June 2010
Organic Valley Farmers Can Increase Milk Prod.
Officials of La Farge-based Organic Valley say its dairy farmer members will be able to increase their milk production Aug. 1 because the outlook for organic milk sales has improved.
And the organic farmer cooperative said it expects a 16.6 percent increase in its total sales this year, after seeing sales remain flat in 2009. The co-op expects about $610 million in sales this year, up from $523 million in 2009.
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Ag. Chairman to Make Policy Shifts for 2012 Farm Bill
Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., says he’s in favor of shifting current direct farm payment
funding into an expanded crop insurance plan, and then getting rid of payment limitations in
the 2012 farm bill.
The Minnesota Democrat told attendees of a National Farm Business Management
Conference June 14 in Fargo, N.D., that he needed their help in more big policy shifts for the
new farm bill. He talked about the need to make sure the safety net for agriculture should “fall
on production,” rather than trying to pick winners or losers on the basis of farm size.
U.S. Senators Introduce Dairy Price Stabilization Bill
Last Thursday Senator Bernie Sanders (Vermont) introduced S. 3531, the “Dairy Price Stabilization Act of 2010.”
Joining Senator Sanders in co-sponsoring the legislation were Senators Patty Murray (Washington) and Patrick
Leahy (Vermont).
S. 3531. This bill is virtually identical to the legislation introduced last
month in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Jim Costa (California), Peter Welch (Vermont), Rick
Larsen (Washington), Joe Courtney (Connecticut), and John Larson (Connecticut). That bill, H.R. 5288, is also
titled the “Dairy Price Stabilization Act of 2010.”
Heavy Duty Wash Down Hose Nozzles
New Wash Down Hose Nozzles for milking parlors are strong and robust with a quick-action on/off and a fully adjustable spray pattern. Made of quality industrial plastic, nozzles are impact-resistant and the high flow rates insure a fast and efficient job. The uniquely designed outer ring protects the nozzles from excessive wear and prevents scratching of dairy equipment when nozzle falls or is dropped. Spray is adjustable from wide spray pattern to full bore flow. Hose tails have no sharp edges on the barbs, reducing the chance of damage to the hose when clamps are used.
Farm Safety - Keep children safe on the farm
STILLWATER, Okla. – Summer break is officially here and for many farm families across Oklahoma this is a busy time of the year. Parents need to take precautions to prevent their children from getting hurt on the farm.
According to the National Safety Council, approximately 300 people under the age of 19 die and approximately 24,000 people are seriously hurt on the nation’s farms each year.
Equipment Notebook - Chemical Applicators
New chemical application technology could put a variety of used applicators on the auction block in the months ahead. These recent auction figures will provide some insight into the market value of the different applicator types.
An Ag-Chem 34-gallon Inject Pump brought $725 at a Texas auction in February 2010. It was listed in good condition.
The International Dairy Market
Over the last generation, the U.S. has become a dairy export juggernaut; the worldwide economic downturn interrupted the growth in sales, but the outlook for the future is bright.
In 2009, according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council, 9.2% of U.S. dairy production by volume of milk solids was exported. That was down a bit from the 10.8% sold overseas and across the border—Canada and Mexico are America’s biggest customers—the previous year.
Waste Not – Want Not: Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Opportunities Create New Revenue Streams and Increase Sustainable Practices
Is it economically viable to create energy from waste at your location? For dairy farmers and others, the answer is increasingly ‘yes’. In recent years, major players in the dairy industry have announced sustainability initiatives promoting anaerobic digestion (AD) of manure to create biogas for renewable energy on the farm. Led by the Innovation Center for US Dairy, the 2008 US Dairy Sustainability Initiative presents a roadmap to increase business value for the dairy industry supply chain while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gases.
New Vertical Twin-Auger Commercial Mixers
The new Kuhn Knight-brand VTC 180 and 1100 Vertical Maxx mixers are the newest vertical, twin-auger commercial mixers that are the ideal choice for dairy and beef producers. These models have a rugged build with high-end features and are designed for commercial producers who are feeding around the clock. Improved feed movement provides a fast, complete mix for a consistent, fluffy and palatable ration.
