December 2009
Will There Be Any Private Dairies Left?
The U.S. dairy industry has been steadily consolidating over the past thirty years, and analysts with USDA’s Economic Research Service say a big part of the reason has been what has been until recently the low cost of feed.
Vermont Pushing for Reforming Dairy Policy
The collapse of Vermont’s dairy market is prompting lawmakers, agriculture leaders and farmers to consider overhauling the state’s milk-pricing system. Reform supporters are currently focusing on supply-management controls, which could keep farmers from flooding the market with milk and thus driving down prices. For the full story click
here.
November Cheese/Butter Stocks Data Available
The USDA released this afternoon their estimate of end of November U.S. cheese and butter stocks. Total natural cheese stocks stood at 961.4 mil. lbs., a decrease of almost 8 mil. lbs. from October. However, this level is 143 mil. lbs. greater than the Nov. 2008 stock level. For more detail click here.
Manure Management- Sustainably Taking Care of Our Environment
As the growing phenomenon of going green, reducing our carbon footprint and being environmentally sustainable escalades across this nation and globe—we, as dairy producers, are already far ahead of many. You see, going green is something that your typical dairy producer knows a thing or two about. Something they practice daily, for the benefit of theirs and others; proudly demonstrating being good stewards to the land.
Nov. Milk Production Down 1.0%
Milk production in the 23 major States during November totaled 14.0 billion
pounds, down 1.0 percent from November 2008. October revised production at
14.3 billion pounds, was down 1.2 percent from October 2008.
Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,679 pounds for November, 25 pounds above November 2008.
The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.31 million head, 209,000 head less than November 2008, and 6,000 head less than October 2009.
Advanced Jan.2010 Class I Base Price Announced
The Jan. 2010 Advanced Class I price was announced today to be $15.03. This represents a $1.04 increase from the Dec. and a $0.71 decrease from the Jan. 2009 value. To obtain this data click here.
USDA Announces How the $290M Will be Allocated to Dairy Producers
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the implementation of the new Dairy Economic Loss Assistance Payment (DELAP) program. The 2010 Agricultural Appropriations Bill authorized $290 million for loss assistance payments to eligible dairy producers. For more detail click here.
California Dairy Prices Being Temporarily Increased
The California Department of Food and Agriculture says it made the decision after testimony from dairy farmers at a hearing in Sacramento on Nov. 9 to consider numerous proposals to adjust minimum milk price levels.
CDFA is increasing the minimum prices of all milk usage by varying amounts for a temporary three-month basis from January through March 2010.
For more detail click here.
Assisted Birthing with Cesarean Sections
Many factors can require dairy producers to provide assistance to cows when the birth of a calf is delayed or complicated. The medial term dystocia is used to refer to this condition. Among general causes are oversized calves, calves that aren’t in the proper birth position (feet first) or an injured or sick cow. Genetics, nutrition and reproductive management are all important factors in reducing dystocia.
October Dairy Exports Above Year Ago Level
Dairy exports, on a volume and a value basis, were above year-ago levels
for the first time in 2009 during Oct. The overall increase was led by butter,
skim milk powder, whey and lactose. Cheese shipments in Oct approached
Oct 08 levels. For more detail click
here.
