California Ag Network

Category: Dairy Industry

  • California Milk Advisory Board 2019 Executive Committee Officers

    TRACY, Calif.— May 21, 2019 — Newly elected 2019 officers of the California Milk Advisory Board Executive Committee are (top row, left to right): Treasurer David Vander Schaaf of Stockton, Member-at-Large Renae DeJager of Chowchilla. Shown in the bottom row (left to right): Member-at-Large Megan Silva of Escalon, Chairman Josh Zonneveld of Laton, Secretary Essie Bootsma of Lakeview, Member-at-Large Kirsten Areias of Los Banos. Vice Chairman, Tony Louters of Merced, not shown.

    For further information, please contact Jennifer Giambroni, Director of Communications
    (209) 690-8244, jgiambroni@cmab.net.

    About Real California Milk/the California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Departmentof Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s more than 1,300 dairy families and is one of thelargest agricultural marketing boards in the United States. With a mission to increase demand for products made with Real California Milk, the CMAB is celebrating 50 years in 2019 promoting 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.

    Real California Milk Logo

     

     

  • California Dairy Family Provides Habitat for 25,000 Imperiled Birds

    MERCED, Calif., May 21, 2019 – A Merced dairy family is playing a key role in protecting imperiled Tricolored Blackbirds, a California-native species federally listed as a Bird of Conservation Concern and as a State of California Threatened Species.

    A large colony of the birds has been nesting at Diamond J Dairy since late March, and Luciana and Wiebren Jonkman halted their silage harvest to allow the birds to complete their nesting cycle. Now the colony, which peaked at 25,000 birds, is nearing completion. California Dairy Provides a Home

    “At least 10 percent of this entire species is nesting on this one Merced farm,” said Aaron Rives, soil conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Merced. “Without the help of the farmers, this species could be set back for years. And once it’s gone, that’s forever.”

    Because Tricolored Blackbirds are colonial nesters, thousands of birds may impact—and beimpacted by—farming operations near their nests. By delaying harvest farmers can allow theyoung birds to safely fledge.

    “We are grateful for the tricolored blackbird restoration project,” said Luciana Jonkman. “We are a first-generation farming family, and we know that sustainability is vital to our farm families and our community. At Diamond J we are constantly looking for opportunities to partner withthe community, the state and the federal resources. I hope that folks will see this as a huge win-win for conservation and dairy food security in the state of California.”

    Baby and egg - Kelly Weintraub

    The last population estimate was done in 2017, when there were 178,000 birds. If the population is of a similar size this year, that means that over 70 percent of the birds were found on dairies. Two NRCS wetland projects have also provided nesting sites for nearly 20,000 birds.

    Most Tricolored Blackbirds reside in the Central Valley, typically nesting in wetlands and dairysilage fields. The young birds need up to 45 days to fledge. With the help of NRCS and partners at Audubon, Western United Dairymen, California Farm Bureau and Dairy Cares, farmers receive technical and financial assistance to delay harvest until the birds have safely fledged. This year NRCS enrolled nearly 600 acres on 14 dairies, investing $385,000 on forage harvest delay.

    Over the past seven years, farmers’ participation in this initiative has resulted in nesting success for tens of thousands of birds.

  • Fiddleneck on Rangelands

    Fiddleneck (Amsinckia spp.) is a native plant in California. It occurs in grasslands and open, disturbed areas (DiTomaso, Kyser et al. 2013) and is sold as a pollinator plant in native plant seed mixes. Its bright yellow flowers catch the eye of those looking for wildflowers. However, it is important to note that fiddleneck is toxic to livestock. Fiddleneck

    Fiddleneck seeds contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can affect the liver of cattle, horses, and pigs (Fuller and McClintock 1986). Based on necropsies from livestock tested at the California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) Lab, plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids were the number three source of plant toxicity to livestock (Forero et al. 2011). Oleander is the number one cause of plant toxicity in California livestock, based on testing from the lab. Horses and cattle are most affected whereas sheep and goats are typically not as impacted as other livestock.

    Livestock are most likely be negatively affected by fiddleneck if they repeatedly consume contaminated hay or grain. Fuller and McClintock (1986) described one instance of poisoning in California:

    “During the winter of 1962-1963, in the central San Joaquin Valley of California, in a lot of thirty dairy calves 2 ½ to 3 months old, ten died after eating weedy hay for 2 ½ to 5 months. The hay was a first-cutting alfalfa and oat mixture; about 5% to 10% of the plants were Amsinckia intermedia. Adult cattle fed this hay at the same time were not affected. That fall, however, calves that had been carried by these cows died shortly after birth; the alkaloids had been transferred through the placenta.”

    You may not notice any problems in your animals for 2-8 months after they first begin consuming fiddleneck (Forero et al. 2011). A variety of symptoms can be seen, including eating less, losing weight, constipation, diarrhea, etc. Burrows and Tyrl (2013) summarized previous research indicating that cattle, horses, and pigs can be afflicted with walking disease (when animals walk around aimlessly) if they consume feed grain contaminated with 10-25% Amsinckia intermedia seed. If severe enough, livestock can die due to the liver disease caused by the pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Forero et al. 2011). Currently, there is no treatment available.

    Fiddleneck 2Because fiddleneck is a native plant and it is toxic to livestock, there are limited control options. If you have an infestation of fiddleneck, you may want to consider mowing, which can be effective when done before seeds are produced (DiTomaso, Kyser et al. 2013). California rangelands are often steep with rough terrain, so mowing may not be practical. Herbicides are also an option. Aminopyralid (Milestone) can be used in the early spring when plants are still in the rosette stage. Aminopyralid is a broadleaf herbicide and will not impact grasses. Chlorsulfuron (Telar) can be used as a preemergent or postemergent. For fiddleneck preemergence is the better option. Chlorsulfuron should not impact most grasses.

    Multiple agency managers and ranchers have observed that cattle tend to avoid fiddleneck because of its prickly hairs. So, as long as there is plenty of other forage available for the livestock to eat, people usually aren’t too concerned. The biggest concern is when fiddleneck is a contaminant in hay or grain because the animals are not able to selectively avoid eating it.

    It’s too late in the season to control fiddleneck this year, but it’s a good time to consider whether or not you have so much of it that it warrants control in the future. If you decide to control your fiddleneck, come up with a plan early so you know you’ll be able to conduct your control efforts at the most effective time.

  • Judges Named For 2019 All American Jersey Shows!

    The judges have been selected for The 67th All American Jersey Shows, sponsored by the American Jersey Cattle Association of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

    The largest exhibition of Registered Jersey™ cattle in the world, the three shows of The All American, will be held November 9, 10 and 11, 2019 in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky.

    Keith Topp, Botkins, Ohio, will judge The All American Jersey Show on Monday, November 11. This is his second time officiating in Freedom Hall having placed the National Jersey Jug Futurity in 2017. Topp has judged multiple Jersey and colored breed shows across the U.S. including the 2017 World Dairy Expo Brown Swiss Show; the Big E Brown Swiss Show in 2015; and the Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota and New York State Fair shows that same year.

    Judging the 65th National Jersey Jug Futurity on November 10 will be Phillip Topp, Botkins, Ohio. This will be his first time to officiate one of the most prestigious Jersey shows in the world. Three years ago, he debuted in Freedom Hall judging the All American Milking Shorthorn Show. His other credentials include serving as associate judge of the 2018 World Dairy Expo Jersey Show; judging the Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin State Fairs that same year; and the 2015 Expo Melgar in Peru. He has also judged various district and county shows.

    The National Jersey Jug Futurity is the oldest and richest class for dairy cattle in the world. There are 259 cows currently eligible for the 2019 show. Last year, the show offered a grand total of $7,540 in premiums.

    Judge for The All American Junior Jersey Show on Saturday, November 9 will be Brady Core of Salvisa, Ky. He was the show’s associate judge in 2017. That year he also judged the Appalachian and Tennessee State Fairs as well as the Indiana State Fair Holstein Junior Show. Other shows he has judged include the Indiana and Ohio Junior Jersey shows, Dixie National Junior Roundup and the Tillamook County (Ore.) Fair, among others. This year he will also be officiating at the Dixie National Livestock Show.

    The first and second place winners in each class of these shows will become the 2019 All American and Reserve All American honorees of the American Jersey Cattle Association.For information on show entry fees and deadline, visit www.livestockexpo.org.

    For over 150 years, the American Jersey Cattle Association has maintained identification and performance records for dairy herd owners and delivered services that support genetic improvement and greater profitability through increasing the value of and demand for Registered Jersey™ cattle and genetics, and Jersey milk and milk products. For more information, contact the American Jersey Cattle Association by writing 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-2362, visit USJersey.com, or connect at Facebook.com/USJersey.

  • Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy Honors Farms, Businesses for Sustainable Practices

    The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, established under the leadership of dairy farmers and leading companies, announced its eighth annual U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award winners during a May 8 ceremony in Rosemont, Illinois.

    The program recognizes dairy farms, businesses and partnerships whose practices improve the well-being of people, animals and the planet.

    Award winners represent U.S. dairy’s commitment to sustainability, demonstrating how transparency and ingenuity lead to sustainable and scalable practices that benefit their businesses, communities and the environment.

    “This year’s winners show how innovation and creativity sparked by one farm, one person or one organization can have a ripple effect that goes well beyond their farmgate or front door,” said Barb O’Brien, president of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. “Each winner exemplifies our industry’s values. They demonstrate that caring for the environment, our cows and our communities is our heritage and what we stand for every day.”

    Through creative problem solving, this year’s winners addressed environmentally beneficial production practices, resource and energy reduction as well as the essential role of dairy in bringing quality nutrition to food insecure populations.

    Judges evaluated nominations based on their economic, environmental and community impact. The independent judging panel – including leading dairy conservation and commercial experts – also considered innovation, scalability and replicability.

    “This program and these winners show there are no limitations to dairy ingenuity,” said Marilyn Hershey, Pennsylvania dairy farmer and chair of the Dairy Management Inc. board of directors. “Our commitment to sustainable practices shines through from the farm across the value chain. These are the stories that are important to today’s consumer and matter to the future of our industry.”

    One of this year’s judges, Suzy Friedman, senior director of agricultural sustainability at Environmental Defense Fund, added: “We had many high-quality entries and winners who make sustainable practices a priority in their own operations. Even better, their leadership can spark positive change across other parts of the dairy industry with practices that can be replicated.”

    The 2019 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards winners are:

    Outstanding Dairy Farm Sustainability

    Cinnamon Ridge Farms (Donahue, Iowa):

    Cinnamon Ridge Farms owner John Maxwell found an economic and environmentally sustainable solution to sourcing cow feed early in his career by planting a cover crop during the winter season. The crop, rye grass, survived harsh growing conditions while being great nutrition for his cows. The cover crop prevents nutrient runoff and erosion, building healthier soil for corn or soybean crops. The farm also became a destination for food waste, accepting 2,000 pounds of coffee creamer from a manufacturing company each week instead of ending up in a landfill. The creamer provides a carbohydrate source for the cows’ diet with added flavor.

    Majestic Crossing Dairy (Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin):

    The 2,000 cows at Majestic Crossing Dairy are the result of a unique strategic shift when co-owner Dean Strauss began building a herd of crossbreeds. The cows tend to be smaller in size, requiring less food and producing less manure. Strauss has adopted a GPS guidance system on his tractors and other machinery that helps identify efficiencies in seed distribution as well as reducing fuel, pesticide and fertilizer use on the 3,600 acres of crops grown to feed the cows. Majestic Crossing also invested in robotic milking machines that have reduced his farm’s water use by 30 percent, or about 20 gallons per cow each day.

    Philip Verwey Farms (Hanford, California):

    Philip Verwey had a notion to implement changes on his 9,000-cow Philip Verwey Farms to help improve air quality. His idea: Rather than blending feed ingredients for his cows in a mixing wagon powered by a diesel tractor, he would blend using an electric stationary mixer. He applied for funding through the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s Technology Advancement Program to help convert his feed-mixing program. The changes cut his dairy’s tractor-related emissions substantially, the equivalent of taking 7,800 cars off the road. His success led to an expanded program and inspired other farms to apply for funding.

    Outstanding Dairy Supply Chain Collaboration

    General Mills and Foremost Farms (Reed City, Michigan):

    To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and add environmental benefits, General Mills and Foremost Farms USA convened a powerful network of 16 dairy farmers and other experts to assess and implement improvements using a science-based, on-farm assessment tool to provide a comprehensive estimate of a farm’s GHG emissions and energy use. Participating farms saw a combined 11 percent reduction in GHG over a three-year period, which outperformed the national and regional benchmark averages. The FARM Environmental Stewardship module is helping farmers across America improve efficiencies, reduce costs and track their performance against environmental goals.

    Outstanding Community Impact

    Gleaners Community Food Bank (Detroit):

    Gleaners Community Food Bank, which serves the emergency food network in southeastern Michigan, ensured more clients will have access to fresh, nutritious milk by partnering with the dairy community. Together, they established a fundraising campaign that’s built to last, and they mastered the logistical challenge of getting refrigerated milk to families in need – with the help of a mobile food pantry and an improved distribution model. In 2018, they successfully provided 229,000 gallons of milk to those in need.

    The U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards program is supported by generous sponsors. This year’s sponsors are: DeLaval,Phibro Animal Health, Syngenta, USDA and World Wildlife Fund.

  • USDA Announces March Income over Feed Cost Margin Triggers Third 2019 Dairy Safety Net Payment

    WASHINGTON, May 7, 2019 — USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced last week that the March 2019 income over feed cost margin was $8.85 per hundredweight (cwt.), triggering the third payment for dairy producers who purchase the appropriate level of coverage under the new Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.

    DMC, which replaces the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy), offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer.

    “I encourage all dairy operations to sign up for DMC when we begin accepting applications in June,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “Under certain coverage levels, the amount to be paid to dairy farmers for the months of January, February and March already exceed the cost of the premium.”

    The signup period for DMC opens June 17, 2019. Dairy producers who elect a DMC coverage level between $9 and $9.50 would be eligible for a payment for January, February and March 2019.

    For example, a dairy operation that chooses to enroll an established production history of 3 million pounds (30,000 cwt.) and elects the $9.50 coverage level on 95 percent of production would receive $1,543.75 for March

    Sample calculation:

    $9.50 – $8.85 margin = $0.65 difference

    $0.65 x 95 percent of production x 2,500 cwt. (30,000 cwt./12) = $1,543.75

    DMC premiums are paid annually. The calculated annual premium for coverage at $9.50 on 95 percent of a 3-million-pound production history for this example would be $4,275.

    Sample calculation:

    3,000,000 x 95 percent = 2,850,000/100 = 28,500 cwt. x 0.150 premium fee = $4,275

    The dairy operation in the example calculation will pay $4,275 in total premium payments for all of 2019 and receive $8,170 in DMC payments for January, February and March combined. Additional payments will be made if calculated margins remain below the $9.50/cwt level.

    All participants are also required to pay an annual $100 administrative fee in addition to any premium, and payments will be subject to a 6.2 percent reduction to account for federal sequestration.

    Operations making a one-time election to participate in DMC through 2023 are eligible to receive a 25 percent discount on their premium for the existing margin coverage rates. For the example above, this would reduce the annual premium by $1,068.75.

    About DMC

    On December 20, 2018, President Trump signed into law the 2018 Farm Bill, which provides support, certainty and stability to our nation’s farmers, ranchers and land stewards by enhancing farm support programs, improving crop insurance, maintaining disaster programs and promoting and supporting voluntary conservation. FSA is committed to implementing these changes as quickly and effectively as possible, and today’s updates are part of meeting that goal.

    Recently, FSA announced the availability of the DMC decision support tool as well as repayment options for producers who were enrolled in MPP-Dairy.

    For DMC signup, eligibility and related dairy program information, visit the DMC webpage or contact your local USDA service center. To locate your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/service-locator.

    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

    …Dairy Margin Coverage Program Sign-Up Begins June 17…

  • DMI Names Harden to Lead Global Environmental Strategy

    Krysta Harden, former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has been named Executive Vice President of Global Environmental Strategy of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI). At a time when telling the story of U.S. dairy’s positive environmental contributions has never been more important, Harden will be tasked with driving the dairy checkoff’s environmental sustainability strategy.Krysta-Harden

     
    “Dairy farmers are the original environmental stewards and by creating this position we will continue to ensure that U.S. dairy is well-positioned to meet the heightened demands of the global marketplace,” said Barb O’Brien, president of DMI and the Innovation Center. “With her background and leadership, Krysta is the ideal person to not only share U.S. dairy’s positive environmental story and progress to date from farm to table but to also chart a path that reinforces the vital role dairy and farmers can and will play in global and sustainable food systems.”
     
    Harden will report to O’Brien and will collaborate with DMI and Innovation Center leadership to define an inspiring vision, strategy and plan forward for U.S. dairy’s environmental commitment. She will also provide executive leadership on the Innovation Center’s Environmental Stewardship Committee. The committee convenes the dairy value chain including farmers to identify priorities, goals and metrics, align on best practices, identify gaps in science and innovation, and develop resources and outreach to accelerate adoption and report progress.
     
    “Coming from a farm family, I’m excited to work on behalf of dairy farmers who have demonstrated for generations stewardship of land, animals and other natural resources,” Harden said. “This is an opportunity to share their story – the 24/7, 365-days-a-year commitment to leaving the land in a better place for future generations. Moreover, it’s an opportunity to work with farmers and the broader dairy community to identify new research, technologies and partnerships that will accelerate and build upon U.S. dairy’s long-standing commitments and positive impact.”
     
    Harden most recently served as senior vice president of External Affairs and chief sustainability officer for Corteva Agriscience, an agriculture division of DowDuPont. Before joining DuPont, Harden spent nearly three years as deputy secretary for Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, helping to shape food and agriculture policy.
     
    Visit www.dairy.org to learn more about the dairy checkoff and www.usdairy.com to learn more about the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

  • Hilmar Cheese Company enters in an agreement to sell its Turlock, CA Milk Powder Facility

    Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. entered into an agreement to sell its Turlock milk powder facility to California Dairies, Inc. (CDI). The asset sale agreement allows both parties to begin due diligence in preparation to complete the transaction.  The sale is part of Hilmar Cheese Company’s new Strategic Plan 2021 announced last month. The Plan’s three strategies focus on people, operational excellence and delivering products and solutions that “WOW” customers.Hilmar Cheese Company Logo

    “We’re committed to building on Hilmar Cheese Company’s strong culture and purpose to improve lives while setting a bold vision for the future,” explained David Ahlem, CEO and President of Hilmar Cheese Company. “The Strategic Plan 2021 identifies the strategies we will use over the next three years to create sustainable growth that is repeatable, ethical and responsible to current and future communities.”

    Ahlem continued, “Our cheese, whey protein and lactose business remains core to our future. The Turlock milk powder facility sale supports our plan to focus on products to grow the strength of our business and fulfill our vision for the future.”

    Completed in 2015, the milk powder facility integrates advanced processing technology to manufacture whole milk powder and skim milk powder for the export market.  CDI will offer positions to Turlock-based Hilmar Cheese Company employees so they can continue their roles in producing high quality milk powder.

    The close of the purchase and transfer of plant ownership and associated assets is anticipated to happen May 2019.  Hilmar Cheese Company will continue operations with no impact to the dairy farm families who contract to sell their milk to the company.

  • February Income over Feed Cost Margin Triggers Second 2019 Dairy Safety Net Payment

    USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that the February 2019 income over feed cost margin was $8.22 per hundredweight (cwt.), triggering the second payment for dairy producers who purchase the appropriate level of coverage under the new but yet-to-be established Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.

    DMC, which replaces the Margin Protection Program for Dairy, is a voluntary risk management program for dairy producers that was authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill. DMC offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer.

    Sign up for DMC will open by mid-June of this year. At the time of sign up, producers who elect a DMC coverage level between $8.50 and $9.50 would be eligible for a payment for February 2019.

    For example, a dairy operation that chooses to enroll an established production history of 3 million pounds (30,000 cwt.) that elects the $9.50 coverage level on 95 percent of production would receive $3,040 for February.

    Sample calculation:

    $9.50 – $8.22 margin = $1.28 difference$1.28 x 95 percent of production x 2,500 cwt. (30,000 cwt./12) = $ 3,040DMC premiums are paid annually. The calculated annual premium for coverage at $9.50 on 95 percent of a 3-million-pound production history for this example would be $4,275.

    Sample calculation:3,000,000 x 95 percent = 2,850,000/100 = 28,500 cwt. x 0.150 premium fee = $4,275

    The dairy operation in the example calculation will pay $4,275 in total premium payments for all of 2019 and receive $6,626.25 in Dairy Margin Coverage payments for January and February combined. Additional payments will be made if calculated margins remain below the $9.50/cwt level.All participants are also required to pay an annual $100 administrative fee in addition to any premium, and payments will be subject to a 6.2% reduction to account for federal sequestration.

    Operations making a one-time election to participate in DMC through 2023 are eligible to receive a 25 percent discount on their premium for the existing margin coverage rates. For the example above, this would reduce the annual premium by $1,068.75.

    “The Dairy Margin Coverage program will provide an important financial safety net for dairy producers, helping them weather shifting milk and feed prices,” FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce said. “We continue to work diligently to implement the DMC program and other FSA programs authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill.”

    On December 20, 2018, President Trump signed into law the 2018 Farm Bill, which provides support, certainty and stability to our nation’s farmers, ranchers and land stewards by enhancing farm support programs, improving crop insurance, maintaining disaster programs and promoting and supporting voluntary conservation. FSA is committed to implementing these changes as quickly and effectively as possible, and today’s updates are part of meeting that goal.

    Additional details about DMC and other Farm Bill program changes can be found at farmers.gov/farmbill.

  • Undeniably Dairy to Boost Milk Sales with Consumer Engagement

    Remember the old got milk commercials that got consumers excited about dairy?  Today, the big dairy campaign is known as “Undeniably Dairy”.  This is funded through the National Dairy Checkoff program, managed by Dairy Management, Inc (DMI).  Watch this brief interview with DMI Chair, Marilyn Hershey, and read more about DMI’s efforts to promote the industry in California Dairy Magazine.