As fertilizer becomes more and more regulated in California, farmers are turning to other crops with lower nitrogen requirements. For this reason, sorghum may appeal to feed growers, as it doesn’t require near as much nitrogen to grow. Watch this interview with Bob Hutmacher from the UC Cooperative Extension and read more in California Dairy Magazine.
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The December issue of California Dairy Magazine is now available to read online! Read the latest California Dairy & Feed industry news and technology. Here’s a peek of what’s inside:
Davis, Calif., (December 12, 2017) – Chowchilla dairy farmer Michael McRee has been named the 2017 Conservation Agriculture Farmer Innovator by the Conservation Agriculture Systems Innovation (CASI) Center for his innovation and leadership in the development and use of conservation agriculture systems on his farm.
“Mike McRee has been extremely willing to share his experiences with others and has graciously hosted numerous public field days at his dairy farm over the years,” said Jeffrey Mitchell, UC Cooperative Extension cropping systems specialist and CASI founder.
The dairy producer, who milks about 2,000 cows at his farm west of Chowchilla, double crops his own dairy forage along with tomatoes and alfalfa crops on about 850 acres. After his pioneering efforts with strip-till – some of the very earliest in the entire San Joaquin Valley – McRee soon found that the conservation agriculture practice saved him time and money as he had anticipated, and yielded other important benefits for his farm as well.
McRee noticed improved water-holding capacity of his soil since working with strip-tillage, as well as increased consistency in the soil’s ability to absorb water, mellower soil overall, and more consistent crop stands and yields overall.
Improved soil tilth, increased soil organic matter and earthworms give him consistent yields year to year without extreme highs or lows.
McRee’s quest to improve the performance of his silage production systems began back in 2007.
He readily admits that he faced challenges early on.
He tried no-till wheat, but was limited in this effort by hard, compacted soils. Having the right equipment is a key to the whole endeavor, McRee points out.
He has worked with local NRCS partners and the EQIP program, which assists growers with implementation of practices to improve our soil, water and air resources.
Following a great deal of consultation with other growers and experimentation, he developed a very successful strip-tillage system for his silage corps. The change was spurred initially by his interest in reducing the number of times he had to drive a tractor through his fields to save fuel and labor.
He now does fall primary tillage using a Wilcox 7-shank subsoil ripper with a crumbler. Vertical tillage has replaced disc plowing to achieve a smooth seedbed without turning the soil over.
After winter forage is harvested, preparation for corn silage planting begins. McRee explains that he rips the soil down 13 to 14 inches and uses coulters to prepare the seedbed. After pre-irrigation, he uses the Dawn Pluribus strip-till row unit, a tool that preps an eight-inch band of soil for planting. Using GPS, he can run his tractor 6 to 7 mph for this pass.
“With three passes, I can do everything,” McRee said.
“Additionally, McRee has recently installed subsurface drip irrigation that utilizes dairy lagoon water for his silage crops,” said Priscilla Baker, NRCS soil conservationist in Madera. “This project is in partnership with the organization Sustainable Conservation.”
McRee received the award Oct. 13 at the annual meeting of the San Joaquin Valley Resource Conservation Districts held at the Wool Growers’ Restaurant in Los Banos.
In 2005, the University of California, NRCS and the Conservation Agriculture Systems Innovation (CASI) Center established the Conservation Agriculture Farmer Innovator Award as a means for providing greater visibility to conservation agriculture pioneers in California. The criteria for this award are demonstrated innovation and leadership in the development, refinement and use of conservation agriculture systems within the California crop production environment.
For more information about conservation agriculture systems, visit http://casi.ucanr.edu.
Although we received a lot more rain this year, the threat of drought is not over for California agriculture, and dairy producers are considering sorghum as alternative feed crop to corn. There is a difference in nutritional value that will need to be addressed in the feed mixture; however, irrigation needs are much different from corn as well, and drought-tolerance is one of the major reasons for considering sorghum. But just how much water stress can sorghum really handle? Watch this interview with Bob Hutmacher as he explains, and read more in California Dairy Magazine.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, here is the November issue of California Dairy Magazine:
Charitable Contributions for Farmers
It is common for businesses to receive tax deductions for cash donations, but did you know that the agriculture community can donate fresh foods for a similar benefit? California farmers and agriculture businesses have the opportunity to donate fresh fruits and vegetables in return for some pretty hefty tax breaks.
How much is the deduction? 
In order to calculate the federal deduction and the California credit, your accountant will need to know the cost basis of the donated fruit as well as the fair market value (FMV) of that fruit as of the date it was contributed.
Normally, the federal deduction for inventory contributions is limited to the FMV on the date of contribution or the cost basis of the inventory, whichever is lower. However, there is an enhanced deduction allowed for the contribution of food inventory to a qualified organization that allows for an “above-basis” deduction. This deduction equals the lesser of: (1) the basis of the contributed inventory plus one-half of the ordinary income that would have been recognized if the inventory had been sold for FMV on the contribution date, or (2) twice the basis of the property. As is often the case, there are special rules for certain taxpayers. If you are not using full absorption to account for your inventories, consult with your accountant as special rules will apply.
For farm partnerships, the result of the above calculation would be passed through to the individual partners within the partnership. The deduction is then limited to 15% of their net income from all businesses that made food contributions. This means that their deduction would be limited to 15% of their net income from the farm entity that made the donation. If individual farmers who are also partners in farm partnerships made food contributions to qualified organizations, then the net income of both activities would be added together in determining the 15% limitation. Any unused deduction can be carried over and used in the five succeeding tax years.
California law
Under California tax law, a qualified taxpayer 
who donates fresh fruits or fresh vegetables to a food bank located in California is allowed a tax credit equal to 10% of the cost that would otherwise be included in inventory costs. In the case of farm partnerships, the credit would be passed through and used by the individual partners. Any unused credits may be carried forward for seven years. It’s important to note that this credit has expired, however, there is a possibility of extension, so speak with your accountant to learn more.
Here’s an example
Partnership A owns a farm that grows fruit. The partnership donates unsold fruit to the local food bank. A determines that the basis of the contributed property is $180,000. A also determines that one-half of the ordinary income that would have been recognized if the inventory had been sold for FMV on the contribution date is $40,000. The deduction would consist of the lesser of: (1) the basis of the property contributed plus one-half the profit = $180,000+$40,000 = $220,000, or (2) twice the basis of $180,000 = $360,000. In this case, the lesser figure of $220,000 would be the enhanced deduction for the food inventory contributed. That deduction would be passed along to the partners of the partnership. The charitable deduction on the partner’s tax returns would be limited to 15% of the income from the partnership that made the food donation.
Please note that if the donated inventory was not included in the opening inventory, but rather was produced during the current year,the donated inventory would be considered
to have zero basis. This means that the enhanced deduction for food inventory would only be $40,000 in the example above, as the $180,000 cost of that fruit would instead be included as part of the cost of goods sold deduction in the current year.
If you have questions about charitable food donations or want to learn more about how to claim the deduction, please contact Sensiba San Filippo Partner, John Slater, at 559.437.0700 or at jslater@ssfllp.com.
Modesto, Calif., (November 17, 2017) – The Modesto Junior College Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Division hosted the bi-annual Dairy Springer Sale on October 21,raising $60,000 for the college’s Dairy Science Program, as well as over $11,000 for MJC’s Dairy Judging program.
During the spring semester of 2016, local dairymen and supporters donated young heifers to the MJC Dairy Science Program. The heifers were moved into the campus dairy unit, cared for by students, halter broken, worked with, and became an important part of the living laboratory experience that agriculture students encounter at MJC.
The generous support of the local community and work of the MJC students paid off with a successful fundraising event. Over 170 attendees participated in the Springer Sale, which included a tenderloin lunch. Over 30 animal lots sold, as well as semen and agricultural supplies donated by local businesses and community members.
“With the dairy industry doing as it is now, it is wonderful to see such support for the future of the dairy industry and for what we do here at MJC”, said Dairy Science Professor Bill Hobby. “Thank you to everyone who continues to support the MJC Dairy Science program”.
For more information on the MJC Dairy Science Program contact Professor Hobby at hobby@mjc.edu or (209) 575-6053. The MJC Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Division serves over 1,000 students who are taught and provided services by a dozen full time faculty and staff members. To learn more about MJC’s agriculture program visit https://www.mjc.edu/instruction/agens
Sacramento, Calif., (October 27, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has awarded $35.2 million in grant funding to 18 dairy digester projects across the state. These projects, part of the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from manure on California dairy farms.
“California continues to the lead the nation in supporting smart climate programs that address on-farm challenges and promote agricultural sustainability,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “I applaud our dairy farmers for proactively addressing climate pollutants and reducing overall greenhouse emissions to help meet the state’s climate goals.”
Dairy manure produces methane when it decomposes. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that traps more than 80 times as much heat in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Dairy digesters help capture methane emissions, which can be used to produce electricity or natural gas.
CDFA also administers the Alternative Manure Management Program, which promotes non-digester manure management practices in California dairy and livestock operations to reduce methane emissions. CDFA received 53 applications by the Oct. 16, 2017 deadline, requesting a total of $29.5 million in grants. These applications are currently under review
Financial assistance for the installation of dairy digesters comes from California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that uses Cap-and-Trade program funds to support the state’s climate goals. CDFA and other state agencies are investing these proceeds in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide additional benefits to California communities. Dairy digester grant recipients will provide an estimated $71.2 million in matching funds for the development of their projects.
Information about the 2017 Dairy Digester Research and Development Program projects is available at www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/dd.
Modesto, Calif., (October 19, 2017) – In addition to informational sessions conducted by California Dairies Inc. (CDI), Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and Land O’Lakes (LOL), a series of joint dairy producer meetings will be held throughout the state in the next few weeks. The presentations will be brief to allow ample time for questions you may have. This is a producer-only process and 51% of ballots must be returned for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to even consider referendum results. Therefore, producer organizations in the state want you to be aware of the importance of your vote.
Agenda:
Note: The Quota Implementation Plan (QIP) was delivered to the post office for mailing on October 6. The ballot (which is on blue paper) is in a 9X13 white envelope with BALLOT ENCLOSED noted on the envelope. Included in the envelope is a cover letter with instructions, the QIP language, and a postage paid envelope to return the ballot. The close of the referendum is December 4, 2017.
We believe that supporting the QIP is the only path forward to allow fair consideration for a FMMO in CA and are urging you to make an informed decision by attending one of the meetings referenced above prior to casting your vote.
Contact information: California Dairy Campaign, Lynne McBride: lmcb44@comcast.net, 925-385-0217 – Milk Producers Council, Kevin
Abernathy: kevin@milkproducers.org, 209-678-0666 – Western United Dairymen, Anja Raudabaugh: araudabaugh@westernuniteddairymen.com, 916-532-9974 – California Dairies, Inc., Rob Vandenheuvel: RVandenheuvel@californiadairies.com, 559-679-5651 – Dairy Farmers of America, Francis Pacheco: fpacheco@dfamilk.com, 951-493-4942 – Land O’Lakes, Pete Garbani: PRGarbani@landolakes.com, 559-285-6357
Davis, Calif., (October 16, 2017) – Keeping diligent in your dairy’s biosecurity is important. Although the most feared threat is a fast-moving, viral foreign disease like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), the introduction of even common diseases to a dairy can be costly. For example, a study which reviewed BVD outbreaks, reported that losses ranged from $2,600 to more than $100,000 per outbreak. The most important cause of disease introduction remains new cow additions which are carrying hidden, sub-clinical pathogens. In one study of dairies in four California counties for instance, 33% of new arrivals carried the bovine leukemia virus and 16% of bulls had reproductive abnormalities. While not as significant a risk as these “trojan cows”, visitors to your dairy and even your own travel have the potential to introduce unwanted diseases. With respect to visitors, in general, the best way to limit chances of bringing in a new disease to your dairy is to limit visitor’s direct physical contact with animals, feeds and water. This eans no petting cows or calves and no handling feeds.
In addition, providing designated parking areas for off-farm vehicles, keeping visitor logs and escorting visitors while on-site are also good practices. For visitors coming from countries with known FMD outbreaks or history, additional precautions should be taken including requiring a “no animal contact” period of a minimum of five days prior to their visit, requiring hygiene steps (wearing laundered clothes & washed/new shoes and showering) be taken prior to their arrival and providing rubber boots or disposable plastic booties to be worn during their visit. Visitors should also not be allowed to carry personal items that cannot be disinfected, such as cameras, handbags or sunglasses, into areas where they may have direct contact with animals or feeds.
When you, your family members or employees travel to countries that harbor FMD, many of the same principals apply. Be sure your employees understand your biosecurity requirements and protocols for any off-farm animal contact and travel.
To learn more about protecting your farm from disease introduced through international travel and visitors, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has produced a fact sheet on foreign animal disease biosecurity and a brochure specifically addressing foreign visitors. For a more complete review of dairy biosecurity including an introductory video, case histories from California dairies and guidance on tailoring a biosecurity program to fit your needs and budget, visit the CDQAP Dairy Biosecurity & Your Bottom Line webpage.
Modesto, Calif., (October 17, 2017) – As you have no doubt heard, our neighbors in Sonoma County have been devastated by several fires that ignited in the wee hours of Monday. Yesterday was spent evacuating, praying and ensuring safety.
Today, as we assess the damage I am relieved to report that our members are all safe. Some have sustained losses, many are tired and brow-beaten, but so far, safe and ok.
I’m sure many of you, like myself, have felt helpless; In an effort to do something to help we’d like to organize a supply drive. Next Friday, October 20th we will have trucks available to haul donations back to Sonoma County (I’ve been in touch with a board member from the area, and he’ll tentatively be at the meeting, in addition to myself and fellow WUD staffers) I’ll be in contact with several shelters, but below is a preliminary list of needed items:
A few things:
Please drop off donations at the following locations:
Tulare, Dirt Lot next to Heritage Complex – Wednesday October 18th – 10am -11am
Modesto, WUD OFFICE 1315 K St – Friday October 20th – 9am-3pm
*Please, at this time, limit gently used clothing donations. We will be notifying you when those are helpful, but currently they can overwhelm shelters. At a point in the near future we will share ways you can get clothing to the shelters.
Thank you for your generosity. Please continue to keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers.