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 …
Dairy Farming Desperate for Immigration Reform
Next to the cost of feeding their animals, the cost of labor on dairy farms will always take up a large share of the budget. A Milk Business Dot Com article says labor costs will rise in the new year. As of January first, farmers in some of the largest dairy-producing states now face government-mandated higher minimum wages. California farmers …
Lower Milk Prices in 2018?
As America’s dairy farmers look to 2018, they’re wondering whether or not higher prices are on the horizon. A Dairy Herd Dot Com article says a massive herd, large domestic supply, falling domestic demand, and a strong dollar all show that prices may slip before they improve. Mike North of Commodity Risk Management says there’s a growing supply of product …
Last Minute 2017 Legislation Efforts Benefit Dairy Farmers
Congress spent the final few weeks of the year addressing legislation that benefits dairy farmers. Starting with the tax bill, the legislation means lower taxes for dairy farmers. However, that wasn’t the case in the original legislation, according to National Milk Producers Federation spokesperson Chris Galen. Tax While the Section 199 deduction was eliminated in the approved version of the …
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 …
Legislation Would Improve Students’ Access to Milk
The School Milk Nutrition Act of 2017 introduced by Representative Glenn Thompson would allow schools to give students more milk choices. American Farm Bureau Federation market intelligence director John Newton says the bill gives schools the flexibility to bring back low-fat flavored milk. Legislation ”Newton says the legislation provides a market opportunity for dairy farmers. Market Allowing schools to provide …
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 …