California Ag Network

Category: Dairy Industry

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (July 6, 2017) – A ridge of high pressure sat over the western United States, which resulted in another hot and dry week across the State. The only rain for the week was along the northern coast, where Eureka reported four hundredths of an inch for the week. A broken band of snow approximately 40 miles wide between Lake Tahoe and Sequoia National Forest still existed above 9,000 feet. Snow depths in this band were two to four feet at most. The peaks of Mt. Whitney, Mt. Lassen, and Mt. Shasta remained snow-capped.

    Temperature highs were in the 50s to 80s along the coast, 70s to 90s in the mountains, 80s to 100s in the valley, and 90s to 110s in the desert. The temperature lows were in the 30s to 50s in the mountains, 50s to 60s along the coast and the valley, and 60s to 80s in the desert.

    Alfalfa fields were making excellent progress and being irrigated. Corn and sorghum planting for silage were almost complete, but still being cultivated and irrigated. The corn silage crop was in various stages, from newly planted to already producing tassels, and the earliest planted corn was developing ears. Cotton continued to be irrigated, cultivated, and was growing well. Black-eyed beans continued to be irrigated and cultivated.

    Peach, nectarine, apricot, and plum harvests continued. Fruit orchards and vineyards were irrigated. Some apple orchards used overhead cooling systems to mitigate the impact of the heat. Late Navel orange harvest was complete for the season.  Valencia orange harvest continued.  With high temperatures, regreening in citrus has become more common, and packers were color sorting to compensate.  Ruby Red grapefruit were harvested.

    Walnut, almond, and pistachio orchards were irrigated. Mechanical and chemical weed control continued in nut orchards. Pistachios were fertilized. In some locations walnut growers applied sunburn preventive materials.

    In Tulare County certified producers were picking tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peppers for sale at the local Farmers’ Markets.  Italian squash, eggplant, and cucumbers continued to be harvested.  Blueberry and strawberry harvests slowed down and were expected to come to a close with hot weather.  Sweet corn harvest began with a few roadside stands opening and sales at the local Farmers’ markets.  Carrot harvest had slowed down.  In Fresno County, carrots harvest was reaching its end.  Pepper harvest was completed with good yields. Dehydrated onion left to dry.  Fresh onions harvest was half completed. Roughly one-third of the onion harvest had been completed. Onion seed drying out. In Monterey County, celery harvest began and was picking up.  In Imperial County, spring melons and sweet corn were harvested.  Some growers reported exceptional yields.  Many farmers were finished with melon harvest and were plowing fields.   In Colusa, Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo Counties, tomato crops were progressing, even though the recent heat wave slowed crop development.

    Non-irrigated grasses and forbs continued to dry out as the dry days of summer continued. Rangeland was reported to be in good to very poor condition depending on elevation, aspect and soil moisture. Foothill watering holes were drying up. Cattle continued to be moved to higher elevation range. Milk production was impacted by the high heat.  Livestock deaths increased due to the extended elevated temperatures. Sheep grazed on retired pasture and dormant alfalfa. Bees were active in melon and vegetable fields.

  • Gamlake Dairy: The Gambonini Family, Passionate About Dairy Cattle, Has Been Farming on the Same Land for 104 Years

    Petaluma, Calif., (July 6, 2017) – The Gambonini family has been farming in Petaluma for nearly 150 years, passing down their family ranch off Lakeville Highway for the last 104 years. Frank Gambonini runs the ranch alongside his wife Stacey, and the couple has three daughters who are actively involved in the ranch and the dairy industry.

    Left to right: Frank, Stacey, Samantha, Francesca and Alex Gambonini. Photo courtesy of the Gambonini family.

    Frank’s great great-grandfather, Battista Gambonini, was an Italian-Swiss immigrant who travelled to the U.S. via ship and flatcar. When he arrived in Petaluma, Battista spoke no English and worked for nine years as a ranch hand before leasing his own property in Marin. Battista purchased his first ranch near Bodega Bay in 1908. His neighbor, Paulo Dado, was also a Swiss immigrant and the two met repairing fence lines only to discover that Battista’s son and Dado’s daughter had been born on the same day. Twenty seven years later, their children, Silvio and Evelina married, and together they purchased the family’s current ranch on Lakeville Highway in 1913.

    The family churned their milk into butter and sold it heavily salted to merchants in San Francisco. The Gamboninis and Dados also brought their butter to town via horse and wagon every two weeks.

    Silvio and Evelina had four children. Their son Earl married Esther Giacomini and they took over the family dairy in 1947. Their son George married Margaret Gervasoni in 1962. George and Margaret took over the family dairy in 1965, and their son Frank became a partner in 1993. Frank and Stacey purchased the dairy business from George and Margaret in 2010.

    Frank and Stacey have three daughters: Francesca who recently graduated from Cal Poly and will be attending Penn State in the fall to pursue her master’s degree in Animal Science concentrating on dairy reproductive science; Alex who will be a junior at Cal Poly this fall is studying dairy science and agribusiness; and Samantha who will be attending Petaluma High School this fall as a freshman where she plans to be actively involved in FFA. The dairy was converted to organic in 2007 and the family milks about 270 head. They have approximately 600 cows total, all of which are Holsteins except a few Brown Swiss and Jerseys that are their daughters 4-H and project animals.

    Stacey was born and raised in Chicago and said her outsider’s point of view shows her how unusual but incredible their family’s situation is. Stacey remembers one particular morning walking into the kitchen to find her husband and three children (then teenagers) sitting at the kitchen table all reading dairy magazines – she described what she saw as a little surreal, funny and definitely amazing how the dairy life is a part of every minute of every day.

    “I don’t know how or why Frank gets up seven days a week and does this, but it’s in his blood and he’s placed that passion in all three of our children.” Stacey said the men in the family have always passed on their passion and love for the dairy cow to the next generation. She said her husband is a great teacher and his father George is the same – both have passed on their love and dedication of the dairy industry to their children.

    Alex, who is interning for Western United Dairymen this summer, intends to come back to Sonoma County after graduation and wants to see the ranch continue. She is young and enthusiastic about her family’s business with ideas about diversification and a passion to keep the Gambonini’s dairy in the family.

    “Growing up on the ranch, it’s not just a possible career,” said Alex, “it’s a lifestyle.”

    By Rachel LaFranchi

    Courtesy of Sonoma County Farm Bureau

  • NAFTA Renegotiations Must Prioritize Ag, Farm Bureau Says

    Washington, D. C., (June 28, 2017) – A modernized North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) must build upon market gains for U.S. agriculture and settle remaining challenges for our nation’s farmers and ranchers in our neighboring markets, Don Shawcroft, Colorado Farm Bureau president, stated in a hearing before the U.S. Trade Representative today.

    “NAFTA has been overwhelmingly beneficial for the vast majority of farmers and ranchers across the U.S. for decades,” said Shawcroft in testimony on behalf of the American Farm Bureau Federation. U.S. agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico have quadrupled, from $8.9 billion in 1993 to $38.1 billion in 2016. Although the benefits from NAFTA are clear and many, there are reasons to reform and update the agreement, Shawcroft said.

    NAFTA renegotiations present a prime opportunity to address challenges fruit and vegetable farmers have faced with Mexico, as well as a chance for dairy, row crop and wheat farmers to settle issues with Canada.

    “A modernized NAFTA should at best eliminate, at worst reduce, barriers to trade that keep our farmers and ranchers from having a level playing field with our neighbors,” Shawcroft said.

    Farm Bureau priorities for a modernized NAFTA include:

    • Updated, science-based sanitary and phytosanitary rules;
    • Improved dispute settlement procedures for fresh fruits, vegetables and horticultural products;
    • Eliminated or reduced Canadian tariff barriers to dairy, poultry eggs and wine, as well as the recently implemented barriers to ultra-filtered milk;
    • Addressing the misuse of geographical indicators; and
    • Developing a consistent, science-based approach to biotechnology.

    “A modernized NAFTA will not only help expand market opportunities for U.S. farmers and ranchers in the near term,” said Shawcroft. “It would also set a foundation for future trade agreements by establishing market-driven and science-based terms of trade and dispute resolution that will directly benefit the U.S. food and agriculture industry.”

    Source: AFBF, Newsroom, June 27, 2017

  • Almond & Dairy Industries Share a Beneficial Symbiotic Relationship

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    At the annual Convention of the Almond Alliance of California, growers, hullers & processors got to hear the perspective of the dairy industry through guest speaker Anja Raudabaugh CEO of Western United Dairymen, who spoke about the importance of the two industries working together to protect California agriculture and maintain higher dairy and almond hull prices. Watch the video and read more in the June issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Managing Vole Populations in Alfalfa with Roger Baldwin

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    Do you have voles present in the field? If so they can cause an average of 11% damage in alfalfa, a percentage that can’t be ignored. But how do you manage these pests. Watch this brief video interview with UC Wildlife specialist Roger Baldwin as he answers the question, and read more in California Dairy Magazine.

  • Hope on the Horizon for California Dairy Producers

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    With new oncoming regulations backed by false ideas about the California dairy industry, coupled with lower dairy prices, dairy producers may feel down and out about the future of their livelihood; however there is hope on the horizon, as shared by Anja Raudabaugh from Western United Dairymen in this brief interview with California Ag Network. Watch this interview and read more in California Dairy Magazine.

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (June 26, 2017) – Another hot and dry week occurred across the State. Rainfall was limited to Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, which brought very light isolated showers to parts of the Sierras, dropping less than a tenth of an inch of rain; and again on Sunday, which had some light showers across the far northern part of the State as a Pacific moisture surge entered southern Oregon. These areas along the northern tier received about a tenth of an inch of rain, with an isolated quarter of an inch in places.

    Temperatures accelerated snowmelt in the mountains, with the snowline retreating to over 9,000 feet in elevation. Above this altitude, extensive snowfields in a band about 30 to 40 miles wide still existed between Tahoe and Sequoia National Forest. Snowdepths in these areas were two to four feet, approaching five feet in areas. Mt. Whitney and Mt. Shasta remained snow-covered at their peaks.

    Temperature highs were in the 60s to 70s along the coast, 70s to 90s in the mountains, 100s to 110s in the valley, and 100s to 120s in the desert. The temperature lows were in the 40s to 60s in the mountains, 50s to 60s along the coast, 60s to 70s in the valley, and 70s to 90s in the desert.

    Alfalfa fields were making excellent progress. Corn and sorghum for silage continued being planted, cultivated, and irrigated. The corn silage crop was in various stages, from newly planted to already producing tassels. Cotton continued to be irrigated, cultivated, and was growing well.

    Peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums continued to be harvested. Grapevines continued to have leaves removed to allow for improved air circulation and light around the developing bunches to improve color. Late Navel orange harvest was completed. Valencia orange harvest continued. Regreening has become more common due to the higher temperatures. Ruby Red grapefruit were harvested.

    Walnut, almond, and pistachio orchards were irrigated. Mechanical and chemical weed control continued in nut orchards. In Sutter and Yuba Counties, walnut growers applied sunburn preventive materials.

    In Tulare County certified producers were picking tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peppers for sale at the local Farmers’ Markets. Italian squash, eggplant, and cucumbers continued to be harvested. Blueberry and strawberry harvests slowed down and were expected to come to a close with this week’s hot weather. Sweet corn harvest began with a few roadside stands opening and sales at the local Farmers’ markets. Carrot harvest had slowed down. Extreme hot weather had sunburned some tomatoes. In Fresno County, carrots continued to be irrigated. Weeding of lettuce seed fields continued. Roughly one-third of the onion harvest had been completed. Onion seed was drying out. In Monterey County, celery harvest began and was picking up. In Imperial County, spring melons and sweet corn were harvested. Many farmers were finished with melon harvest and were plowing fields.   In Colusa, Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo Counties, tomato crops were progressing, even though the recent heat wave slowed crop development.

    Hot temperatures contributed to the drying out of non-irrigated grasses and forbs. Non-irrigated rangeland was reported to be in good to very poor condition depending on elevation, aspect and soil moisture. The extended period of extreme temperatures and dry winds prompted Red Flag fire warnings across much of the state. Early fire season rangeland fires were impacting the western states, including Idaho and Oregon. California has had more acres burned this year since January 1st than the comparable period last year. Cattle continued to be moved to higher elevation range. Sheep grazed on retired pasture and dormant alfalfa. Bees were active in melon and vegetable fields.

     

  • Starting July 1st Bulk Milk Tankers to be Tested for Tetracycline

    Davis, Calif., (June 26, 2017) – Since 1995 every bulk milk tanker in the U.S. has been screened for the beta-lactam (penicillin) family of antibiotics. The program has served the dairy industry well, preventing not only reactions in the 10% of people allergic to penicillin, but also by virtually eliminating the historical problem of product loss due to starter culture death in fermented products such as cheese and yogurt. This coming month will see the first expansion of this routine testing program in twenty years with implementation of a new pilot program testing for tetracyclines.

    On July 1st, in addition to the routine testing of all Tankers for the penicillins, one out of every fifteen tankers (6.7%) will be screened for the tetracycline family, which includes tetracycline, oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline. The FDA’s purpose in implementing this eighteen-month pilot program is to identify logistical hurdles encountered by stakeholders (processors) for future routine testing of bulk milk beyond beta-lactam antibiotics. Tetracycline was selected for the pilot program because of its use on dairies and the availability of quick screening kits. Like all other states participating in Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), California will be screening tankers in this effort. An explanation of the program’s requirements can be found in a comprehensive Question and Answer document released by the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS), which governs the PMO and Grade A milk production.

    For producers that have not already done so, now is an excellent time to review tetracycline use on the dairy and the operation’s compliance with milk withdrawal times. While the tetracycline family of antibiotics does not have an approved intramammary use for treating mastitis, there are both label and extra-applications, which can result in milk residues. Label treatments include injectable products to treat pneumonia, shipping fever, bacterial scours, and metritis. The most common extra-label uses of tetracycline have been for treatment of digital dermatitis (“Hairy Foot Warts”) and as intra-uterine application for metritis. In either case, tetracycline residues can be detected for days in the milk of treated cows. In order to avoid regulatory issues producers will want to work with their veterinarian and hoof trimmers to ensure that adequate meat and milk withdrawal times are applied to treated animals.

    • Provided by the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program

  • CDQAP Ruminations: Heat Stress in Dairy Cows

    Davis, Calif., (June 23, 2017) – The economic costs of heat stress will vary depending on geographic location and facilities. For California cows with access to shade but not fans or sprinklers, losses are estimated to average $110/cow/year.   Losses are higher in cows without access to shade.

    • Cows are more sensitive to heat stress then humans, with production losses starting in the mid 70 degrees in moderate humidity and in the low 80’s in low humidly.
    • Providing adequate shade may be the most cost-effective heat-stress mitigation available. Addition of sprinklers/soakers or misters/foggers can leverage heat stress reduction provided by shades. Optimal practices will differ from farm to farm, but the majority of western dairies should consider cooling the holding pen and exit lane sprinklers.
    • For severe heat stress events, the easiest way to tell if cows require emergency cooling is by counting respirations. If more than 5 out of 10 cows (50%) have breathing rates exceeding 100 breaths per minute, immediate action should be taken to reduce heat stress.

    Heat stress will of course vary depending on a farm’s geographic location and facilities. One study estimates that California dairies with minimal heat stress abatement (access to shade, but no fans or sprinklers) lose $110 per cow per year. Losses are higher in cows without access to shade.  Decreased milk production results in large part (but not exclusively) from reduction in Dry Matter Intake (DMI).  California dairies with minimal heat stress abatement are estimated to experience average DMI reductions of 320 lb/cow/year, and a concurrent decrease in milk production of about 650 lb/cow/year. Embryos are also susceptible to increased body temperature resulting from heat stress. Reproduction can suffer even more than milk production with Florida data estimating up to a 53% reduction in conception rates during the summer and into the fall. California operations with minimal heat abatement are estimated to experience in average increase of 12 days open and almost a 1% increase in reproductive culling. Production losses are not limited just to lactating cows.  Heat-stressed dairy cows have been observed to produce 1,000 to 2,000 pounds less milk during the next lactation.

    Heat stress results from a combination of factors including ambient heat & humidity, local air movement and absorption of radiant (sunlight) energy. Cattle are actually more sensitive to heat and humidity then humans. The best way to anticipate whether environmental conditions will have a negative effect on production is to examine a dairy-specific Temperature Humidity Index (THI) chart. Mild heat stress starts to occur at a THI value of about 72, which corresponds to 77°F and a typical Tulare morning humidity of 50%, or at 82°F at a typical Tulare afternoon humidity of 20%. Even at THI values in this “mild” category, reproductive losses have been documented and milk production can be decreased by approximately 6 lbs/cow/day. Recent studies in high-producing cows suggest that smaller detrimental effects can be at THI values as low as 68. Inexpensive thermometer/hygrometer can be purchased to determine THI values at different locations on the dairy.

    Certainly cows that are panting with open mouths are in severe heat stress, but at low to moderate levels producers may not observe obvious signs. As described in a review from the University of California, cows do consistently exhibit certain behaviors when trying to mitigate heat. With rising air temperature and solar radiation cows will increasingly seek shade. Even cows that have deprived of lying for 12 hours will prefer to stand in the shade rather than lie in the sun, sometimes even engaging in aggressive behavior to gain access to it. Either in or out of shade cows will spend as much as 10% more time standing, possibly to increase air flow around their bodies. Cows will reduce their feed intake, in one study up 5% per day in at 90°F. In a Florida study cows without access to shade ate 19% more at night, but were not able to make up of the decreased feed intake, still eating 13% less then cows with shade. Unshaded cows may also spend 2 to 3 times more time standing around the water trough. The most sensitive and practical measurement of heat stress is respiration rate, which unlike rectal temperature, increases in response to heat load with little or no lag in time. Normal respiration rates for cattle are about less than 40 breaths per minute.

    If five cows out of 10 have respiratory rates exceeding 100 breaths per minute immediate action is indicated. The University of Missouri has released a smart phone app that allows beef and dairy producers to merge their cows’ breathing rates with local heat and humidity data to instantly determine heat stress rating and recommendations.

    General – During times of high heat stress cattle should only be worked during the cool of the morning and vaccination should be avoided. Water intake may double during times of heat stress and water should always be available free choice. Cows consume 50-60% of their total daily water intake immediately after milking so making water troughs easily available after exiting the parlor is useful. Waters should be shaded to encourage consumption.

    Feed – There has been considerable investigation into ration formulation to mitigate DMI reductions. Feeding strategies to mitigate heat stress on California operations has been reviewed and typically involve increasing dietary energy density through increased grain or fat. Increased rumen buffering may be necessary to prevent acidosis associated with reduced forage intake and increased high-energy feed intake. Changes in the ration should be made slowly and prior to the onset of hot weather to reduce throwing the cows off feed. Ultimately manipulation of the cows’ diet will result in minimal improvement in production when compared to modifying the cows’ environment.

    Shades – It is estimated that heat load can be reduced from 30 to 50% with well-designed shade, increasing production by 10%.

    Cows will preferentially seek out shades blocking at least 50% of solar radiation. Shade cloth properly maintained (kept tight) can last for 5 years or longer. A north-south orientation allows the sun to dry the ground under the shade, which should be groomed regularly.  Guidelines regarding sizing of shades vary but typically call for at least 40 to 50 square feet per cow. Eave heights of at least 12 to 14 feet are needed to minimize thermal radiation from the roof.

    Use of Fans and Sprinklers/Soakers and Misters/Foggers – Sprinklers or soakers use large water droplets to wet the cow. Adding sprinklers to shade can double cow’s relief from heat stress. Fans can be used to further promote evaporation and cooling the cow’s hide, although fans alone may have little or no benefit. Unlike wetting the cow with sprinklers, misters or foggers are used to cool the local air through evaporation and may use less water.  Shade and evaporative cooling has been used in a variety of locations on the farm including dry lots, free stalls, holding areas, exit lanes, feed lines and even with pastured cattle. A variety of equipment and farm locations for heat stress mitigation has been reviewed. One place where sprinklers and fans are particularly useful is the wash/holding pen where cows experience the greatest heat stress on the dairy. Optimal practices will differ from farm to farm, but the majority of western dairies should consider holding pen cooling and exit lane sprinklers under shade.

    Other Mitigation Methods – Strategies used to mitigate reproductive losses associated with heat stress have been reviewed. Timed or delayed insemination can lessen the effect of reduced exhibition of estrus and reduced bull fertility associated with heat stress. During heat stress embryo transfer may have double the conception rates compared to artificial insemination, although using ET in all cows may not be economical.

    Return on investment is challenging to estimate because of variability in milk price, power costs, existing infrastructure but primarily how many days a year the cooling equipment would be used. Dairies in Florida might use fans and sprinklers for 7 months while those in Kentucky might use them for only three months. Following installation of fans and sprinklers studies in different states, studies have variously reported increased milk production of between 5 and 19% during heat stress months and suggested that the investment could pay for itself in 2 to 4 years. Producers considering installation are advised to review their local climatic data and construction options with a farm engineer and extension specialist.

    The University of Arkansas advises that if more than five cows out of 10 have respiratory rates exceeding 100 breaths per minute, then immediate action should be taken to reduce heat stress. The best tools available to livestock producers dealing with heat stress are adequate and accessible drinking water, shade and water-cooling. Dairy producers should be sure that they can milk, water and cool their cows, even in the event of rolling blackouts or power failure. Many producers have back-up generators for their milking parlor, which should be inspected to ensure operational condition. Emergency power should also be available for fans and well pumps. Misters, soakers and fans should be checked to ensure they are operational. Shade structures (especially shade cloths) should be in good repair.

    During a heat wave emergency, producers have used a variety of temporary cow-cooling methods:

    1. Fire hoses can be connected to water trucks and used to soak the cattle. Use caution with this method since cattle unused to this treatment may run away from water causing injury.
    2. Temporary soaking lines can be devised using flexible landscaping hose and high volume emitters positioned over the cattle.
    3. Industrial fans have been rented to augment these water-cooling methods.
    4. Temporary shade structures have been erected.

    When wetting the animals use large droplets (150 micron diameter sprinklers) not a fine mist, and wet the animals to the hide to saturate the hair for maximum cooling effect. The water should run off the animals. In general, working cattle should be avoided except in the early morning.

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (June 23, 2017) – Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner released the current status today of Major crops in the most valued county in the California Ag portfolio. They report that Alfalfa fields are making excellent progress; and being irrigated, cut, and baled. Corn and sorghum for silage continues being planted, cultivated, and irrigated. The corn silage crop is in various stages, from newly planted to already producing tassels. Cotton continues to be irrigated, cultivated, and growing well.

    Peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums continue to be picked and shipped to domestic markets, with exports to Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Taiwan. Demand for stone fruit remains strong in the domestic market. Last year’s almonds and pistachios are being exported to the European Union, Hong Kong, and India. Walnut, almond, and pistachio orchards continue being irrigated. Both mechanical and chemical weed control continues in orchards. Grapevines continue to have leaves removed to allow for improved air circulation and light around the developing bunches to improve color.

    Late navel orange harvest has finished. Valencia orange harvest continues, with exports to China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Regreening is becoming more common due to the higher temperatures. Packers are color sorting to compensate. Ruby Red grapefruit are being harvested for the domestic market.

    Certified producers are picking tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peppers for sale at the local Farmer’s Markets. Italian squash, eggplant, and cucumbers are being harvested. Blueberry harvest is slowing down in most parts of Tulare County. Blueberry and strawberry harvest should be coming to an end with this week’s hot weather. Sweet corn harvest is beginning with a few roadside stands opening and sales at the local Farmer’s Markets.

    Low elevation rangeland continues to dry, and cattle are being moved to higher elevations. The higher elevations are providing more grass than previous years. Fed cattle prices dropped $5.00 to $132.00 per hundredweight.

    Surface water is flowing in many of the irrigation canals as the hot weather accelerates the snow melt. Many farmers across Tulare County are able to use surface water to irrigate crops this year instead of relying solely on pumping ground water. Wholesale nursery shipments to Canada and domestic markets continue.