California Ag Network

Category: Dairy Industry

  • Preparing for the Next Round of Funding for CDFA Methane Management Programs

    CDFA recently announced awards for the 2022 Alternative Manure Management Program, as well as the Dairy Digester Research & Development Program, These programs are very competitive, and Paul Sousa from Western United Dairies encourages interested dairy producers to start preparing now to apply for the next round of funding.  Watch this brief interview with Paul as he explains and read more about it in California Dairy Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Clean Energy for their industry support.

  • California Dairy Innovation Center Releases Q1 2023 Schedule of Dairy Short Course Training Opportunities

    The California Dairy Innovation Center released its schedule of 2023 training programs for processors, producers, entrepreneurs, and students. The courses, which have no pre-requisites, will be held at a variety of California locations and are open to all participants.

    The preliminary schedule of courses includes:

    Coffee, Tea, and Creamers: The Science and Art of Milk in Beverages, which will take place January 10-11, 2023, at Chapman University in Orange County.

    “Attendees will learn to roast coffee, experiment with a variety of milk-containing tea and coffee products and processes and conduct many tastings of innovative products. Lectures will be featured from subject matter experts, industry consultants and faculty who will cover a wide range of topics, from cold brews to cream liqueurs, boba teas to ready-to-drink products with extended shelf-life,” said Dr. Anuradha Prakash, Professor of Food Science at Chapman University. “This course will be valuable to processors and entrepreneurs, coffee shops personnel, students, dairy producers and suppliers of flavors and ingredients to the sector. There are no pre-requisites, other than having a curious mind and a passion for innovation. Each attendee will benefit from networking opportunities between participants, and one-on-one time with instructors.”

    Early registration (through December 15th) is $75-450. More information is available at www.chapman.edu/CoffeeTeaCreamers.

    Better Process Control School is scheduled for January 17-20, 2023, at Chapman University in Orange County. This course applies to processors of low acid, retorted, aseptic and acidified foods and products packaged in metal or plastic cans, glass jars, and flexible pouches. Participants who earn a passing grade on required chapter tests are awarded a Certificate of Completion that indicates satisfactory completion of FDA and USDA-FSIS training requirements. This class is open to all in the dairy industry. Registration is $900. Additional information is available at https://www.chapman.edu/bpcs or by contacting Robyne Kelly at (714) 289-2040 or rokelly@chapman.edu.

    Unit Operations in Dairy Processing will be held February 8-9, 2023, at the Dairy Products Technology Center at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. This workshop focuses on the fundamentals and building blocks of dairy processing. Instructors include Cal Poly faculty and staff, industry representatives, equipment and process suppliers, expert consultants.

    “This course combines lectures with hands-on demonstrations in the pilot plant. It is a unique opportunity to view equipment and better understand processes behind the production of fluid milk products, cheese, milk concentrates and powders and even ice cream. Our instructors will combine lectures with practical demonstrations of fundamental principles and will showcase innovation from industry equipment suppliers.” says Katy Pankey, Manager, Creamery Production & Industry Short Courses at Cal Poly. “Whether participants are new to industry, wish to advance their careers or need a refresher, this course is sure to bring value.”

    This course does not require any pre-requisites and is recommended for production staff and plant operators, supervisors and team leaders wishing to upskill; technical and quality personnel; R&D and new product development personnel; and food entrepreneurs and students considering a career in the dairy processing sector. Participants who complete the course earn Cal Poly Certificates. Registration is $75-350 and preferred Cal Poly rates are available at area hotels. Additional program details and registration information is available at  https://dairy.calpoly.edu/short-course-symposia. Questions can be directed to klees@calpoly.edu.

    “We are pleased to offer such a robust schedule of educational opportunities at the start of the new year and plan additional short-courses in Q2,” said Veronique Lagrange, CDIC Director. “These sessions are created in collaboration with industry and are designed to meet the need for training in various areas of the state and for multiple product lines. Beyond processors, they also attract entrepreneurs and personnel from related sectors such as equipment, distribution, and ingredients. We are also offering special discounts for students.”

    Upcoming courses include: 

    Practical Cheesemaking: Feta, Fresh & Cream Cheeses (Spring 2023)Hosted in collaboration with Chico State, this course will be offered at Sierra Nevada Cheese Company in Willows, Calif.

    Advanced Cheesemaking (April 2023)Presented in collaboration with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, this course will be offered at the Dairy Products Technology Center at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Calif.

    Hispanic Cheeses: Production, Characteristics and Utilization (June 2023)A collaboration between Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Fresno State University, this course will be held at the: Dairy Products Technology Center, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

    Short Course and conference programs are co-organized with California Milk Advisory Board’s California Dairy Innovation Center, with partial funding and contributions from Dairy Management Inc., the USDA’s Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (hosted by Fresno State) and CMAB. Programs are subject to change. For more info about the CDIC and its educational opportunities, contactvlagrange@cmab.net.

    About the California Dairy Innovation Center

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) coordinates pre-competitive research and educational training in collaboration with industry, check-off programs, and research/academic institutions in support of a common set of innovation and productivity goals. The CDIC is guided by a Steering Committee that includes California Dairies Inc., California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., Fresno State University, Hilmar Cheese, Leprino Foods, and UC Davis.

  • 2023 Dairy Margin Coverage Deadline Extended to Jan. 31

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for producers to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage (SDMC) for program year 2023 to Jan. 31, 2023.

    DMC is a voluntary risk management program that offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer.

    “We recognize this is a busy time of year with many competing priorities, so we’ve extended the DMC enrollment deadline to ensure every producer who wants coverage for 2023 has the opportunity to enroll in the program,” said Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Early projections indicate DMC payments are likely to trigger for the first eight months in 2023. We all know that markets fluctuate, sometimes at a moment’s notice and sometimes with no warning at all, so now’s the time to ensure your operation is covered. Please don’t let this second chance slide.”

    Nearly 18,000 operations that enrolled in DMC for 2022 have received margin payments for August and September for a total of $76.3 million. At $0.15 per hundredweight for $9.50 coverage, risk coverage through DMC is a relatively inexpensive investment.

    DMC offers different levels of coverage, even an option that is free to producers, aside from a $100 administrative fee. Limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged, and military veteran farmers and ranchers are exempt from paying the administrative fee, if requested. To determine the appropriate level of DMC coverage for a specific dairy operation, producers can use the online dairy decision tool.

    Supplemental DMC 

    Last year, USDA introduced Supplemental DMC, which provided $42.8 million in payments to better help small- and mid-sized dairy operations that had increased production over the years but were not able to enroll the additional production. Supplemental DMC is also available for 2023.  The enrollment period for 2023 Supplemental DMC is also extended to Jan. 31, 2023.

    Supplemental DMC coverage is applicable to calendar years 2021, 2022 and 2023.  Eligible dairy operations with less than 5 million pounds of established production history may enroll supplemental pounds.

    For producers who enrolled in Supplemental DMC in 2022, the supplemental coverage will automatically be added to the 2023 DMC contract that previously established a supplemental production history.

    Producers who did not enroll in Supplemental DMC in 2022 can do so now. Producers should complete their Supplemental DMC enrollment before enrolling in 2023 DMC. To enroll, producers will need to provide their 2019 actual milk marketings, which FSA uses to determine established production history.

    DMC Payments 

    FSA will continue to calculate DMC payments using updated feed and premium hay costs, making the program more reflective of actual dairy producer expenses.  These updated feed calculations use 100% premium alfalfa hay rather than 50%.

    For more information on DMC, visit the DMC webpage or contact your local USDA Service Center.

  • Real CA Milk Celebrates Season of Giving with California Cheese Wreath Kit

    In celebration of the holidays, today the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) introduced a collaboration with cheese shop Lady & Larder and cheese expert Jessica Lawrenz to present the California Cheese Wreath Kit, a collection of Real California cheeses, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, and other items used to create an edible arrangement for seasonal gatherings and gift giving. In the spirit of giving, for each kit orders a donation of $20* will be made to Feeding America in support of families in need.

    The California Cheese Wreath kit features three cow’s milk specialty cheeses made with Real California Milk from the state’s farm families, California almonds, dried citrus wheels, raisins, cherries, crackers, and dried herbs along with a round bamboo cheese board as well as instructions for assembling a festive cheese wreath. The wreath sells for $175 and is available for pickup at Lady & Larder in Santa Monica or online (https://ladyandlarder.com/products/real-california-cheese-wreath-2022) for shipping to most states.

    “We love cheese boards, but cheese wreaths take the celebration to the next level. It’s a centerpiece, a family project, and an edible arrangement all in one. And we’re excited to partner with Lady & Larder to create a kit that makes it easy to prepare and allows us to give back,” said Jennifer Giambroni, VP of Communications for the CMAB.

    The initiative is part of the #CADAIRY4GOOD initiative to support families in need. Launched on June 1, 2022, with the announcement of a pilot program to provide one-pound cheese shreds to food banks throughout the state, the #CADAIRY4GOOD initiative focuses on increasing access to nutritious dairy foods made with Real California Milk for California individuals and families in need and to identify sustainable partnerships to expand the reach and resources available to feeding programs throughout the state.

    California is the number one dairy state. Its 1,100 family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a greener, more sustainable future. California products can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with 100 percent milk from the state’s dairy farm families.

    $20 will be donated to Feeding America for each California Cheese Wreath Kit purchased with a guaranteed donation of $10,000 to Feeding America. Only California Cheese Wreath Kit purchases at Lady & Larder between the December 1, 2022 and January 30, 2023 qualify.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagramand Pinterest.

    Lady & Larder

    Twin sisters Sarah and Boo Simms are the culinary and creative duo behind Lady & Larder – the Los Angeles based cheese and wine shop credited with starting a global grazing board movement. Founded in 2016, Lady & Larder proudly supports 100% domestic, American-made seasonal products and specializes in custom edible displays, carefully sourcing only the best for their crudités, fruit, cheese, and charcuterie. For those unable to visit their shop in person, the duo also offers online classes and workshops, as well as ships beautifully curated cheese boards, charcuterie kits, and seasonal culinary gifts nationwide. To Learn more, please visit ladyandlarder.com.

  • California Dairies, INC. To Acquire DairyAmerica

    California Dairies, Inc. (CDI), the largest dairy farmer-owned cooperative in California, announced today that it has agreed to acquire DairyAmerica, effective January 1, 2023.

    DairyAmerica, a globally recognized supplier of quality and sustainable dairy ingredients, is a federated cooperative currently co-owned by CDI, Agri-Mark, Inc., and O-AT-KA Milk Products. As part of the acquisition, CDI will purchase the ownership rights currently held by Agri-Mark, Inc. and O-AT-KA Milk Products, making DairyAmerica a wholly owned subsidiary of CDI.

    “This investment in DairyAmerica provides the opportunity for CDI to unlock significant synergies and represents another step towards improving efficiencies in providing world markets with high quality dairy ingredients,” said Brad Anderson, president and chief executive officer of California Dairies, Inc.

    Under the new structure, DairyAmerica will continue to market milk powders produced by Agri-Mark, Inc. and O-AT-KA Milk Products. These marketing agreements will allow for the continued multi-origin and sustainable supply benefits currently enjoyed by DairyAmerica.

    “We continue to support the Dairy America vision,” said William Schreiber, chief executive officer of O-AT-KA Milk Products.

    “We are pleased to be a part of this transition and have seen the benefits of DairyAmerica’s transformation under its new leadership the past two years,” said David Lynn, interim chief executive officer at Agri-Mark, Inc.

    DairyAmerica will remain under the leadership of Patti Smith, chief executive officer, and the DairyAmerica office will remain in Fresno, CA.

    “As we continue to transform our business, this investment by CDI provides the framework to focus on our people and processes while strengthening our global competitiveness,” said Patti Smith, chief executive officer of DairyAmerica.

    About

    California Dairies, Inc., is the largest member-owned milk marketing and processing cooperative in California, producing approximately 40 percent of California’s milk. Co-owned by more than 300 dairy producers who ship nearly 17 billion pounds of Real California Milk annually, California Dairies, Inc. is the home of two leading and well-respected brands of butter – Challenge and Danish Creamery. California Dairies, Inc.’s quality dairy products are available in all 50 United States and more than 50 foreign countries. For additional information on CDI, visit www.CaliforniaDairies.com.

    DairyAmerica, Inc. is a federated marketing cooperative founded in 1995 and serves to market quality dairy products regionally, nationally, and internationally to its ever-expanding and diverse customer base. For additional information on DairyAmerica, Inc., visit www.DairyAmerica.com.

  • Real California Milk Begins Holiday Season With Mornings Mean More Campaign

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced today the return of its consumer promotion focused on holiday breakfast traditions with dairy. The annual campaign – titled Holiday Mornings Mean More – debuted in 2020 and focuses on the California market. Holiday Mornings Mean More communicates messages of family, togetherness, and the importance of celebrating time together over special breakfast recipes. The featured promotional menu provides a turn-key solution for busy shoppers, where any of the recipes can be scaled up or down to accommodate gathering sizes. The menu includes recipes designed to be enjoyed together such as a Greek Veggie and Feta Frittata, a Pancake and Waffle Party Board, Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bites, and a Hot & Tasty Beverage Board.

    The promotion, which runs November 28 through December 25, will be geotargeted around 1,557 California stores including Smart & Final, Ralphs, Safeway and Walmart, among others. It will be supported with in-store media and shopper marketing activations. Integrated digital media will include banner ads and in-line recipe pairings throughout Chicory’s recipe network, a targeted email blast, Ibotta rebate offers, Instacart SEM, sponsored social media posts, targeted display banner ads, and food influencer partnerships across Instagram and TikTok.

    “Dairy is an essential part of breakfast. These holiday breakfast recipes were curated to showcase the best of California dairy while inspiring families to spend time together during the holidays creating new traditions in the kitchen,” said Katelyn Harmon, Director of Business Development, U.S. Retail for the CMAB. “High quality, sustainably produced Real California dairy products are perfect additions to make breakfast as a family that much more special.”

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer and makes more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California products can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made with milk from the state’s dairy farm families using sustainable farming practices.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

  • Prepare Now for Pending Water Quality Regulations for Central Valley Dairies

    There are some significant changes coming soon to water quality regulations for Central Valley dairy producers and now is the time to prepare.  Watch this brief interview with Paul Sousa from Western United Dairies as he explains and read more about it in California Dairy Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Clean Energy for their industry support.

  • Study Shows Increased Production from Dairies Converting to Robotic Milking Systems

    A recent multi-university collaborative study is showing consistent increases in milk production for dairies converting to robotic milking systems across the nation.  Watch this brief interview with Dairy Management Specialist Camila Lage from Cornell Cooperative Extension as she explains.  Read more about it in California Dairy Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Clean Energy for their industry support.

  • Automated Milking Systems Support California Dairies Amidst Labor Challenges

    Automated milking systems are turning out to be a plus for both labor reduction and overall animal welfare on California dairies.  Watch this brief interview with Daniela Bruno, UCCE Dairy Advisor based Fresno County, as she explains.  Read more about it in California Dairy Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Clean Energy for their industry support.

  • California Dairy Producer Invests in Robotic Milking System

    While automation is not a cheap investment, Travis Hooker and his father are invested in the future of the California dairy industry, and automating their milking system is one way they working to meet today’s challenges.  Watch this brief interview with Travis on how this new system is panning out on his family dairy in Chowchilla, CA.  Read more in California Dairy Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Clean Energy for their industry support.