Georgia Milk Producers Weekly Enews |
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Working with 4-H is Proving Helpful to the Dairy Industry
By: GA Farm Monitor
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With a sharp decline in the number of dairy farms around the country, it's more important than ever for dairymen to educate students about their importance to the ag industry. That's exactly what Jay Moon is aiming to do with his work in 4-H and on the farm his family-built decades ago. Watch video here>>>
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David Scott seeks Ag Committee chair; 10 Georgia incumbents re-elected
Georgia Rep. David Scott (D- Georgia 13th District) is seeking the chairmanship of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee for the 117th Congress, which runs from 2021 to 2022. Current Ag Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota) lost his bid for re-election in the Nov. 3 election, and with the Democratic Party keeping its House majority, another Democrat will succeed Peterson as chair. Rep. Jim Costa (D-California) has also announced his intention to pursue the chairmanship. Scott and Costa are both members of the current House Ag Committee.
Election results are unofficial until they are certified by the state. Georgia has until Nov. 20 to certify election results.
Pending final certification both of Georgia’s seats in the U.S. Senate will be chosen in a Jan. 5 runoff election, 10 of the state’s 14 House members were re-elected, including Agriculture Committee Members Austin Scott (R-Georgia 8th District) and Rick Allen (R-Georgia 12th District).
The four new representatives from Georgia all step into seats scheduled to be vacated following the end of the current session of Congress. Democrat Nikema Williams won the race for Georgia’s 5th District seat, previously held by the late John Lewis. Democrat Carolyn Bordeaux won the 7th District seat, previously held by Republican Rob Woodall, who opted not to seek re-election. Republican Andrew Clyde won the race for Georgia’s 9th District seat, previously held by Doug Collins, who stepped down to run for the U.S. Senate. Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene was elected to the 14th District seat previously held by Tom Graves, who opted not to seek re-election.
Georgians have until Dec. 7 to register to vote in the Jan. 5 runoff for Georgia’s two senate seats. In one race, incumbent Republican David Perdue faces Democrat John Ossoff. In the other, incumbent Republican Kelly Loeffler, a member of the Senate Ag Committee, faces Democrat Raphael Warnock. Early voting begins Dec. 14.
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Southwest Georgia farmers continue to push through COVID-19 pandemic
By Ariel Mallory, Fox 31
Local farmers in Southwest Georgia have been navigating through this challenging, but rewarding year.
Over the years the agribusiness has continued to grow and evolve as Georgia's farmers continue to adapt with it.
But one thing farmers didn't anticipate was having to adapt to a global pandemic and the long term effects it left on their business. Watch report here>>>
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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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NEW --> Covid-19 Measures at GA Dairy Conference:
For additional information on safety precautions
FROM THE SAVANNAH RIVERFRONT MARRIOTT: The health and
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Washington Dairy Farmers to Pay $20.54 per Overtime Hour in 2021
By Anna-Lisa Laca, Dairy Herd Management
Last week a Washington Supreme Court ruled dairy workers in the state should receive overtime pay as part of the Washington Minimum Wage Act. While the case was brought by dairy workers in 2016, it appears the ruling will require all farmers to pay overtime.
Dwyane Faber, a dairy farmer from Washington, was disappointed by the ruling.
“While many farmers were aware of the court case in the WA State Supreme Court, the 5-4 ruling was incredibly disappointing, especially given the fact that farmers were given 30 days to comply,” he says.
According to the Spokesman-Review, in a 2016 class-action suit brought by Jose Martinez-Cuevas and Patricia Aguilar, the dairy workers alleged that they were not compensated for time worked in excess of 40 hours while working in dangerous conditions at the Deruyter Brothers Dairy, in Outlook, Washington, which is between Yakima and the Tri-Cities.
Court records show the dairy milks about 3,000 cows per shift, three shifts a day, seven days a week. The Spokesman says the employees alleged that the dairy failed to pay minimum wage, did not provide adequate rest and meal breaks and failed to compensate workers for duties before and after their shifts and overtime for work exceeding 40 hours.
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Food and beverage groups ask White House for priority on COVID-19 vaccines
By Lillianna Byington, Food Dive
As cases of the coronavirus surge in the U.S., companies are racing to secure more permanent protection for their workers. Less than a week after the vaccine news from Pfizer, the food and beverage industry is not wasting any time asking to be on the priority list for whenever one is made available.
This isn't the first time the industry has reached out to the administration. For months, the industry has worked on lobbying government officials to get a vaccine early. In June, the same fifteen groups sent a similar letter asking that food and agriculture workers be given the next highest priority for getting the vaccine behind healthcare workers, first responders and high-risk individuals.
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By Caitlin Rodgers, Georgia dairy farmer, Hoard's Dairyman
We all know that politics is a sensitive subject. Once you say your opinion or post it online, you will have people that agree and people that disagree. Some will no longer “follow” you online or be friends with you because of what you shared.
Some believe you shouldn’t mix work with politics. But the truth of the matter is that there is no escaping the fact that politics can and will control our business and livelihood. So, with that being said, this blog will be about politics . . . so get over it.
Trade deals, taxes, and wages control our way of life in this industry. Whether you are blue (Democratic) or red (Republican), it will impact you one way or another. We have been on edge around here waiting on the elections to come and go. Waiting on the outcomes, whichever way they go, to see how they will affect us and how to adapt. Plus, there is the large elephant sitting in the room — COVID-19. There are a lot of things at play and a lot of different outcomes these elections will have on them.
What is your strategy? For me and my family, we will continue to get up every day, put our boots on, and go to work. We will strive to do the best for our farm and community. We will keep up with economic events and trade deals that will impact the industry. We will manage the best way possible. Read more here>>>
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Poll Shows Americans’ Unwavering Trust in Farmers and Approval of Sustainability Practices
From American Farm Bureau Federation
A majority of U.S. adults have a positive view of farmers’ sustainability practices, and an overwhelming majority trust farmers, according to a new national public opinion poll from the American Farm Bureau Federation.
The survey of 2,200 U.S. adults found that more than half (58%) rate the sustainability practices of U.S. farmers positively, with broad agreement from a majority of adults across demographic groups.
Nearly nine in 10 adults (88%) trust farmers, a 4% increase from AFBF’s June 2020 polling, which is evidence the public recognized that food supply chain challenges brought on by the pandemic were not within the control of farmers and ranchers.
The survey also explored public attitudes about the environmental sustainability achievements of farmers and ranchers, as well as future direction to advance climate-smart farming. Overall, the public agrees farmers shouldn’t be expected to bear the financial burden alone. Read more here>>>
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Corporate giants’ climate pledges take root, pressing farmers to go green
By Philip Brasher and Hannah Pagel, Agripulse
The alfalfa, oats, radish and clover sprouting in Lance Lillibridge’s Iowa corn field this fall will improve his soil, prevent pollutants from running off his fields into local streams — and, according to scientists, help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are changing the climate.
These cover crops, which can also reduce air emissions from nitrogen fertilizer, a major agricultural contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, also are earning him $35 to $50 an acre in extra cash. That’s a meaningful source of income during a period when farmers can barely cover their cost of producing corn and soybeans.
Lillibridge is taking part in a project, co-sponsored by agribusiness giant Cargill Inc., that is testing whether corporate titans of the grocery, food, beverage, restaurant and apparel industries can persuade farmers to meaningfully reduce the environmental footprint of the crops they grow and animals and they produce.
Officials with many corporations, including such names as Walmart, McDonald’s, General Mills, Levi Strauss and Co. and Danone, have in some cases made sweeping sustainability pledges to consumers and investors to slash the carbon emissions in their supply chains and meet corporate sustainability targets.
“Consumers are really clearly awakening and demanding a lot more with regard to the climate,” said Ryan Sirolli, global row crop sustainability director for Minnesota-based Cargill, one of the world’s largest grain and meat processors and ingredient suppliers. “You might debate climate change and everything else, but I’d say on the consumer side it’s kind of a foregone conclusion.” 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 11/2/20
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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