not seek the congressional seat of retiring
Mariposa Republican George Radanovich. Jones, a Republican and the elder
statesman of Fresno-area politics, said he discussed the congressional
campaign and the effects on his personal life if he won with wife Maurine
and his two daughters. Those family ties ultimately led him to reject a run,
though business considerations also played a role. "Maurine and I decided
with all the grandchildren here, now is not the right time," Jones said.
<more> Jan. 7, 2010 Fresno Bee
Rep.
Nunes endorses Pombo for district seat - - As expected, Visalia
Republican Devin Nunes today endorsed Richard Pombo, his former
congressional colleague, to replace retiring Rep. George Radanovich. Nunes
called Pombo “a man of conviction” who was “wronged by the politics of
Washington in the past.”
<more> Jan. 7, 2010 Fresno Bee
Cogdill to run for Stanislaus County assessor's office - - Sen. Dave
Cogdill wants to retire from the Legislature, but come back to government in
Stanislaus County. He announced Thursday that he intends to run for county
assessor, a position opening because of Doug Harms’ decision not to seek
re-election.
<more> Jan. 7, 2009 Modesto Bee
Hetch
Hetchy could go on ballot - - In 1910, voters in San Francisco approved
a $45 million bond issue for the construction of a water system on the
Tuolumne River. In 2010, city residents could vote on a proposal to tear out
a key part of the system — Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park.
Restore Hetch Hetchy, the group leading the effort, aims to get the measure
on the November ballot.A vote in favor would not spring the wrecking crew
into action, as the city still would have to find alternatives for storage,
possibly in an enlarged Don Pedro Reservoir.
<more> Jan. 7, 2010 Modesto Bee
Coalition wants job
of keeping runoff clean - - Agricultural water users in California are
pulling for regional control of a process to maintain the quality of surface
and ground water in the Central Valley. The long-term Irrigated Lands
Regulatory Program will replace the current conditional waivers that allow
irrigators to discharge water from farms. Perry Klassen, executive director
of the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, says his group recently
recorded dramatic drops in chemical discharges on three problem waterways.
“The argument we're trying to make is that the coalition approach can work
to solve water-quality problems," Klassen said.
<more> Jan. 7, 2010 Capital Press
Cal Poly cull cow meeting in Modesto Jan. 12
- - A meeting to organize a cull cow fundraiser to support the Cal Poly
dairy farm will be held Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the Durrer Barn, 3501 Dunn
Road, Modesto. Anthony Reis has taken the lead to organize the meeting set
for 3 p.m. A cull cow fundraiser will be held Monday Jan. 25 in Escalon, and
Tuesday Jan. 26 in Turlock. If you are interested in donating, or being
involved in preserving the legacy of the Cal Poly dairy farm, please contact
Dr. Bruce Golden at (805) 756-2560 or e-mail
bgolden@calpoly.edu Jan. 4, 2010 Save the Cal Poly Cows
campaign
USDA
livestock disaster payments exceed $175 million - - Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack said today that USDA has already made more than $175
million in disaster payments to America's livestock producers after
implementing two new programs in 2009, demonstrating USDA's commitment to
rapidly meeting the goals of Congress and providing farmers and ranchers
with timely and effective disaster assistance.
<more> Jan. 7, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010
Ray Souza named to USDA Dairy Advisory Committee
- - Western United Dairymen President Ray Souza today was appointed by USDA
Secretary Vilsack to the newly created 17-member USDA Dairy Industry
Advisory Committee. The committee will consider and evaluate various
proposals that address the issues facing the industry, such as milk prices,
and make recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture. Souza owns
operates Mel-Delin Dairy in Turlock and has served on the WUD Board of
Directors for more than 10 years. He is now in his second term as president.
He has previously testified on agriculture and dairy issues before the U.S.
House of Representatives and served as an appointee to the USDA /USTR
Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee. Additionally he has served on the
National Beef Promotion & Research Board and Governor Gray Davis’ Ag-Water
Transition Team in 1998. “I am very honored to receive this appointment from
Secretary Vilsack and look forward to working with other committee members
from throughout the country to address the challenges facing our industry,”
said Souza. “Our industry has been through a very traumatic year and we go
into 2010 hoping that by working together we can come up with some long-term
solutions.” Jan. 6, 2010
Controversy flares over Kings County dairy
expansion - - A disputed dairy expansion turned into a debate Monday
night at the Kings County Planning Commission, an issue that could have
major implications for the county and its struggling dairy industry.
Commissioners were set to consider revoking an expansion of the J.D. Mello
Dairy on Grangeville Boulevard in Hanford after Kings County Community
Development Agency staff told them that the expansions violate the dairy's
zoning permit. According to county staff, the dairy without authorization
added calves that put it approximately 1,179 animal units over the allowed
number in the original permit. But Michael LaSalle, Mello's attorney,
quickly stood up and asked for a continuance, stating that he planned to
challenge the rules Mello would have to meet to get his expansions approved.
<more> Jan. 6, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
China Admits New Tainted-Milk Case Is Older -
- On Dec. 31, Chinese regulators announced that they had arrested three
executives and shut down a dairy company here for selling products
contaminated with an industrial chemical called melamine. It looked like
another sign that regulators had stepped up their food safety campaign after
six children died and 300,000 others were sickened in 2008 from drinking
milk formula tainted with melamine. But Wednesday, a government official
here acknowledged that the arrests actually took place last April, and that
the investigation into tainted dairy products at the Shanghai Panda Dairy
Company had begun two months before that.
<more> Jan. 6, 2010 NY Times
Natural Resources Agency chief Chrisman steps
down - - Mike Chrisman said Tuesday he is leaving his job as Natural
Resources Agency secretary in February for the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation. Lester Snow, director of the state Department of Water
Resources, will succeed Chrisman, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced
Tuesday. Chrisman, 65, is one of the few remaining Schwarzenegger aides who
have been with the governor from the start. He will be in charge of the
foundation's Southwest Partnership Office, working in San Francisco. Snow,
58, who takes over Feb. 1, has led the Department of Water Resources since
2004. He will earn $175,000. In turn, Mark Cowin, 51, will take over DWR.
Cowin, now deputy director of integrated water management, has worked for
the department for 29 years. He will earn $149,496. Jan. 6, 2010 Fresno
Bee
Central Valley Water Board names new assistant
executive officer - - Clay Rodgers has been named the Assistant
Executive Officer the Fresno office of the Central Valley Regional Water
Quality Control Board. Rodgers is a registered Engineering Geologist and has
six years of experience with the Central Valley Water Board in our Fresno
Office. His experience also includes many more years of private consulting
experience. “Clay’s experience, professionalism and strong commitment to
protecting water quality are valuable to our organization. He is an
excellent addition to my executive management team, “said
Pamela Creedon,
Executive Officer, CVRWQCB. Jan. 6, 2010 CVRWQCB Notice
Passing: Former CDFA Milk Pooling Bureau Chief
Glenn Gleason - - Former CDFA Milk Pooling Bureau Chief Glenn Gleason,
72, passed away Dec. 30, 2009. He joined the CDFA in 1960 and served as
chief of the Bureau of Milk Pooling from 1972 to 1997. He retired in 2001.
After retirement he continued his interest in the dairy industry. He
attended both the Quota and Whey review committee meetings and other
industry meetings. In April 2009, Glenn made a presentation in Washington,
D.C., at the yearly Dairy Economic Conference that is sponsored by Cornell
University. His presentation was named, “The California Experience”. .
Final internment will be at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Dixon. Glenn is
survived by Joan and his two children, Paul and Kristine. Jan. 6, 2010
CDFA Notice
Cardoza, Costa host Jan. 14 briefing on water
supply crisis - - A briefing on the status of water allocations and
efforts to address the water supply crisis affecting San Joaquin Valley
agriculture will be held at the Los Banos Fairgrounds at 10 a.m., Jan. 14.
The briefing is being hosted by Congressmen Dennis Cardoza and Jim Costa and
will include top ranking federal, state, and local water officials. The
intent of the briefing is to discuss water allocations, as well as
operations and actions that can be taken to address the on-going water
supply crisis both in the short and long term. Among those attending are
officials from the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation, U.S. Department of Commerce, California Department of Water
Resources, San Luis & Delta Mendota Water Authority, Westlands Water
District, San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors, Friant Water Users
Authority, Merced and Oakdale Irrigation Districts, and Kern County Water
Agency. Jan. 6, 2010 Cardoza Press Release
Cal Poly cull cow meeting in Modesto Jan. 12
- - A meeting to organize a cull cow fundraiser to support the Cal Poly
dairy farm will be held Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the Durrer Barn, 3501 Dunn
Road, Modesto. Anthony Reis has taken the lead to organize the meeting set
for 3 p.m. A cull cow fundraiser will be held Monday Jan. 25 in Escalon, and
Tuesday Jan. 26 in Turlock. If you are interested in donating, or being
involved in preserving the legacy of the Cal Poly dairy farm, please contact
Dr. Bruce Golden at (805) 756-2560 or e-mail
bgolden@calpoly.edu Jan. 4, 2010 Save the Cal Poly Cows
campaign
Blogging on the range: Farmers embrace social
media tools - - Whether he's strolling through the corral, doing payroll
at his desk or checking on a newborn calf, Stanislaus County dairy farmer
Ray Prock likes to stop by what he calls his “virtual watercooler” to chat
about his favorite topic: agriculture. He does this by logging on to his
Twitter account, a social networking Web site that allows users to exchange
quick, frequent messages known as tweets. By firing up his computer or
turning on his smartphone, Prock can get a glimpse of what people in the
global community are saying about agriculture—and talk back to them.
<more> Jan. 6, 2009 California Country
EQIP Deadline for priority 2010 funding is Jan.
15- - The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is now accepting
applications through Jan. 15 for its popular EQIP cost-share program for
technical and financial assistance to implement environmentally friendly
production practices. Applications for EQIP are accepted year-round, but
those received by Jan. 15 will be given priority for initial funding
considerations for fiscal year 2010. Contracts might include cost-share
grants for a number of natural resource improvement projects, such as water
use efficiency, water quality and air quality. The deadline on two newer
EQIP programs, one for organic growers and another providing funds to
replace or retrofit older, higher-polluting farm equipment engines, has been
extended until Jan. 29 to give growers more time to participate in the new
programs. For information, contact your nearest USDA NRCS office or go to
http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ Jan. 5, 2009
Can farming save Detroit? - - John Hantz is a wealthy money manager who lives in an older enclave of Detroit where all the houses are grand and not all of them are falling apart. Hantz thinks farming could do his city a lot of good: restore big chunks of tax-delinquent, resource-draining urban blight to pastoral productivity; provide decent jobs with benefits; supply local markets and restaurants with fresh produce; attract tourists from all over the world; and -- most important of all -- stimulate development around the edges as the local land market tilts from stultifying abundance to something more like scarcity and investors move in. Hantz is willing to commit $30 million to the project. He'll start with a pilot program this spring involving up to 50 acres on Detroit's east side. "Out of the gates," he says, "it'll be the largest urban farm in the world." <more> Jan. 5, 2010 CNN.com
Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010
Milk Powder Prices Have First Decline in Six
Months - - Milk powder auction prices fell for the first time in six
months as demand from food manufacturers to rebuild their stocks slowed,
Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd., the world’s largest dairy exporter, said
today. Whole milk powder for March delivery declined 6.8 percent to $3,282 a
metric ton, according to data posted on the Auckland-based company’s
GlobalDairyTrade Web site. Prices fell from a 16-month high in December.
They remain 56 percent higher than a year earlier.
<more> Jan 5, 2009 Bloomberg
Cheese production up in November - - Total
cheese production in the U.S. in November was 844 million pounds, 1.9
percent above November of 2008. The
National
Ag Statistics Service says Italian type cheese production was 6.5 percent
above a year ago at 363 million pounds while American type output was 1.8
percent lower than last November at 332 million pounds. Total cheese
production in California in November was 170.68 million pounds, a 2.2
percent decline compared to November of 2008. Italian cheese production in
the Golden State increased 7.5 percent to 109.5 million pounds but American
type output slid 14.4 percent to 47.8 million pounds. Cheddar production
decreased 18.9 percent to 24.7 million pounds.
<more> Jan. 5, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Activists try to make animal products a sin
- - Animal-rights activists are now appealing to people’s religious beliefs,
trying to make them feel guilty about eating meat. “What they are trying to
do is persuade the American public that their religious-faith traditions
somehow teach that consuming meat and animal products from intensive animal
agriculture or confinement systems is immoral and indeed a sin,” Wes
Jamison, associate professor of communications at Palm Beach Atlantic
University in Florida, told AgriTalk radio on Tuesday.
<more> Jan. 5, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Dairy farming makes it on the “worst jobs” list
- - The job of actuary -- someone who deals with the financial impact of
risk and uncertainty – apparently is the best kind of job in America,
according to an annual report by CareerCast.com, a unit of Adicio Inc. of
Carlsbad. Rounding out the top five best jobs are software engineer,
computer systems analyst, biologist and historian, while roustabout,
lumberjack, ironworker, dairy farmer and welder were at the bottom.
<more> Jan. 5, 2009 Central Valley Business Times
Cal Poly cull cow meeting in Modesto Jan. 12
- - A meeting to organize a cull cow fundraiser to support the Cal Poly
dairy farm will be held Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the Durrer Barn, 3501 Dunn
Road, Modesto. Anthony Reis has taken the lead to organize the meeting set
for 3 p.m. A cull cow fundraiser will be held Monday Jan. 25 in Escalon, and
Tuesday Jan. 26 in Turlock. If you are interested in donating, or being
involved in preserving the legacy of the Cal Poly dairy farm, please contact
Dr. Bruce Golden at (805) 756-2560 or e-mail
bgolden@calpoly.edu Jan. 4, 2010 Save the Cal Poly Cows
campaign
Governor to call emergency session for current
budget - - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger intends to call the Legislature
into emergency session to confront a nearly $6.3 billion budget gap in the
current fiscal year. The governor is expected to outline his proposed
solutions by Friday – when he will unveil his new budget for the 2010-11
fiscal year that begins July 1. The emergency declaration, authorized under
voter-approved Proposition 58, requires lawmakers to act within 45 days on
his proposals or pass their own combination of cuts and revenue increases.
There is no penalty if the Legislature fails to perform, although lawmakers
are barred from adjourning or considering other issues until they act on the
governor's plan.
<more> Jan. 5, 2010 Capitol Weekly
Tuolumne County supervisor entering Assembly race
- - A third woman with a background steeped in local government is
joining the race to succeed Republican Tom Berryhill in the state Assembly.
Tuolumne County Supervisor Teri Murrison announced this week that she’s
entering the race, preparing to run in the GOP primary against Modesto City
Councilwoman Kristin Olsen and former Modesto Councilwoman Janice Keating.
Murrison cited frustration with Sacramento giving short shrift to cities and
counties when lawmakers craft budgets and set their priorities.
<more> Jan. 5, 2010 Modesto Bee
Dairy farmer plans to pamper cows with waterbeds, music - - Waterbeds for cows. That may sound like a fanciful title for a novel but it describes the latest investment of a Hawaii farm pumping out fresh locally produced milk. Island Dairy owner Bahman Sadeghi explains it this way: "Happy, healthy cows produce more milk." So, "a cow that is not at peak health and is in stress is not going to produce as much milk as a comfortable relaxed cow." <more> Jan. 5, 2010 The Honolulu Advertiser
Monday, Jan. 4, 2010
U.S. Schools' War Against Chocolate Milk - -
t would sound like a joke if everyone weren't so up in arms about it. Taking
a stand against chocolate milk? It's like canceling Christmas. What could
possibly be wrong with something that brings children such joy? A lot,
according to some nutrition experts and school districts that are removing
the brown liquid from lunchrooms. One 8-oz. serving of reduced-fat chocolate
milk has nearly as many calories and sugar as a 12-oz. can of Coke.
Encouraging students to regularly consume the drink, they say, is
contributing to an already worrying childhood obesity crisis. As chocolate
milk opponents lobby state and federal officials, the dairy industry has
responded with an estimated $1 million campaign dubbed "Raise Your Hand for
Chocolate Milk."
<more> Dec. 26, 2009 Time
Spotlight shines on animal rights - -
Consumers have been led for years to think California cows are happy, which
is why many were sickened when images surfaced of a washed-up milker, too
weak to stagger to slaughter, rolled, pushed and run over by a forklift
operator. The suffering cow covertly taped by the Humane Society of the U.S.
prompted the biggest beef recall in U.S. history and contributed to sweeping
legislation in the past 13 months designed to improve the lives of farm
animals. But more important for farmers, it awakened the masses to the stark
reality for many animals raised for food. Dairymen also aren’t waiting for
the Humane Society’s next move. In November, the California Milk Advisory
Board released 15 mini-documentaries on its Web site, seen 95,000 times so
far, showing the lives of farmers. As the sun rises, multigenerational
dairymen in idyllic settings talk about the affection they have for cows and
the family members with whom they work. “Each one is . . . dispelling the
myth that California farms are run by cold, uncaring ‘corporations,’” says
Michael Freeman, the board’s vice president of advertising.
<more> Jan. 4, 2010 AgWeek
Humboldt Creamery nightmare continues - - The
sordid legacy of Ferndale's once-darling Humboldt Creamery didn't end with
its bankruptcy and takeover by an out-of-town outfit. Now, the state is
going after individual dairymen and businesses in an effort to recover
assessments, fees and penalties it says they never paid. A lawsuit recently
filed by the California Attorney General on behalf of the California
Department of Food and Agriculture is seeking nearly $430,000 from the
farmers and the association that provided milk to Humboldt Creamery.
The complaint alleges that the farmers and the association didn't pay into a
pool meant to stabilize what producers are paid, and are therefore
delinquent to the tune of $276,000. The California Milk Advisory Board --
which promotes and markets milk -- is also owed some $95,000 in costs and
late fees, the suit alleges. Inspection, administration and other fees also
stand to be collected, according to the suit.
<more> Dec. 26, 2009 Eureka Times Standard
Discovery of Melamine-Tainted Milk Shuts Shanghai
Dairy - - Chinese authorities shut down a dairy producer here and
arrested three of its executives after tests showed the company was
producing milk powder contaminated with melamine, the same industrial
chemical that in 2008 was blamed for one of this country’s worst food safety
scandals. The announcement came just over two weeks after three other men
were arrested at a dairy company far northwest of here, in Shaanxi Province,
that produced milk powder tainted with melamine. The arrests suggest that
regulators are more aggressively monitoring the dairy market after six
children died and more than 300,000 others were sickened by melamine-tainted
milk in the summer and autumn of 2008.
<more> Jan. 4, 2010 NY Times
Dairy is not out-of-the-woods yet - - So
where-to-from-here for the dairy industry? The final week of December made
for some very nervous days on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. For weeks we
saw the barrel-to-block spread get has high as 27 cents. Then, in just five
sessions, blocks came sliding down to a two-cent gap. Ken Heiman is a cheese
maker in Wisconsin, he says one private company was holding the block price
up to protect themselves through a certain date, once they achieved their
objective, they let the market go.
<more> Jan. 4, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Cal Poly cull cow meeting in Modesto Jan. 12
- - A meeting to organize a cull cow fundraiser to support the Cal Poly
dairy farm will be held Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the Durrer Barn, 3501 Dunn
Road, Modesto. Anthony Reis has taken the lead to organize the meeting set
for 3 p.m. A cull cow fundraiser will be held Monday Jan. 25 in Escalon, and
Tuesday Jan. 26 in Turlock. If you are interested in donating, or being
involved in preserving the legacy of the Cal Poly dairy farm, please contact
Dr. Bruce Golden at (805) 756-2560 or e-mail
bgolden@calpoly.edu Jan. 4, 2010 Save the Cal Poly Cows
campaign
Modesto's Olsen announces run for state Assembly
- - Modesto City Councilwoman Kristin Olsen is running for the state
Assembly, setting up a Republican primary with former Modesto Councilwoman
Janice Keating. They’re competing for the seat opened by Tom Berryhill’s
decision to run for the state Senate. Olsen, who is expected to make her
announcement today, is a fresh off a successful re-election campaign to the
City Council. She defeated challenger Joe Cataline in November.
<more> Jan. 4, 2010 Modesto Bee
Radanovich to retire after 8 terms as wife
battles cancer - - Rep. George Radanovich announced Tuesday that he is
retiring from Congress next year, a decision that immediately triggered a
battle over who will replace the Mariposa Republican. Radanovich, 54, said
in a news release that he is stepping down from the 19th Congressional
District seat after eight terms to be with his wife, Ethie, who is battling
ovarian cancer. "My family needs me, and I intend to be by their side to win
this battle," he said in his statement. He did not return calls seeking
comment. As Radanovich steps down, he is endorsing state Sen. Jeff Denham
of Atwater as his replacement. The statement noted that Radanovich's
congressional district and Denham's Senate district share more than 100,000
constituents.
<more> Dec. 30, 2009 Modesto Bee
Pombo to join race in 19th congressional district
- - Former Congressman Richard Pombo says he is entering the race to
replace Congressman George Radanovich, even though he doesn't live in the
19th district. The Tracy Republican served seven terms in the 11th district.
He argues that the issues are the same across the San Joaquin Valley. During
his tenure, Pombo was a target of environmental groups because of his desire
to weaken the federal Endangered Species Act. Voters replaced him in 2006
with Democrat Jerry McNerney.
<more> Jan. 4, 2009 Fresno Bee
Hilmar Cheese eyes new treatment - - Hilmar
Cheese Co., which has worked for several years to solve problems with its
waste water, is proposing a change in the treatment process. The company is
asking state regulators to allow the change in a part of the process that
removes salts from the water. The current system uses reverse osmosis —
forcing water through a membrane to trap the salts — for up to 1.4 million
gallons a day. Up to 500,000 additional gallons do not go through this step
because of a lack of capacity, but it is still "highly treated" in the other
steps, said Michael Boccadoro, a public relations consultant to Hilmar
Cheese. The company proposes to replace the reverse osmosis with
electrodialysis, which removes salts by applying an electrical current.
Boccadoro said the alternative is being sought because reverse osmosis uses
a lot of energy and the membranes often have to be cleared of trapped
material.
<more> Dec. 30, 2009 Modesto Bee
Pressure rises to stop antibiotics in agriculture
- - The mystery started the day farmer Russ Kremer got between a jealous
boar and a sow in heat. The boar gored Kremer in the knee with a razor-sharp
tusk. The burly pig farmer shrugged it off, figuring: "You pour the blood
out of your boot and go on." But Kremer's red-hot leg ballooned to double
its size. A strep infection spread, threatening his life and baffling
doctors. Two months of multiple antibiotics did virtually nothing. The
answer was flowing in the veins of the boar. The animal had been fed low
doses of penicillin, spawning a strain of strep that was resistant to other
antibiotics. That drug-resistant germ passed to Kremer.
<more> Dec. 28, 2009 Business Week
Vermont milk prices: Supply management plans gain
momentum - - Vermont's dairy farmers have been losing money on milk all
year. "Farmers are starving here. Let's put our differences aside and do
something for the industry," said Jack Brigham, a St. Albans dairy farmer
who sold 185 acres of his farm to make up for lost revenue. Developing some
mechanism to prevent farmers from flooding the market with milk -- and
driving down prices -- is gaining traction. "You have got to control
supply," to help prop up prices, said Brigham, who milked cows in Franklin
County for 35 years. "But for it to work, everyone has got to do it. It's
got to be mandatory. And I don't know how you make it mandatory unless you
get the government involved."
<more> Jan. 4, 2010 Burlington Free Press
Bad Weather Fueled Gains in Futures for Corn, Soy
- - Mother Nature wreaked havoc on producers of agricultural commodities
in 2009 and gave the food market a jolt, sending prices for staples like
corn and soybeans on a wild ride only to end the year close to where they
started. Although food consumption is generally less sensitive to economic
conditions than energy and metals, a series of abnormal weather events
around the world upended supply and demand fundamentals for corn, soybeans
and sugar.
<more> Jan. 4, 2010 Wall Street Journal
60 Minutes: Why California Is Running Dry - -
To watch the video of Sunday’s 60 Minutes broadcast,
please click here. Water is in short supply. You don't have to go to
Africa or the Middle East to see how much the planet is running dry. Just go
to California, where, after three years of drought, dozens of towns and
cities have imposed mandatory water rationing and a half million acres in
the country's agricultural breadbasket are lying fallow. Arnold
Schwarzenegger, the action hero governor, has thrust himself into the fray
by requiring towns and cities across the state to reduce their water use by
20 percent over ten years. That means less water to drink, to bathe in, and
to water the lawn.
<more> Dec. 28, 2009 CBS News
Storms haven't broken drought - - This week's
light storms have done little to boost the Sierra Nevada snowpack. It was at
86 percent of average in the central part of the range Thursday, up from 84
percent Tuesday, the California Department of Water Resources reported.
Officials urged continued water conservation in case the full winter turns
out to be below average for a fourth straight year. The snow survey "shows
that we're still playing catch-up when it comes to our statewide water
supplies," said Sue Sims, the department's chief deputy director, in a
written statement.
<more> Dec. 31, 2009 Modesto Bee
Watchful farmers see San Joaquin Valley streams
improve - - A coalition of farmers aiming to keep pesticides and other
pollutants out of streams has been contacting members who might have let
them escape from their land. The result has been improved control over the
releases, said a report this week from the East San Joaquin Water Quality
Coalition. It contends that the farmer-funded effort, launched in 2003,
shows that the state does not need to increase its regulation. "For the
first time in our existence, we have a good story to tell you about what's
happening in our waterways," coalition chairman Parry Klassen said.
<more> Dec. 26, 2009 Modesto Bee
Unpacking the HSUS Gravy Train - - There are
only two things certain in life, as the saying goes, and a byproduct of one
of them requires nonprofit organizations to file paperwork with the IRS. So
now that the deceptively named “Humane Society” of the United States (HSUS)
has submitted its "Form 990" for 2008, we thought it was time to take a
close look. HSUS reported spending almost $20 million on “campaigns,
legislation, and litigation”—enough to worry any livestock farmer or hunter
looking to keep their chosen lifestyle alive. The group collected over $86
million in contributions, and spent more than $24 million on fundraising,
including $4 million on professional fundraisers.
<more> Jan. 4, 2010 Center for Consumer Freedom
Hot food issues ready to boil over this year - - Nutrition and public policy expert Marion Nestle answers readers' questions in this column written exclusively for The Chronicle and published the first Sunday of every month. Q: What do you think will happen with food and nutrition in 2010? A: I wish I could read the leaves while I drink tea, but the best I can do is tell you which issues I'm going to be watching closely this year. Hunter Public Relations recently asked 1,000 Americans which food-related issues they thought were most important in 2009. The top three? Food safety, hunger and food prices. For the decade, the winner was childhood obesity. <more> Jan. 4, 2010 SF Chronicle