The Dairy Alliance Represents 2,100 Dairy Farmers Across Nine Southeast States The Southeast United Dairy Industry Association (SUDIA) has new leadership, new branding and a new name — The Dairy Alliance. This change represents the new vision and mission of the organization. The Dairy Alliance has an emphasis on market-focused partnerships that proactively promote and protect the interests of 2,100 dairy farm families in the Southeast. The new …
Organic Milk Sales Lower
Organic milk sales are dropping, but sales of so-called plant-based milk are rising. The Wall Street Journal reports organic milk sales fell 2.5 percent in 2017, slightly less than traditional white milk that fell 4.5 percent. Plant-based milks rose 2.9 percent in sales. However, the largest gains in milk sales were seen by specialty milk which would include products like …
Disaster Bill Includes Cotton, Dairy Provisions
The $81 billion House disaster aid package includes provisions for cotton growers and limited support for dairy producers. The National Farmers Union says both cotton and dairy farmers need appropriations fixes before the start of the next farm bill. The bill, however, offsets part of the cost by making changes to nutrition infrastructure. NFU President Roger Johnson says the organization …
Future Milk Prices Hinge on U.S. Dairy Exports
The world is hungry for protein—and U.S. dairy products are a leading choice for that protein. In the coming year, dairy exports will continue to play a critical role in helping U.S. dairymen achieve top prices for their milk. U.S. dairy exports in 2017 are stronger than they were a year ago, and have been on an uphill climb over …
Dairy Producers Have Until Friday to Enroll for 2018 Coverage
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) wants to remind dairy producers that this Friday is the deadline to enroll for 2018 coverage in the Margin Protection Program (MPP-Dairy). The voluntary program provides financial assistance to participating dairy producers when the margin, or the difference between the price of milk and feed costs, falls below the coverage level selected by the producer. MPP-Dairy …
New Dairy Support Program Awaits USDA Approval
Times have been tough in the American dairy industry. Overproduction has led to a lot of supply, which has pushed down beyond the break-even point. There have been some dairy support programs, including the most recent Margin Protection Program. However, the program is flawed, with farmers and farm-state legislators calling for changes. Marin Bozic, Assistant Professor with the University of …
Services are Available for Immigrant Laborers on American Dairy Farms
Immigrant labor is important to American agriculture, especially in the dairy industry. Dairy farmers across the country may not know that Mexican consulates in every state have services available to help their immigrant workers adjust to life in America. Monica Cruz of the Mexican Consulate in St. Paul, Minnesota, says there are a variety of ways employers and their employees …
Canadian Dairy Program Beginning to Negatively Affect Other Countries
Dairy has been a major sticking point between the U.S. and Canada during the North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations. The issue may actually get worse as Canada is now sending subsidized milk powder to Mexico. Jaime Castaneda, senior vice president of strategic initiatives and trade with the National Milk Producers Federation says Canada is trying to have its cake …
Dairy Producers Reminded of December 15 Deadline
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds dairy producers that December 15, 2017 is the deadline to enroll for 2018 coverage in the Margin Protection Program (MPP-Dairy). Additional flexibility was added this year which provides dairy producers the option of opting out of the program for 2018. In order to opt out, a producer should not sign up during the annual registration …
Dairy Producers Look for Solutions in 2018 Farm Bill
2018 promises to be a big year for the dairy industry. An important part of the conversation will be managing volatility and how to improve current price support programs. Like all of agriculture, the dairy industry is eagerly awaiting the launch of a new Farm Bill in January 2019. Policies to improve the current economic climate for the nation’s milk …