Georgia Milk Producers Weekly Enews
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UGA-Tifton conducts research to help dairy cattle deal with heat stress
By Clint Thompson for CAES News
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Georgia’s summer heat can make it hard to do almost anything outside and, for dairy cows, that includes producing milk. Heat stress is inevitable in the Southeast U.S., and the first week of August had temperatures soaring past 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
As Georgians fight to keep themselves cool and hydrated, the state’s farmers are working to keep their farm animals as cool as possible. On the University of Georgia Tifton campus, dairy scientist Sha Tao’s research focuses on how to help dairy farmers manage heat stress.
Heat stress can negatively impact dairy cows and their milk production, but UGA researchers are working to keep cows happier, healthier and producing milk. When cows are exposed to a temperature-humidity index above 68, their milk production level begins to decrease, Tao said.
Tao has been studying how nutrition, cattle management, and physiology can impact milk production, dairy cow fertility and overall health since joining the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Department of Animal and Dairy Science in 2014.
Read more here>>>
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Kemp Names UGA Professor as New State Fiscal Economist
From The Office of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp
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Governor Brian P. Kemp is proud to announce the appointment of long-time University of Georgia professor Jeffrey H. Dorfman as State Fiscal Economist. The State Fiscal Economist develops forecasts based on Georgia's tax revenue, works closely with bond rating agencies on revenue and economic trends, and manages the development of fiscal impact estimates on tax-related legislative proposals.
"Given Jeffrey Dorfman's extensive background and expertise in economics, I am confident that he is the right choice to serve as the State Fiscal Economist. Over the years, Jeffrey has earned a stellar reputation in his field, mentored countless students to ensure their academic success, and provided critical insight to leaders in the private and public sectors," stated Governor Kemp.
"I am excited to serve in this new role, and I look forward to providing the State of Georgia and Governor Kemp's administration the most accurate and timely economic input that I can," stated Jeffrey Dorfman.
Read Release Here>>>
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GFB Commodity Conference: Members urged to be involved
From GA Farm Bureau
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Georgia Farm Bureau and its guest speakers during the 2019 GFB Commodity Conference presented one clear message to members on Aug. 8: Your involvement is needed, whether it is voicing your views with elected officials or working to ensure candidates for election support agriculture.
The meeting, held at UGA’s Tifton Campus, provided state & federal legislative updates, a synopsis of issues impacting the livestock industry, efforts being made to control feral swine and the status of Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Members also heard from Dr. Sam Pardue, U.S. Rep. Austin Scott and Georgia Ag Commissioner Gary Black.
During individual committee meetings, members reviewed GFB’s policy for Georgia’s 20 major commodities.
“Georgia Farm Bureau is working on initiatives to make lives better on our farms,” GFB President Gerald Long said. “In order for us to accomplish our goals in Atlanta and Washington we must first understand what’s happening back on the farm. You [our members] are the experts in your commodity areas. We appreciate you taking the time to come and carefully review Farm Bureau’s policies pertaining to your commodities.”
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Mississippi Plants Knowingly Hired Undocumented Workers, ICE Says
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Federal immigration officials believe that the companies targeted in
raids at poultry plants across Mississippi
last week knowingly hired undocumented immigrants, a violation of federal law, according to affidavits filed by federal agents supporting the raids.
About 680 immigrants believed to be working without legal documentation were taken away on buses by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during the coordinated sting on Aug. 7. The operation, which might be the largest work site enforcement action ever in a single state, focused on plants run by five companies: Peco Foods, Pearl River Foods, Koch Foods, A & B Inc. and P H Food Inc.
More than 600 ICE agents were involved.
The affidavits, made public the day after the raids, show that the agents believe that the companies were “willfully and unlawfully” employing undocumented immigrants.
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FAIR OAKS FARM: Animal Welfare Progress Updates
We’d like to update you on the commitments we’ve made regarding our Animal Welfare Program. We’ve brought on our Animal Welfare Experts, started our regular third-party audits, and installed 100% of our cameras to ensure all employee-animal interaction is monitored and reviewed.
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2020 GA DAIRY CONFERENCE SPEAKER FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO FROM U.S. Farmers and Ranchers:
Today farmers face the largest challenge of this generation – creating sustainable food systems and solving climate change. And they only have 30 harvests until 2050 to do it.
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Dairy safety net sign-up enters final stages
By Scott Brown, University of Missouri, Hoard's Dairyman
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Sign-up for the 2019 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program concludes on September 20, 2019, leaving dairy producers a little more than one month to choose to participate in the new farm bill program. A reported June 2019 margin of $8.63 continues the trend of the farm bill’s signature dairy program, providing a payout for every month this year for producers that chose the maximum $9.50 coverage option. The June margin further cements that the $9.50 coverage level for Tier 1 milk results in the largest net producer payout for 2019.
Much stronger participation
There has been significant growth in the level of protection and the quantity of milk covered with passage of the DMC program, when compared to its predecessor, the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy). Even so, there is still milk eligible for DMC payments that has not made a participation decision.
It is important for producers who have not gone to their local FSA office to evaluate their participation decision for 2019. That’s because the program offers them additional payments that more than offset the Tier 1 premium cost at the highest coverage levels.
Sign-ups to date
Current weekly sign-up data as of August 5, 2019, released by FSA shows that 87.3 billion pounds of milk are now covered under the DMC program. Given the USDA-estimated $197 million in expected payments to be distributed in 2019, it shows that the enrolled production history that qualifies for Tier 1 coverage has been locked in at higher coverage level options.
Read more here>>>
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USDA Invests in Rural Electric Infrastructure Improvements in 10 States
From USDA
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This Rural Development investment will be used to connect more than 3,900 consumers and build and improve 165 miles of line and invest $1.6 million for smart grid projects. Coastal Electric Membership Corporation serves approximately 19,700 customers in Georgia.
“For more than eight decades, USDA has been a strong partner to rural communities in building and expanding electric infrastructure,” Rupe said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to investing in essential infrastructure upgrades that improve the quality of life in rural communities and help grow the rural economy.”
USDA is providing financing for 12 projects in Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin through the
Electric Loan Program
. The funding will help build and improve 1,354 miles of line to improve electric reliability and resilience in rural areas.
Read more here >>>
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By
Progressive Dairy Editor Dave Natzke
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Last year brought no new entries to Rabobank’s list of the 2019 “Global Dairy Top 20” companies, although there was some reshuffling due to lower commodity prices, adverse weather in some key exporting regions and shifts in currency strength. Mergers and acquisitions were again the avenue for growth, according to the report’s authors, Rabobank dairy analyst Saskia van Battum and global dairy strategist Mary Ledman.
How they ranked
As in the year before, European (10) and U.S. (four) companies dominate the Top 20, with two each from China and Canada (Table 1). The rankings are based on 2018 financial data and includes merger and acquisition transactions completed in the first half of 201
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Pa. dairy farmers cook up their own campaign to support whole milk
By
Stephanie Ritenbaugh, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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During a dairy summit in Cambria County this week, Sherman Allen came prepared with bumper stickers tucked in his shirt pocket.
As U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Centre, fielded questions during the morning summit to discuss issues facing dairy farmers, Mr. Allen handed him a bumper sticker reading: “Milk 97milk.com 97% Fat Free.”
While 97milk may sound like a bovine-based radio station call sign, it’s a grassroots effort to raise awareness about whole milk, which is standardized with a fat content of 3.25% — about 97% fat free. In other words, not much higher than 2% milk.
Meanwhile, a separate but parallel effort is underway in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to advocate for carrying items like whole milk and flavored milk in school cafeterias.
Read more here >>>
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Other Stories to Check Out This Week >>>
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Register Today for the Florida Dairy Production Conference
From Southeast AGNet
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Producers are invited to attend the 2019 Florida Dairy Production Conference, Wednesday September 18, 2019 at the Straughn IFAS Extension Center (UF Campus), Gainesville, Florida. The program starts at 9 AM and some of the topics discussed include dairy calf and heifer management, selecting replacement heifers critical aspects for improving reproductive success, nutritional manipulations to improve health and fertility, along with addressing animal welfare concerns in dairy farming and engaging and educating the public about dairy practices. They also will have a session talking about dairy farming and social media. For registration and further details,
click here
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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
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.
TO ADVERTISE: EMAIL AD AND CONTACT INFORMATION TO FARRAH NEWBERRY at gamilkproducers@gmail.com
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