2019 | June 21 GMP E Newsletter
Georgia Milk Producers Weekly Enews
Georgia Dairyman Selected to Serve on AFBF FMMO Working Group
Many thanks to the American Farm Bureau Federation for selecting Georgia dairyman, Everett Williams of WDairy LLC in Madision, to serve as a member of the new AFBF Federal Milk Marketing Order Working Group. The group met for the first time last week in Washington D.C. to review ways to update the milk marketing order system. The group is charged by the American Farm Bureau board of directors with ensuring that dairy farm families across the country have a voice in considering how to modernize these orders. They will seek input from other dairy farmers in their regions and complete their work by December 2019, in time for discussions at the AFBF Annual Convention in January. 
Disaster assistance bill not just help for farmers
By Jay Stone, GA Farm Bureau
Southwest Georgia farmers welcomed the passage of the federal disaster aid package, which President Donald Trump signed into law on June 6. With Georgia agricultural damage from Hurricane Michael estimated at more than $2.5 billion, the farmers needed help.

During a meeting with national and state leaders on June 7 in Colquitt County, it was made clear that while the farmers will get help, ultimately the benefits of the legislation will be reaped by their communities.

“I think we’ve got to remember that this disaster bill brings money to the farmer,” said Andersonville produce farmer Dick Minor. “This money will go into our accounts and it’s going to be funneled out to banks, landlords, seed, chemical and fertilizer dealers, tractor and equipment dealers. It’s going to spur our rural economy.”

Indeed, many of the counties Michael blew through last October revolve around agriculture. In Sumter County, Minor pointed out, the economy is 86% agriculture, prompting one acquaintance to tell him it would affect everything down to the church collection plates. Read more here>>>
By Progressive Dairyman Editor Dave Natzke
The July 2019 Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) Class I base price is $17.18 per hundredweight (cwt), the highest level since January 2017. It is up 11 cents from June 2019 and $1.82 more than July 2018. Through the first seven months of 2019, the Class I base price is $16.12 per cwt, up about $1.52 compared to the same period a year ago.

May 2019 dairy cow slaughter dips, but not much

U.S. dairy farmers moved fewer cull cows to slaughter in May 2019, but the total was still the highest for any May dating back to 1986. And the January-May 2019 total is the highest five-month total to start the year since 1986, the year of a federal whole-herd buyout program.
April Fluid Sales Weaker
By Progressive Dairyman Editor Dave Natzke
April 2019 sales of whole and flavored whole milk were up from year-ago levels, but sales in all other categories were down, based on the USDA’s latest monthly sales report.
  • At 3.74 billion pounds, overall April 2019 sales of packaged conventional and organic fluid milk were down 3.1% compared to a year earlier. January-April 2019 sales were estimated at 15.5 billion pounds, down 2.5%

  • April sales of conventional products totaled 3.56 billion pounds, down 2.4% from the previous year. Year-to-date sales totaled 14.7 billion pounds, down 2.3%. In the conventional category, April sales of whole milk were up 0.7%, at 1.2 billion pounds, and year-to-date sales totaled 4.95 billion pounds, up 0.2%

  • April sales of organic products at 176 million pounds were down 16.5% from a year earlier. Year to date, organic sales totaled 807 million pounds, down 7.4%. Organic products represented about 4.7% of total sales in April and 5.2% year to date.
The U.S. figures represent consumption of fluid milk products in Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) areas and California (now a part of the FMMO system), which account for approximately 92% of total fluid milk sales in the U.S. Sales outlets include food stores, convenience stores, warehouse stores and/or wholesale clubs, nonfood stores, schools, the food service industry and home delivery. Full Story Here>>>
Dairy farmers, industry leaders, legislators and families call for return of whole milk to schools
From The Progress
Surrounded by schoolchildren and farm families, Pennsylvania dairy leaders called on legislators and policymakers at the State Capitol to urge Congress to pass reforms that would bolster students’ nutritional options by permitting whole milk to be served in schools and to end the mislabeling of non-dairy products as milk. The rally capped “Dairy Day for PA Healthy Kids” and focused on the passage of three key measures in Washington:

  • U.S. House Resolution 832, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, sponsored by U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson, that would give students in public schools access to a full range of milk choices including whole milk—both flavored and unflavored. Under current federal regulations, schools can only offer students unflavored skim or 1 percent milk.
  • U.S. House Resolution 1769, the Dairy Pride Act, co-sponsored by U.S. Representative John Joyce, that calls for enforcing regulations prohibiting mislabeled milk alternatives.
  • The Milk in School Lunches Act, sponsored by U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, that would allow schools to serve whole milk and 2 percent milk. It also requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary to revise regulations and exclude milk fat from the cap on saturated fat in school lunches. Read more here>>>
By Caitlin Rodgers, Georgia dairy farmer, Hoard's Dairyman Blog
There are a lot of terrible things being said about the dairy industry right now, and it isn’t going to stop. It hurts my heart knowing there are people out there who think dairy farmers mistreat and don’t take care of their animals.
I have read many comments on social media that are horrific. There is a big problem with this. We have two things that are working against us: 1) the lack of information available to the public and 2) animal rights activist who (unlike most dairy farmers) have the money and time to move their agenda (abolishing animal agriculture) forward.

I can sit here all day and tell you about how I think the coverage people are viewing on social media is all about deception, and how I think these animal rights organizations get hired hands onto farms and pay them to make our farms look bad.

But I want to focus on moving forward in the right direction. I have seen farmers on Facebook fighting back and being downright ugly to the people who believe we are mistreating our animals. It makes me mad too, don’t get me wrong. But what good does being ugly back do? What good does a “fight night” in the comments section on Facebook do? Read more here >>>
Spring Edition of the UGA GA Dairyfax
This journal edition covers:
  • Herd it Through the Bovine – Youth Corner, By: Dr. Jillian Bohlen
  • Management of pinkeye in dairy heifers, By: Drs. Morgan Adkins and Brad Heins
  • Do you look at your records? By: Dr. Lane O. Ely
  • Biosecurity and personnel training in dairy farms, By: Dr. Pedro Melendez
  • Is your heat abatement system working properly? By: Dr. John K. Bernard
  • Looking inward for perspective on reproduction, By: Dr. Jillian Bohlen

Mexico Approves USMCA
By Greg Henderson , Drovers
Mexico’s Senate has ratified the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) agreed last year by the three countries to replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The trade deal negotiated between 2017 and 2018 after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw from NAFTA, was ratified with 114 Senators voting in favor and four against. There were three abstentions.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador favored the trade deal, and his leftist National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) and its allies have a comfortable majority in the 128-member chamber. Full Story Here>>>
Trump threatens to deport millions beginning next week
President Donald Trump is threatening to remove millions of people living in the country illegally on the eve of formally announcing his re-election bid.

In a pair of tweets Monday night, Trump said that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would next week “begin the process of removing the millions of illegal aliens who have illicitly found their way into the United States.”

“They will be removed as fast as they come in,” he wrote.

An administration official said the effort would focus on the more than 1 million people who have been issued final deportation orders by federal judges but remain at large in the country. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to explain the president’s tweets.
It is unusual for law enforcement agencies to announce raids before they take place. Some in Trump’s administration believe that decisive shows of force — like mass arrests — can serve as effective deterrents, sending a message to those considering making the journey to the U.S. that it’s not worth coming. Read more here >>>
Still time to promote GA's dairy industry during June Dairy Month!!
Georgia Milk Producers updated our Georgia Dairy Facts page just in time for June Dairy Month.   Click here to download  and share online or during farm tours!! Let's celebrate our dairy industry.

Please follow @gamilkproducers on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter and share our ads to spread the message!!
Prosecutor: Witness says animal abuse was encouraged, coerced by ARM worker
By Gregory Myers, Newsbug.com
The ongoing investigation into the alleged animal abuse at Fair Oaks Farms that was made public by a series of videos released online has uncovered new information in regards to the actions of Animal Recovery Mission (ARM).

According to new information from Newton County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Drinski, “A third party witness has come forward to corroborate the allegations made by a suspect that the ARM employee encouraged or coerced the behavior depicted in the portions of the video that have been released publicly. Detectives continue to investigate these claims through additional interviews and written discovery.”

Three former employees at Fair Oaks Farms face criminal charges in connection with the abuse showed on the videos, with one former employee already in custody. Full Story Here>>>
AgGeorgia Farm Credit Announces Distribution of Over $12.5 Million to Borrowers
AgGeorgia Farm Credit is pleased to announce that over $12.5 million is being paid to borrowers of the cooperative, with checks expected to be delivered by the last week of June. The distribution comes after AgGeorgia’s Board of Directors already declared dividends of over $13.5 million in April, with over $4 million of that paid in cash. In total for 2019, AgGeorgia has now distributed over $16.5 million in cash to the borrowers of the cooperative.

“We are extremely proud to be able to return our profits to our borrowers, particularly after a challenging 2018 for our farmers and much of the state,” said Guy Daughtrey, Chairman of the Board for AgGeorgia Farm Credit. “The board recognizes how important these distributions are to not only our member-borrowers, but also the economies of our rural communities.”

2019 marks the 31st consecutive year the cooperative has returned profits to its borrowers, with over $378 million in cash being paid out since 1988. 

The payout is a surplus revolvement from AgGeorgia’s 2009 and 2010 Patronage Refunds, and is divided between qualified and non-qualified surplus. Taxes were paid on the qualified surplus portions when declared in 2009/2010; however no taxes have been paid yet on the non-qualified portion. Borrowers will receive a 1099 in February of next year regarding income taxes due on this portion. Full Story Here>>>
Other Stories to Check Out This Week >>>
UGA Advanced Grazing School
The 2019 Advanced Grazing School will be held on July 16 th  and 17 th  at the Livestock Instructional Arena in Athens, GA. This will be an intense two day hands on event that will overlap with the Deep South Stocker Conference on the second day. Registration will include coffee and snacks throughout the day, lunch for both days, a large notebook with handouts and supplemental information, and PLENTY of interactive presentations and hands on learning activities.
 
Tentative topics for the 2019 Advanced Grazing School will include:
 
Forage Systems for Stocker Cattle: Cool Season and Warm Season Systems
Economics of Forage Systems
Putting an Entire Forage System Together
Regenerative Grazing: Facts or Fiction?
Grassfed Livestock Production
Data Reviews
Supplementation Strategies
Producer Panel
Fencing and Water Systems Workshop - Click here for registration information>>>  
Upcoming Events >>>
GA Dairy Classifieds
TO ADVERTISE: EMAIL AD AND CONTACT INFORMATION TO FARRAH NEWBERRY at gamilkproducers@gmail.com

Registered Brown Swiss dairy cows(6) and heifers(3) for sale. 7 X 24 2004 Featherlight trailer with tack area and 2 cuts $12,000.00 and an Artic 22 semen tank (has a few straws of beef semen inside) $450. Please contact Beth Gearhart, Waynesboro, GA, 352-603-2629 text or call

For Sale: 2016 Tatoma Vertical Twin Screw Mixer. Equipped with Front Discharge and Side Discharge Extension - $35,000.00. Please contact Jim or Stephanie Waite 334-222-7957 for more information. 

Calves wanted:  Competitive pricing with a 6 day a week pick up. Will buy bulls and heifers of all ages. Peter's Cattle Co. 470-255-8515

Young Stock Supervisor wanted -  Hart Agriculture Waynesboro GA
Grazing 500-1000 animals,   Must be familiar with rotational grazing and breeding. Please contact Maggie 352-507-2042 or   maggie@hartagriculture.com
 
Dairy Manager wanted -  Hart Agriculture Waynesboro GA
300-700 milking cows,   60 bale rotary, New Zealand style grazing system. Please contact Maggie 352-507-2042 or   maggie@hartagriculture.com

Bull Calves WANTED:  Competitive pricing with 6 day a week pickup. Brandon Mason Cattle Company 912-632-4490

For HIRE: Southeast DHIA  has a position to fill in the  West Central Georgia area for a  FIELD SERVICE TECHNICIAN.   Responsibilities include data  collection on area dairy farms  during milking time. S chedule is somewhat flexible  but the hours are non-typical. S ome travel and out-of-town work likely.  Applicants should be comfortable  with computers and software and have good communication and  organizational skills as well as  reliable transportation. Pickup Truck required. I f interested send a resume to   brian.winters@dhicoop.com

For Sale: Custom manure application and Dryhill manure equipment sales.  Contact Edwin @ 478-299-0717 with Agboys Custom Services LLC -  New 8"x52' lagoon pump with outriggers $24,000 (Pictured right)

For Sale: 3000 gallon Surge/Westfalia milk tank and wash system. Three phase condensers. 2002 model. Excellent condition. John B Gay, 478-494-5107

WANTED : DeLaval Westfalia  Neck Transponders: TN Dairy seeking used Westfalia neck band transponders.  Please contact Bill or Peggy Howell if interested at 423-972-9254 or 423-371-3032.

WANTED:  Looking for used pasteurizing and bottling equipment in working condition; Linda and Darrell Rankins, Jr.;  334-745-2357  (best times: mid-day and after 8 p.m.)

For Sale:   Jersey cows, heifers and calves for sale. Registered with AJCA, all ages! Contact Matt Holton at 770-718-8271, call or text. Dawsonville, GA.

FOR HIRE : Custom Silage Harvesting. Late model JD chopper. Will travel. Let me put your quality forage up! Nic Haynes, Muddy H Farms, 678-617-3379.

FOR SALE :  We have a continuous selection of fresh and springing heifers.   Call William at   (706) 768-2857  or visit our website at   crumpdairyreplacements.org   

Bullcalves Wanted :  Looking for Bullcalves to purchase - Barron Tench 864-844-2295 or  barron.tench@gmail.com    

TO ADVERTISE: EMAIL AD AND CONTACT INFORMATION TO FARRAH NEWBERRY at gamilkproducers@gmail.com