Georgia Milk Producers Weekly Enews |
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Start Making Plans to Join Us in Savannah this January!
Make plans to join us in-person this January for the 2021 GA Dairy Conference. Our staff is working hard to ensure that safety protocols are in place to minimize the spread of germs during our event. We look forward to seeing you in Savannah, Jan 18-20!! For hotel reservation information, visit our website: https://www.gadairyconference.com/accommodations
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Dairy Margin Coverage Program enrollment for 2021 opened Oct. 13
From Ohio County Journal
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began accepting applications for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 for 2021 enrollment.
“This year has been a market roller coaster for the dairy industry, and the Dairy Margin Coverage program is a valuable tool dairy producers can use to manage risk,” said Bill Northey, USDA’s Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, during a roundtable at a dairy in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. “We were excited to roll out this new and improved program through the 2018 Farm Bill, and if you haven’t enrolled in previous years, we highly encourage you to check it out.”
Signup runs through Dec. 11, 2020. DMC is a voluntary risk management program that offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. DMC payments triggered for seven months in 2019 and three months so far in 2020. More than 23,000 operations enrolled in DMC in 2019, and more than 13,000 in 2020.
Updated dairy decision tool
To determine the appropriate level of coverage for a specific dairy operation, producers can utilize the recently updated online dairy decision tool. The decision tool is designed to assist producers with calculating total premium costs and administrative fees associated with participation in DMC. An informational video is available, too. Read more here>>>
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Removing All Dairy Cows Would Have Little Impact on Greenhouse Gases
By Jim Dickrell, Dairy Herd Management
Anti-dairy activists argue that removing dairy cows from the landscape would reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and thereby reduce the threat of climate change.
The U.S. dairy industry contributes roughly 1.58% of U.S. GHG emissions. The study suggests removing all dairy cattle from the country would reduce U.S. GHGs by 0.7%. But there would be other downstream effects.
“If dairy cattle were no longer present in U.S. agriculture, we must consider downstream effects such as handling of pasture and grain land previously used for producing dairy feed, disposition of by-product feeds and sourcing fertilizer,” says Robin White, the study’s lead investigator with Virginia Tech. Read report here>>>
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UGA Closes Tifton Dairy Research Center
From Southeast Agnet
According to the Georgia Farm Bureau, after several years of battling low milk prices, changes in administrators and recent state budget cuts from COVID-19, the vacuum pumps at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Dairy Research Center were permanently turned off on Sept. 4, Georgia Milk Producers reported in its September Georgia Milk Review.
Since 1998, UGA faculty have utilized these facilities to conduct research in the areas of nutrition, lactation and metabolic physiology, milk quality, animal health, heat stress abatement, production management, nutrient management and water quality.
With the announced retirement of John Bernard earlier this year, a noted animal nutritionist focusing on applied dairy nutrition, the Tifton campus was left with only one researcher conducting trials at the facility, Sha Tao. Upper administration for the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences decided to shift Tao to the UGA Athens campus, to interact closer with remaining UGA dairy scientists; Jillian Bohlen, a reproductive physiologist, and Valerie Ryman, an immunologist whose research focuses on mastitis.
According to a letter sent to the Georgia Milk Producers Board of Directors, Francis Fluharty, head of the Animal and Dairy Science Department, said that Tao’s move to Athens will allow students in ADS to learn more about the interaction of heat stress and immunity, and will allow for more opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research. Read more here>>>
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GDYF Apparel Store Open Until Nov. 8th
Check out our Apparel Store!! We love the new logo and the products!!
BUY FOR CHRISTMAS or BIRTHDAY!!
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Is Federal Ag Aid a Lot—or a Little?
From JIM DICKRELL, MilkBusiness.com
Critics of Federal aid to farmers complain it’s a huge expenditure—often going to the largest farms. Farmers respond that the aid helps support rural economies—and that in relative terms, the aid is a small supplement to total farm income.
The analysis looks at 2019 Federal agricultural aid, which totals $22.4 billion (up 64% from 2018). The aid includes regular farm program payments, two ad hoc disaster assistance packages and Market Facilitation Program trade assistance payments to compensate farmers for losses brought on by Chinese retaliatory tariffs. “Importantly, these federal payments do not include recent ad hoc support to offset the impact of COVID-19 on the farm economy,” says John Newton, AFBF chief economist. Read more here>>>
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U.S. dairy advances journey to net-zero carbon emissions
From Feedstuffs
The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy this week unveiled the Net Zero Initiative, an industry-wide effort that will help U.S. dairy farms of all sizes and geographies implement new technologies and adopt economically viable practices. The initiative is a critical component of the U.S. dairy industry’s environmental stewardship goals -- endorsed by dairy industry leaders and farmers -- to achieve carbon neutrality, optimized water usage and improved water quality by 2050.
“The U.S. dairy community has been working together to provide the world with responsibly produced, nutritious dairy foods,” Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy chairman Mike Haddad said. “With the entire dairy community at the table – from farmers and cooperatives to processors, household brands and retailers – we’re leveraging U.S. dairy’s innovation, diversity and scale to drive continued environmental progress and create a more sustainable planet for future generations.”
The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy also announced a key milestone on its journey toward carbon neutrality: a commitment of up to $10 million and multiyear partnership with Nestlé to support the Net Zero Initiative and scale access to environmental practices and resources on farms across the country. Read more here>>>
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Dairy Foods Trend Alert: Think Long Term and Be Part of the Regenerative Agriculture Movement
By Donna Berry, Berry on Dairy Blog
Today is World Food Day 2020. It marks the 75th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in an exceptional moment as countries around the world deal with the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While there are more days than not when I cannot think about tomorrow because it stresses me out, it is essential that dairy foods manufacturers think ahead in order to provide nutrition for an anticipated population of 10 billion by 2050. Global warming is real and it’s impacting agriculture right before our eyes. Some regions are experiencing increased heat and drought, while others have flooding and large, damaging storms. Agricultural lands are at risk with both scenarios, which is why we must do our part to improve the ecosystem. It all comes down to the soil.
Maple Hill Creamery recently sponsored a media viewing of the new documentary “Kiss The Ground” at a pop-up drive-in theater in Chicago. Narrated by Woody Harrelson, the film details how regenerative agriculture has the potential to balance the earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems and feed the world.
Dairy cows are an important part of the regenerative agriculture movement. Implementing regenerative practices on dairy farms requires a holistic approach to managing land, cows and manure. Read more here>>>
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GA Ag Labor Forum to be held virtually this November
This year might be different but we will still have the latest labor updates for growers, shippers, processors and other agricultural professionals.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear from industry experts as they help you comply with labor laws, all from the comfort and convenience of your home!
This five-part webinar series will be held 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the following dates:
- Thursday, November 5
- Tuesday, November 10
- Thursday, November 12
- Tuesday, November 17
- Thursday, November 19
Cost: $95/participant includes access to all webinars and resources
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Animal Ag Alliance
Good news is hard to come by in 2020, which is why the agriculture community shouldn’t overlook the latest Gallup poll. Last month, farming and agriculture earned the highest rating for Americans' views of U.S. business and industry sectors, with the grocery and restaurant industries trailing not far behind. Farming and agriculture was already one of the top-rated industries, but its rise to the number one spot is likely the result of the pandemic’s spotlight on the food sector’s importance. Now, the challenge for the agriculture community is to keep a positive rating with American consumers.
This rating is something to be proud about, but that doesn’t mean our work is finished – especially with animal rights activist groups never taking a break from spreading misinformation about animal agriculture. Most recently, they are making claims that farms and ranches are to blame for COVID-19, despite the lack of evidence supporting that notion. In addition to groups trying to connect the current pandemic to animal agriculture, we’re also seeing activists taking advantage of labor shortages to attempt to get hired “undercover” on farms and in plants and attacking farmers on social media. Some groups are even calling on mayors and governors to order city and state governments to stop purchasing animal products, including milk, cheese and yogurt. Also, at a recent virtual activist conference, speakers claimed meat and milk alternatives are “the only ethical way forward for a civilized society.” These claims and efforts haven’t stopped the agriculture and food sectors from taking the high road, as we’ve seen so many farms, co-ops, companies and others support their communities by donating milk and meals to families in need.
To ensure American’s views of farming and agriculture stay positive, farmers and ranchers must feel empowered to be outspoken advocates. Animal Ag Allies is a new initiative of the Animal Agriculture Alliance that does just that – gives farmers, ranchers and practicing veterinarians the confidence and resources to be advocates for agriculture online and within their communities. The program provides opportunities for networking, training and continuous development of issue expertise and communication skills. Read more here>>>
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Other Stories to Check Out This Week >>> |
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TO ADVERTISE: EMAIL AD AND CONTACT INFORMATION TO FARRAH NEWBERRY at gamilkproducers@gmail.com
UPDATED 10/16/20
Wanted: Small milk tank (1,000 or 2,000 gallon). Mark Rodgers (706) 829-3141.
Will Raise Heifers for GA Dairy Farms: Hello we are located in Southern Illinois and have an abundance of pasture and cheap feed available looking to contract with a dairy to grow heifers for them, out location offers mild climate and we are just 558 miles from Montezuma Ga. Please contact 817-528-6645 very reasonable daily rates.
For Sale - Productive 360 Cow Holstein Herd For Sale, Parlor/Freestall/AI Sired/Lots of Young Cows/2X 70# 4%F SCC-160K More information at www.kreegerdairy.com or call Chad at 517-294-3484
For Sale- DeLaval 84 Vacuum Pump on Stand, Oil Reclaimer, 10 HP- 3 Phase Electric Motor. New Bearings, New Oil Seal, New Belts. $2000
For sale - Please contact John Felder for more information at 803-682-3425:
- Dairy Tech Bay Pasturizer - $4,000
- Tidenberg Hydraulic Hoof Table (like new) - $5,000
- Mench Sand Trailor - $14,000
- Hall Stall Sand Leveler (new) - $1,000
- Claas Silage Choppers - 960 1875 cutterhead hours, 4WD, 600 orbis, HD300 PU - $190,000
- Fans Cool Aire
- 18 54" $225.00
- 20 48" $125.00
- 20 35" 100.00
WANTED: Peter's Cattle Co. will buy any dairy, beef, and cross, bottle or weaned, bulls, heifers or free martins. Pick up weekly 7 days a week. Chris- 470-255-8515
Bull Calves WANTED: Competitive pricing with 6 day a week pickup. Brandon Mason Cattle Company 912-632-4490
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Farmer to Farmer Support Program Available for SE dairy farmers
Farmers across the Southeast are experiencing uncertain times like never before. All aspects of agriculture have been hit by market losses due to COVID-19, but dairy has reached a level of uncertainty that many have never experienced.
As we navigate through these next few months, dairy producers across the Southeast have come together to introduce the "Farmer to Farmer Support Program." If you find that you need support or would like to talk to a fellow farmer or industry friend, they have several volunteers that are willing and able to help. Georgia Milk Producers has also put together a packet on the program that you can access by clicking here.
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