As Hurricane Irma barreled toward Florida in early September, she threatened to starve thousands of dairy cows by delaying the grain train – two dozen freight cars of feed commodities bound for the Lake Okeechobee area. The crisis was resolved by a team that included a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) expert and representatives of …
U.S. Yet to Propose NAFTA Dairy Fix
The United States has yet to propose changes to the dairy issue between the U.S. and Canada as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiation. And, Canada’s lead NAFTA negotiator doesn’t expect the United States to make demands for the dairy sector during the current set of talks that conclude Wednesday in Canada, according to the Toronto …
Dairy Producers Can Opt Out of MPP Coverage
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) wants to remind dairy producers you can enroll for 2018 coverage in the Margin Protection Program (MPP-Dairy). But there is something new this year, in that you can opt out of the program. In order to opt out, a producer should not sign up during the annual registration period. By opting out, a producer would …
Milk Processing Expansion Needed
A report by CoBank shows U.S. milk production growth is outpacing processing capacity growth, leaving dairy processors struggling to keep pace. Every year, U.S. dairy farmers produce three billion more pounds of milk than the year before. CoBank says that those increase challenge processers, who will need an estimated 27 billion pounds more of U.S. milk processing capacity over the …
Peanut Milk Coming Soon to Stores Near You
The dairy alternatives case will soon welcome a new addition, peanut milk. The new, Milked Peanuts – Chocolate is scheduled to roll out in retail stores across the country in January. Tyron Spearman has the story. From: National Peanut Board The dairy alternatives case will soon welcome a new addition…peanut milk! Elmhurst Milked brand just launched a Milked Peanuts – Chocolate which …
Damage Reports to Florida Dairy Farms Vary
We’ve heard about the various damage reports to Florida crops from Hurricane Irma, but when it comes to the dairy industry in the state, there have been reports of damage to dairy buildings but no major losses of livestock. But the numbers are by no means near ready yet. Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman talked with Florida Dairy Farmers Industry Relations …
Young Producer’s Perspective on the Dairy Business
It’s a life of high risk and high reward. Dairy farmers face their share of challenges, including a volatile market and unpredictable input costs — however, there are young people looking for ways to return to the business. The nation’s milk case depends on it. So says Andy Birch, a 30-year-old dairyman and owner of Maple Grove Farm in Derby, …
New Option for Dairy Margin Protection Program
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds dairy producers you can now enroll for 2018 coverage in the Margin Protection Program (MPP-Dairy). Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue utilized additional flexibility this year by providing dairy producers a new option. This option allows you to opt out of the program for 2018. In order to opt out, a producer should not sign up during the …
Ag Groups Applaud Dairy MPP Exit Announcement
American Farm Bureau Federation The following statement may be attributed to Zippy Duvall, president, American Farm Bureau Federation: “The American Farm Bureau Federation is pleased by the announcement by the Agriculture Department to allow dairy farmers to exit the Margin Protection Program for dairy producers. Dairy farmers need access to effective risk management tools. Farm Bureau and our grassroots members …
Dairy Producers Can Enroll for 2018 Coverage
Secretary Allows Producers to Opt Out The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that starting Sept. 1, 2017, dairy producers can enroll for 2018 coverage in the Margin Protection Program (MPP-Dairy). Secretary Sonny Perdue has utilized additional flexibility this year by providing dairy producers the option of opting out of the program for 2018. “Secretary Perdue …