2020 | July 17 GMP E Newsletter
Georgia Milk Producers Weekly Enews
Burger King’s “breathe the farts of change” not passing the sniff test
By Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis

Hold the pickle, hold the lettuce, hold the methane?

A  new communication campaign from Burger King  is promising beef that comes from cows that are 33 percent less gassy on average, allowing the international fast-food chain’s consumers to have it their way without guilt.

Burger King, which is part of Restaurant Brands International, has been adding lemongrass to cows’ diets in an attempt to cut down on cattle’s methane emissions. Given the greenhouse gas’ role in global warming, it’s a big deal. If nothing else, decreasing methane  would buy us time  to try and get a handle on carbon dioxide emissions, the No. 1 elephant in the room – and in the atmosphere.

According to Burger King, cattle that consume the modified diet produce up to one-third less methane than cows that eat a more traditional diet. “ … We found that by adding 100 grams of dried lemongrass leaves to the cows’ daily feed, we were able to see a reduction of up to 33% on average of methane emissions during the period the diet was fed (the last three-to-four months of the cow’s life in the case of our research),” the website states.
It’s a noble pursuit, and such results would definitely be welcome, but has Burger King jumped the gun?

For starters, the research hasn’t gone through the rigorous and important step of  peer review . In simple terms, that’s when scientific research is written up, checked, and challenged or confirmed by experts in the field. Again, according to Burger King’s website, “Full scientific paper under review by peer reviewed scientific journal. Full research will be made available once published.” Read more here>>>
Progressive Dairy Editor Dave Natzke

The USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) reached another milestone this week, with direct payments totaling nearly $1.2 billion approved for more than 20,000 dairy producers since May 26.
CFAP payments are eligible to all dairy operations with milk production in January, February and/or March 2020. As of July 13, dairy applications processed by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices stood at 20,247, up from 19,071 on July 6.


The USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) reached another milestone this week, with direct payments totaling nearly $1.2 billion approved for more than 20,000 dairy producers since May 26.

CFAP payments are eligible to all dairy operations with milk production in January, February and/or March 2020. As of July 13, dairy applications processed by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices stood at 20,247, up from 19,071 on July 6. Read more>>>
Progressive Dairy Editor Dave Natzke

All the anxiety over negative Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) Producer Price Differentials (PPDs) extends to dairy farmer mailboxes this week as milk checks for June milk marketings arrive.

FMMO payment settlement dates vary by order, with most payments from milk buyers due to FMMO administrators between July 13-17. From there, FMMO administrators pay milk handlers/suppliers (co-ops and others), which then pay milk producers, generally within a day.

What dairy farmers might see in their milk checks is uncertain. Most should see a jump in prices compared to May. However, they won’t see the full impact of the $8.90 per hundredweight (cwt) jump in the Class III milk price between May and June. (Read:  Negative PPDs, depooling likely to create milk check fireworks .)

Based on FMMO uniform prices alone, producers in the Upper Midwest FMMO should see the largest jump in milk prices. The statistical uniform price, calculated on standard fat, protein and other solids, rose from $12.31 per cwt in May to $17.23 per cwt in June (see Table 1). Increases in uniform prices were $3.20, $3.12 and $2.19 per cwt in the Pacific Northwest, Arizona and Northeast FMMOs, respectively. Elsewhere, the increase was much smaller and is even lower in the Southeast and Florida FMMOs, those with very high Class I fluid milk utilization.
By Claudia Larson and Theresa Sweeney-Murphy, NMPF

Coronavirus precautions have vastly changed workplaces for both dairy farmers and their employees, an important part of the nation’s critical infrastructure. Farmers are proactively implementing workforce best practices during the pandemic and learning lessons from other sectors.

Meanwhile, evolving government guidance is informing dairy industry decisions. Although much remains unknown about COVID-19 and its effects, protecting dairy employees remains essential.

The USDA SE Climate Hub has published a Hurricane Preparation and Recovery guide for producers on their website. The guide includes information on various commodities in the SE including a section on dairy. The guide can be found here: is:    https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/southeast/topic/hurricane-preparation-and-recovery-southeast-us
Animal Agriculture Alliance launches Animal Ag Allies development program
From The Fencepost

The Animal Agriculture Alliance announced the launch of the Animal Ag Allies program to empower farmers, ranchers and practicing veterinarians to be outspoken advocates for agriculture online and within their communities. The alliance is currently seeking participants to enroll by Aug. 7.

The Animal Ag Allies program provides opportunities for networking, training, and continuous development of issue expertise and communication skills. Allies will be on the front lines of responding to emerging issues and sharing positive content about animal agriculture. . Read more here>>>
Georgia 4-H youth participate in state dairy competition
By Cristina Luisa deRevere for CAES News
Twenty-one youth participated in the 2020 Georgia 4-H State Dairy Judging Contest on July 14. Sponsored by the Ina Hopkins-John W. Cook Memorial Fund, the Carole Williams-Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation and the Pam Krueger-Milk Check Off, the competition was held virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s winners at the 2020 Georgia 4-H State Dairy Judging Contest include:

Seniors:
  • First place team: Emma Newberry, Lexi Pritchard and Neely McCommons — Oconee County
  • Second place team: Michael Whitlock, Colton Swartz and Bella Fisk — Coweta County
  • Senior High Individual: Noel Pickel — Morgan County
Juniors:
  • First place team: Andrew Gardner, Maggie Harper and Landon Gardner — Morgan County
  • Junior High Individual: Sarah Morgan Sapp — Burke County
Commentary: Our Dietary Guidelines for Americans must address chronic health issues
By Tony Hampton, Chicago Tribune
Many people don’t realize that  Cheetos and Tostitos  are part of the National School Lunch Program for kids in public schools and that  Honey Kix  cereal, along with sugary drinks, are part of the “basket” of foods the government provides women and infant children.

I can tell you, as a primary care doctor, that these foods are not appropriate for people struggling with obesity, diabetes and other diet-related conditions. Sugars and starches will only worsen their conditions. These foods are even more perilous for my minority patients who suffer from higher rates of these diseases yet often have little choice but to rely on government food. We need choices. It’s time for the government to move away from its one-size-fits-all model and instead offer a true range of dietary options for our diverse nation, 60% of whom are now afflicted with a chronic disease. Read more here>>>
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 . 

For more information on the program, please reach out to Farrah Newberry at gamilkproducers@gmail.com . 
Due to COVID, Consumer Market Shift To Continue for 12 to 18 Months
By  Jim Dickrell, Milkbusiness.com

The complete upheaval in consumer behavior due to the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting away from restaurants and food service to in-home cooking and dining, is likely to continue for the next 12 to 18 months.

That’s according to a  market assessment prepared by Blimling and Associates, Inc.  for CoBank.

 “We are experiencing a ‘back-to-basics’ moment unlike anything most of us have experienced in our lifetime,” says Phil Plourd, Blimling president. “Most profound, perhaps, is a  massive shift where consumers eat. ” ” Read more here>>>
Dietary Guidelines Reaffirms Dairy’s Crucial Role, But Wider Science Review Needed
From Southeast Agnet

ARLINGTON, VA – The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) said it was pleased that the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s  final report  reaffirms dairy’s crucial role in a nutritious diet but expressed concern that the committee failed to recognize newer, broader science that shows the benefits of dairy foods at all fat levels.  

“The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) today restated what consumers already know – that regular dairy consumption offers essential nutrition that nourishes people throughout their lives,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF, the largest organization of U.S. dairy farmers and the cooperatives they own.

“Across different types of diets and throughout all stages of life, dairy products provide the nutrients people need to be healthy.” 

But Mulhern said it was disappointing that the committee largely reflected long-held assumptions on saturated fat, despite numerous studies that have called traditional anti-fat guidance into question.  Read more here>>>
Other Stories to Check Out This Week >>>
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Upcoming Events >>>
GA Dairy Classifieds
TO ADVERTISE: EMAIL AD AND CONTACT INFORMATION TO FARRAH NEWBERRY at gamilkproducers@gmail.com

UPDATED 6/19/20

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 more Information Call Tony Strickland , 229-254-6871;  deepsouthai@gmail.com

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
  • McLanalan Sand Seperator (like new) 20" x 20" - 25,000
  • Claas Silage Choppers - 900 1695 cutterhead hours, 4WD, 600 orbis, HD300 PU - $110,000
  • 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
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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
 
For Sale:  Corn Silage - For more information contact Carlin Giesbrecht at 478-494-4007
 
FOR Sale : Stretch-O-Matic Bale Wrapper and Mover. For more information contact Carlin Giesbrecht at 478-494-4007
 
Bull Calves WANTED:   Competitive pricing with 6 day a week pickup. Brandon Mason Cattle Company 912-632-4490
 
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 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