EPA Offers Guidance on Air Emissions

By Mike Opperman, Farm Journal

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released guidance to assist farmers in reporting air releases of hazardous substances from animal waste at farms.  EPA is making this information available to provide time for farmers to review and prepare for the reporting deadline, currently set for November 15, 2017.

"EPA is working diligently to address undue regulatory burden on American farmers," said Administrator Scott Pruitt.  "While we continue to examine our options for reporting requirements for emissions from animal waste, EPA's guidance is designed to help farmers comply with the current requirements."

On April 11, 2017, the DC Circuit Court vacated a final rule that exempted farms from reporting air releases of hazardous substances from animal waste. In response to a request from EPA, the DC Circuit Court extended the date by which farms must begin reporting these releases to November 15, 2017.  Unless the court further delays this date, all farms (including those previously exempted) that have releases of hazardous substances to air from animal wastes equal to or greater than the reportable quantities for those hazardous substances within any 24-hour period must provide notification of such releases.

The EPA guidance information includes links to resources that farmers can use to calculate emissions tailored to specific species of livestock.  To view EPA's guidance and Frequently Asked Questions on reporting air emissions from animal waste:   https://www.epa.gov/epcra/cercla-and-epcra-reporting-requirements-air-releases-hazardous-substances-animal-waste-farms. 

HOWEVER: American Dairy Coalition (ADC) is advising livestock producers to wait before reporting to see if an extension, that was recently filed with the EPA, is approved.  ADC is also holding a webinar on Monday, November 13, for up to date information on what to do in order to comply with EPA reporting regulations. To learn more about Monday's webinar, click here.

Georgia Farm Bureau executive named to new position

By Linda Morries, The Telegraph

Tas Smith, who has led Georgia Farm Bureau's advocacy efforts at the national level since 2012, has been named the Georgia Farm Service Agency state director.

As a part of GFB's public policy team, Smith has worked to promote agricultural causes at the Georgia and U.S. capitols. A native of Taylor County, he came to Georgia Farm Bureau in 2005 as a legislative specialist. In 2012 he was named GFB national affairs specialist. Earlier this year he was promoted to assistant public policy director for legislative programs.  CONGRATULATIONS!!  

REGISTRATION OPEN AND FREE FOR GA DAIRY FARM FAMILIES    

Registration fees and conference meals are free to Georgia dairy producers and their families. Please let us know if you will be attending the Conference!  All information regarding the conference can be found online at www.gadairyconference.com .

 

Georgia Milk Producers will ALSO deduct $100/night for two nights from each Georgia dairy farm's hotel bill at checkout. It's our way to show our appreciation for your support and to encourage you to attend your annual dairy conference!

 

GA Dairymen: Click Here to Register for Conference Online.  

 

YOU MUST ALSO RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM -   CLICK HERE

 

  SPONSOR/EXHIBITOR CLICK HERE 

Criminal investigation opened into abuse of cows at dairy farm

  

A criminal investigation has been opened into the mistreatment of cows at an Okeechobee dairy that supplies Publix, after an  undercover video released Thursday appeared to show workers beating cows with metal rods and engaging in other abuse.

Okeechobee County Sheriff Noel  Stephen said he assigned an investigator to the case after his office received materials showing apparent acts of animal cruelty by workers at Larson Dairy Farm.

"I believe there will be criminal charges forthcoming on the completion of this investigation," he said at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

Publix announced it was suspending milk deliveries from Larson, saying in a written statement that the company was "shocked" by the treatment of the cows.     Read More 

Farmers move to defy Trump on NAFTA

By Adam Behsudi, Politico

After spending nine months indulging President Donald Trump's desire to renegotiate NAFTA, agricultural groups representing farmers in Trump-supporting states across the heartland are now moving aggressively to save an agreement they consider crucial to their industry.

The once-powerful agricultural lobby was somewhat muted in its warnings about losing a significant portion of the $17.9 billion worth of agricultural products exported last year to Mexico, the U.S.' third-largest trading partner, believing that the Trump administration would reach a settlement on other aspects of NAFTA while leaving agricultural trade alone.

Now, with Trump threatening to issue a formal intent to withdraw from the deal, farming groups say it's clearer than ever that their pleas to save the pact are barely registering with a president intent on its destruction.       Read More 

By Emma Liem, FoodDive.com

The dairy industry is struggling to defend its turf as the plant-based milk market grows. Grocers also are putting pressure on the category, as large retailers such as Kroger and Albertsons invest in their own milk processing and bottling facilities. Walmart plans to open a dairy plant in Indiana next year, which will reduce the milk supply it currently sources from Dean Foods by  an estimated 100 million gallons. 

Dean will still supply Walmart stores outside of the five Midwest states that the Indiana facility will serve, but this development could further sour its disappointing financial performance. Milk prices continue to slide, and many grocers are  selling milk at a loss, driving more retailers to produce their own product as they battle competitors on price.

Dean Foods' products could benefit from stronger brand recognition and trust in comparison to a retailer's private label varieties, but it will be hard pressed to win on cost - Dean's Dairy Pure milk can be  40% more expensive than store brands. The challenges facing Dean have battered its stock price, which is  down more than 50% this year.    Read More 

Estate tax forces farmers to play defense

BY Zippy Duvall, USA Today Opinion