California Ag Network

Category: Dairy Industry

  • Raise your glass to National Dairy Month!

    Fresno, Calif., (June 1, 2017) – June is recognized as National Dairy Month.  Initially created as National Milk Month in 1937 to promote the consumption of dairy products, National Dairy Month has evolved into an annual tradition that recognizes the dairy industry and celebrates the nutrient-rich products that it provides to consumers worldwide.

    Since the early 1900s, America’s dairy industry has grown significantly, making many scientific advances including the process of commercial pasteurization, the addition of automated milking machines, modernization of packaging, and much more.  In the 2015 Fresno County Annual Crop & Livestock Report, the dairy industry was valued at $436.77 million, ranking as the sixth crop in the county.

    “Dairy is a critical part of Valley agriculture and FCFB is proud to celebrate the men and women who produce this nutritious crop,” said Ryan Jacobsen, FCFB CEO.

    California Milk Facts:

    • California has been the nation’s leading dairy state since 1993, when it surpassed Wisconsin in milk production. California is ranked first in the U.S. in the production of total milk, butter, ice cream, nonfat dry milk and whey protein concentrate. California is second in cheese production. (CDFA)
    • In 2016, California produced 40.4 billion pounds of milk – more than one-fifth of the nation’s total production. (CDFA)
    • Dairy farming is a leading agricultural commodity in California, producing $6.2 billion in annual retail sales in 2016. (CDFA)
    • Currently there are more than 1,300 California dairy families, whose farms house 1.74 million milk cows. (CDFA)
    • Around 33 percent of the total U.S. exports of dairy products come from California. (CDFA)

    For more California milk facts and information about National Dairy Month, visit www.realcaliforniamilk.com.

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (May 31, 2017) – Last week brought an upper-level ridge over the area leading to hot and mostly dry conditions. During the week, only a few locations received any measurable precipitation, Santa Rosa reported 0.03 inches on Thursday. For the weekend, a weakening of the ridge led to cooling statewide and a few more sprinkles across the northern third of the State.

    The southern Sierras were now devoid of snowcover below 9,000 feet. The central Sierras still had about two to four feet of snowcover above 7,500 feet elevation. In the northern mountains, snowcover was largely limited to the peak of Shasta, where upwards of six to eight feet of snow. A few of the higher peaks in the northwestern mountains as well as the northern Sierras also had some remnant snowcover.

    Temperature highs were in the 60s to 70s along the coast, 60s to 80s in the mountains, 90s to100s in the valley, and 90s to 110s in the desert. The temperature lows were in the 20s to 50s in the mountains, 40s to 60s in the desert, and 50s to 60s in the valley and along the coast.

    Winter wheat was chopped for silage, and some was dried, as harvest was approaching completion. Harvested fields were being disced and planted to silage or other forage crops. Alfalfa fields were making excellent progress; and being cut, dried, and baled. Corn planting continued, and earlier planted fields were growing well. Corn fields were being injected with nitrogen to promote growth. Cotton was emerging at various stages of growth, and being irrigated.

    Apricots, plums, early peaches, and nectarines were harvested. Cherry harvest was in full swing with good yields reported. Grapes were developing well with the favorable weather. Some grape leaves were removed to promote air circulation and light access to developing bunches. Thinning of immature stone fruit continued. New fruit tree orchards and vineyards were irrigated. Pomegranate and olive bloom continued. Mechanical and chemical weed control continued in orchards. Late Navel orange harvest was finishing up for the season. Valencia orange harvest continued. Old citrus orchards were pulled to make space for new citrus plantings.

    Almond nut development was progressing well. Pistachio, walnut, and almond orchards were irrigated and fertilized. Mite control sprays were applied in mite impacted walnut groves. Some orchard floors were sprayed with herbicides and fungicides.

    In Colusa County, the organic asparagus harvest ended.  Processing tomatoes were growing rapidly due to good weather.   In Yolo County, the snap pea harvest finished.  There was more blight than usual due to the high humidity and continued wet weather, but yields were above normal due to good bloom set and excellent growing conditions.  Organic fresh market tomatoes were staked and treated with copper for fungus.  In Stanislaus County, planting was finished for most processing tomatoes. Production was strong with transitions from first planting to second.  The weather was typical for the Salinas Valley with warm days and cool nights.  In Fresno County, herbicide was applied to carrots and onions.  Tomatoes were cultivated and weeded.   Broccoli for seed was cut and prepared for harvest.   In Tulare County, summer vegetables continued to grow and the fields were prepared for harvest.  Early planted melons were picked and shipped domestically.  Zucchini was harvested.  In Imperial County, melons and sweet corn were harvested and sold locally.

    Foothill rangeland and valley dryland pasture forage quality was primarily in fair to good condition. Drying out of grasses continued in the foothills of the southern Sierras. Sheep grazed on retired pasture and dormant alfalfa. Bees were active in melon and vegetable fields.

     

  • Dairy Calf & Heifer Association Raises the Bar with Industry Gold Standards

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    Ever heard of the Gold Standards for raising dairy calves and heifers? If you are in the business of raising future dairy producing cows, watch this brief interview with Bob James from the Dairy Calf & Heifer Association as he talks about their industry Gold Standards.

  • California’s Forgotten

    Modesto, Calif., (May 30, 2017) – Who speaks for the “Forgotten?” The woman who is constantly told to fork over more of her money for road repairs? For government employee health and pension programs? For electric cars or solar roof projects? The “Forgotten” who works to maintain a safe and healthy household for their children, but is constantly losing the battle to make ends meet?

    New laws, regulations, and the endless stream of initiatives continue to drive up how much California residents need to pay to the state, their county, and even their local politicians.

    No one seems to care about standing up and defending the individuals hurt the most by these cost increases. Especially none of the so called representatives even after their pandering and begging for votes on SB1 (one of the highest gas tax increases in history).

    A few weeks ago, the California State Legislature passed a sweeping 20 cent gasoline tax increase, a 4% increase on diesel sales tax, and a new car registration fee with a maximum fee being $175 more per car, per year. This tax is called a regressive tax, where individuals with modest means are hit the hardest, because a higher percentage of their income pays more for this tax than that of the rich.

    Now, as an example, add that new gas and diesel tax and car registration fee to the “Forgotten” in Compton.

    In Compton, the median household income is $43,157 and the city ranks in the bottom 20% of cities in Los Angeles County in this category.

    November 2016: The County of Los Angeles passed Measure M (0.5% sales tax increase), wherein 17% of revenue generated countywide will go back to cities to repair local infrastructure, pot holes, and street maintenance (called “local return”).

    March 2017: The County of Los Angeles passed Measure H (Homeless issue), which put an extra 0.25% increase on sales tax throughout the county.

    June 2017: The City of Compton passed a local measure to increase the sales tax by 1%, which was primarily touted as a fund to “pay for repaving city streets and establishing a street maintenance fund.”(A lawsuit has been filed contesting the election result)

    The Counties of San Bernardino, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Sonoma and Solano are all in the same boat of exaggerated above average tax circumstances for their forgotten classes of working families.

    On top of all those new taxes and fees, a set of our own local politicians are currently debating a program in Sacramento that would once again raise gas prices an additional 63-73 cents per gallon of gasoline by 2021.

    This type of paycheck hurt is being felt by millions of residents with above average tax rates, and below average median household income. In short, Sacramento is taxing the poor.

    Closer to home, it is hard to understand why those Assembly members who represent the cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Commerce, El Monte, Inglewood, Lynwood, South El Monte, and South Gate participate in active discrimination with every vote they cast as they constantly push for higher fees, more gasoline taxes and constantly squeezing the pocketbooks of working families and the low-wage workers they are pretend to represent and protect.

    If they have sold out, who is left to stand up and defend the “Forgotten?” Who will speak up for those on fixed incomes, single mothers, college students, the retired and elderly, and working families with modest incomes who battle daily to make ends meet?

    When looking at this sorry state of affairs, I can’t help but think of the words of William Graham Sumner in his 1876 essay:

    “The Forgotten Man” He works, he votes, generally he prays—but he always pays…

    by Anja Raudabaugh, CEO WUD

  • CDFA Announces Vacancies On The Cattle Health Advisory Task Force

    Sacramento, Calif., (May 23, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Animal Health and Food Safety Services division is announcing two vacancies on the Cattle Health Advisory Task Force (CHATF), which advises the CDFA Secretary on the control and management of cattle diseases and evaluates the effectiveness of cattle health programs.

    The term of office for a member of CHATF is two years. Members receive no compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for per diem expenses.

    The vacancies are for one member representing the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratories and one member representing the large animal veterinary medicine dairy sector. Any interested individual may send a brief resume by June 11, 2017 to:

    California Department of Food and Agriculture
Animal Health Branch
1220 N Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Attention: Dr. Anita Edmondson

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (May 19, 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 Winter wheat is being green chopped for silage; some is being dried, with harvest nearing completion. Harvested fields are being disked and planted to silage or other forage crops. Alfalfa fields are making excellent progress; and being cut, dried, and baled. Corn continues being planted, and earlier planted fields are growing well. Cornfields are being injected with nitrogen to promote growth. Cotton is emerging and being irrigated.

    Early peaches, apricots, and nectarines are being harvested and exported to Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, and Mexico. Plums are be pick for the domestic market and shipped to Canada. Some orchard floors are being lined with reflective plastic to improve color prior to harvest. Cherry harvest is going strong, with exports to Colombia, Mexico, Pakistan, the Philippines and Vietnam. The almond and walnut crops for this year look good so far. Walnuts are being sprayed for pests and blight. Last year’s almonds are being exported to Belgium, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, South Africa, and Taiwan. Walnuts in storage are being shipped to Germany, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Pistachios are being exported to Belgium, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. 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. New orchards and vineyards are being planted and irrigated.

    The late navel orange harvest is finishing up, with most going to the domestic market. Valencia orange harvest continues. Valencia oranges are being exported to China, Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan. Old citrus trees are being pulled to make way for new citrus varieties. Seedless tangerines are still netted. Olives are still blooming.

    Summer vegetables continue to grow and the fields are being prepped for harvest. Early planted melons are being picked and shipped domestically. Zucchini is being harvested. Blueberries are being harvested, with exports to Canada, Japan, and Mexico. Strawberries are being harvested and sold at roadside stands.

    Range and pasture conditions at the lower elevations are drying and good to fair. Some cattle are being moved to higher elevations.

    Wholesale nursery shipments have slowed down, with less demand from retail outlets as summer approaches. Mature olive trees are being dug from groves and sold for use in landscaping.

     

  • Kickoff meeting of Dairy and Livestock GHG Working Group – May 23

    Sacramento, Calif., (May 18, 2017) – The California Air Resources Board, in partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and California Energy Commission (CEC), will host the first meeting of the Dairy and Livestock Greenhouse Gas Reduction Working Group on May 23, 2017.  The first meeting of the Working Group will be held on:

    Date:  May 23, 2017

    Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

    Location:

    CDFA’s Main Auditorium

    1220 N Street

    Sacramento, CA 95814.

    The meeting will be live-streamed for online viewing, but this will be a listen-in only option. Public comments will be received at the meeting. Members of the public who wish to provide oral comments at the meeting should plan to attend in person. More information on the Working Group and meeting materials can be found at https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/shortlived/shortlived.htm

    The formation of the Working Group is called for by legislation passed in 2016, Senate Bill 1383 (Lara), which requires the State to develop and approve a plan to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). Short-lived climate pollutants, including methane from dairy cows and other livestock, are greenhouse gases that, despite having a relatively short residence time in the atmosphere, have a powerful warming influence.  They are also harmful air pollutants. Accomplishing swift reductions of SLCP emissions can have a significant impact on cumulative climate change, lessening harmful climate change impacts over the long term, and can improve public health.

    Methane from dairy manure and enteric fermentation make up the largest portion of California agriculture’s 8% total greenhouse gas emissions. CDFA houses two incentive programs to provide dairies with financial assistance to reduce methane emissions; the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program and the Alternative Manure Management Practices Program. Despite the development of these programs and the growing efforts to reduce emissions, there are still many challenges which the Working Group will address.

    The newly formed Working Group will identify and address technical, market, regulatory, and other barriers to the development of dairy methane reduction projects. The Working Group, made up of CDFA, partner agencies and a diverse group of stakeholders and experts, will produce recommendations to advance methane reductions on and achieve other co-benefits from California dairies and livestock operations while also supporting the resiliency and sustainability of California’s world-renown dairy and livestock industry. The Working Group will also foster important relationships and build the cooperation necessary to maximize environmental benefits, minimize impacts to disadvantaged communities, and utilize available resources efficiently.

     

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (May 16, 2017) – There was bit more variation in the weather pattern this week across the west coast with two separate storm systems developing and moving through the area. Each system brought a couple of rounds of light precipitation to various parts of the State.

    Saturday was the only completely dry day across the State, with no reports of measurable precipitation. Every other day of the week saw very light and isolated showers at specific locations. On Tuesday, the interior deserts and southern tier received up to a quarter inch of rainfall. Thursday saw comparably widespread rain, as well, with showers falling on the northwestern mountains/coast, the northern mountain, and the northern and central Sierras. Friday and Sunday saw light showers in the central Sierras. Another late spring week led to additional snowmelt in the mountains, with snow cover limited to 7,500 feet and above in the southern Sierras. Up to 2-3 feet is likely above this elevation. The northern Sierras are also snow-free below about 5,500 feet, with six to eight feet above 5,500 feet.

    Temperature highs were in the 50s to 70s in the mountains and along the coast, 70s to 80s in the valley, and 70s to 90s in the desert. The temperature lows were in the 20s to 40s in the mountains, 40s to 50s in the valley and along the coast, and 40s to 60s in the desert.

    Winter wheat was being green chopped for silage; some was being dried, with harvest nearing completion. Alfalfa fields were making excellent progress being cut, dried, and baled. Corn continued being planted, and earlier planted fields were growing well. Cotton was up and being irrigated. Soil preparation and planning for rice was ongoing.

    Grapes and stone fruits were developing well with the favorable weather and water conditions. Thinning of immature stone fruit continued in some orchards. New fruit tree orchards and vineyards were irrigated. Pomegranates were blooming. Mechanical and chemical weed control continued in orchards. Cherries, apricots and some early peach and nectarines were harvested. The Valencia orange harvest continued. New citrus orchards were planted. Olive bloom was drawing to a close.

    Almond nut development was progressing well. Pistachio, walnut and almond orchards were irrigated and fertilized. Some orchard floors were sprayed with herbicides, and fungicides were applied as needed.

    Early planted summer vegetable were progressing well. New fields were prepared for planting. Cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant and melons were planted in Tulare County.  Sweet corn, peppers and melons were also planted. Processed tomato planting continued in Yolo County. Tomato planting was essentially complete in Fresno County and some early plantings were setting fruit.  Some early summer vegetables were harvested. In the San Joaquin Valley, some vegetable fields were irrigated and fertilized.    Herbicides and fertilizer were applied to onions for seed.  In Imperial Valley, melons, sweet corn, and onions were harvested. Strawberry and blueberry harvest continued.

    Foothill rangeland and valley dryland pasture forage quality was in fair to excellent condition. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued to decline. Sheep grazed on retired pasture and dormant alfalfa. Bees were active in kiwi vineyards, melon, and vegetable fields.

  • Oak Ridge Angus: 105 Years

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (May 16, 2017) – At 14 years old, Massimino LaFranchi emigrated from Switzerland in 1888 and made his living milking cows throughout Sonoma County before meeting his wife Anna Nicklaus in San Francisco.

    In 1912, the couple bought 500 acres of land on the outskirts of Calistoga forming Oak Ridge Farm, named after all the oak trees found along the hills of the Knights Valley property. Massimino and Anna raised cattle on their property but had a farm more typical of the time including horses, chickens and pigs. They went on to have five children: Frank, Madeline, Alfred (Al), Nick and Henry.

    Henry LaFranchi circa late 1940 clipping an Aryshire at the California State Fair.

    Henry purchased two Ayrshire heifers in 1936 as part of his FFA project at Calistoga High School. He was quickly joined by his brothers Al and Nick, and the three worked together to develop one of the country’s most respected herds of Ayrshires.

    The brothers were passionate about raising and showing their Ayrshire cattle, and they travelled around the country via boxcar to exhibit at fairs and expositions where they consistently took top honors.

    The Oak Ridge Ayrshire herd became known for being one of the first herds to dehorn their cattle. Although the Ayrshire breed had been commonly known for having beautiful horns, Henry began dehorning the cattle because of the potential danger after suffering an injury.

    Ayrshires including Oak Ridge Connie Kathleen, Oak Ridge Flashy Starlet and Oak Ridge Kellys Rosid (who was the first cow other than a Holstein to be named Supreme Champion at the World Dairy Expo in 1975) went on to become some of the most influential cows of the breed. Today, the majority of Ayrshires from coast to coast have some lineage that dates back to the herd of Oak Ridge Ayrshires.

    On the first Saturday in August 1975, the LaFranchi brothers held a dispersal sale, selling nearly all of the Ayrshires. The dairy herd was replaced by beef cattle, predominantly registered Black Angus.

    Five years prior to the sale, the LaFranchi family had purchased an additional 700 acres of land across the street where they originally began running beef cattle. In years since, they have developed multiple long-term leases and currently rent more than 3,000 acres of rangeland in Sonoma County.

    Henry LaFranchi married Judith Little in 1958. Her family raised Guernsey cattle in Gridley, CA, and the couple had two children, Cheryl and Eric, who became the third generation involved in the cattle industry.

    Cheryl followed in her father’s footsteps to run a successful beef business focusing on disposition as well as genetic traits that include calving ease and soundness. She believes that animals raised on the rolling hills are more likely to preform well.

    The family held their first annual Angus bull sale in 1979, a tradition that continues today: 2017 will mark the 38th Annual Oak Ridge Angus Bull Sale.

    In the 80’s, the family’s Angus herd was around 200 cattle, but throughout the 90’s, this number increased to more than 400 head of Angus.

    Cheryl attributes the growth of the herd to the family’s partnership with the Bear Republic Brewing Co. The ability to feed brewers’ grain has cut the amount of hay needed in half. The ranch feeds approximately 25,000 lbs of brewer’s grain six days a week.

    The family runs the cattle in the hills during the winter and brings them down to flatter pastures in the summer after cutting hay. Each year, the family cuts and stacks more than 6,000 bales of grass hay grown during the winter and spring.

    The present day ranch is home to more than 400 head of beef cattle

    Today, in addition to selling Angus bulls in the annual sale, the ranch sells cattle year round via private treaty and through various other channels including the annual Red Bluff Bull and Gelding Sale. Additionally, the ranch is selling a significant number of animals to the Sonoma County Meat Company where the meat is then distributed to high-end retailers and restaurants throughout Northern California.

    Cheryl is married to local large animal veterinarian Frank Mongini, DVM. Eric and his wife Stephanie have three children – the fourth generation lives on the Knights Valley property and are involved in the family’s cattle ranch in addition to being involved in the local agriculture industry.

    The family is still passionate about running cattle and plans to maintain their agricultural land far into the future.

  • Mancebo Jr. Pledges $1 Million To Fresno State Dairy Program

    Fresno, Calif., (May 11, 2017) – The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology announced that Manuel Mancebo, Jr. from Tulare has pledged a $1 million bequest in support of the Fresno State dairy science program.

    Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro, Jordan College Dean Sandra Witte, faculty, staff, students and industry supporters honored the former area trucking magnate and his deceased wife, Katye, May 6 at a dairy science club banquet in Tulare.

    In recognition of their generosity, Fresno State will request that the campus dairy production facility be renamed the Manuel “JR.” and Katye Mancebo Dairy.

    “We sincerely appreciate this gift that will benefit our dairy program for years to come,” said Castro. “The dairy industry is a key part of agriculture in California, so it’s important to modernize our facilities and resources to give our students a real-life experience to prepare them for careers around the Central Valley and beyond.”

    Mancebo, 87, helped build Kings County Truck Lines into an industry leader before selling the company in 2006. Starting as a mechanic apprentice for the family company at the age of 17, climbed the company ranks, taking over the family business in 1971 at the age of 41.

    Founded in 1940 by Mancebo’s father and Portuguese immigrant Manuel S. “Spike” Mancebo, the company developed a reputation for its safe and reliable transportation of milk products and dry goods throughout the Central Valley and Southern California. Mancebo’s commitment to client service helped the company expand its operations to Northern California, Oregon, Arizona and Utah, as it added major contracts with companies such as Safeway and Baskin-Robbins.

    At the height of its business, its shipping line grew to 1,000 trucks and more than 800 employees.

    Mancebo was equally respected within the Tulare community with his wife of 61 years, Katye, who passed away in November 2014. They were active in supporting area charities, including Valley Children’s hospital, St. Aloysius Catholic Church and other community and education-based organizations.

    “On behalf of my late wife and myself, we are especially happy to support Fresno State as it educates future leaders for the dairy industry – an industry that played such an important role in our lives,” said Mancebo.

    The Fresno State dairy is run by first-year faculty member and Fresno State graduate Dr. Kyle Thompson and a workforce of 20 students. With a milking string of 170 Holstein and Jersey cows, Fresno State students are exposed to every part of the industry. Campus milk is transported each day to the California Dairies Co-op, and used by Fresno State students at the campus creamery to produce milk, 45 flavors of campus ice cream and other dairy products.