Posted: May 17, 2012 at 8:15 pm
By News Editor
MilkPEP is using social media to engage with milk lovers over the breakfast tray.
From behind a row of computer monitors in a Chicago office, social media detectives track milk-related breakfast posts from 8 a.m. to noon every weekday. They keep tabs on sentiment, engage milk drinkers, broadcast testimonials from celebrities like Maggie Gyllenhaal (see photo), and offer recipes and health tips. Their purpose? To humanize and promote the national “Got Milk?” campaign.
The installation is called a social media “listening and engagement center,” and it’s the creation of the public relations firm Weber Shandwick.
Read the entire article.
Source: Mashable Business
Posted: May 17, 2012 at 7:59 pm
By News Editor
Love pizza and farming? Then you need to be part of the movement to thank Domino’s Pizza for their support of agriculture. This weekend, May 18-20, order a pizza from your local Domino’s and present them with a thank you note.
In April Domino’s Pizza shareholders rejected a resolution proposed by the Humane Society of the United States to require its pork suppliers to stop housing sows in gestation stalls. In fact 80% of shareholders voted against the resolution. A Domino’s spokesperson says the company relies on animal experts to determine the best way to raise an animal that’s used for food.
The blog The Truth About Agriculture started a Facebook Group, Farmers Paying it Forward with Pizza where you can show your support.
Missouri hog farmer and agvocate Chris Chinn put forth the idea last week in a blog post she wrote for Just Farmers.
Chinn says, “Domino’s decision speaks volumes to me as a farmer. It shows they trust the experts I trust. It shows they trust me. I appreciate that.”
Source: Ohio Ag Net
Posted: May 17, 2012 at 7:34 pm
By News Editor
Congratulation to Hazel-Bush Flap Flower, the newest Holstein Association USA’s Star of the Breed.
This award is given annually to one Holstein cow that not only excels in the showring, but is an exceptional milk producer as well. Flower was bred by Hazel Bush Farms, Inc., of Rice Lake, Wis., and is owned by 22-year-old Beth Nelson of Blair, Wis.
To be eligible for the Star of the Breed award, a cow must place in the top five in her class at a National Holstein Show in the award year, be in a herd enrolled in the TriStar program and have an official classification score. Once the eligible cows are determined, the following calculation is used to decide the award recipient: Combined ME Fat and Protein + Age Adjusted Classification Score x (Breed Average ME Combined Fat & Protein/Breed Average Age Adjusted Classification Score).
Flower was born in July 2006, and is sired by My-John Free Flap-ET, out of Hazel-Bush Delaware Dixie. She made an outstanding milk record this past year, calving in at 4-05, producing 59,160 pounds of milk with 4.2 percent fat (2,471 pounds) and 2.9 percent protein (1,744 pounds) in 365 days. Flower is classified Excellent-92 EEEEE, scoring the maximum 50 in both rear udder height and width. In 2011, Flower was the third place Five-Year-Old at both the Midwest Spring National Holstein Show and the Mid-East Fall National Holstein Show.
Beth is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Farm and Industry Short Course and now works fulltime with her parents, Lee and Becky, at their dairy farm. They milk 150 cows twice a day in a double-10 parabone parlor, the herd primarily comprised of Holsteins, approximately 20 percent of which are registered. The cattle are housed in sand bedded freestalls, with a pack barn for fresh cows, and their ration consists of a TMR with an ample amount of dry hay. The farm’s rolling herd average currently sits at 24,500 pounds of milk, maintaining a 98,000 SCC, which has earned them several milk quality awards.
Source: Holstein Association USA
Posted: May 16, 2012 at 6:35 am
By Chuck
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “When was the last time you talked to a journalist about agriculture?” The question was inspired by an AgChat Twitter conversation question that had been submitted by @BASFAgro! We’re supposed to stand up for our industry and livelihoods that are threatened by lots of misinformation that gets spread by the media. What are we doing about it? How are we speaking out? Are we willing to develop a relationship with the reporters at our local mainstream media outlets (newspaper/radio/tv/web)?
Here are the results, 50% said Recently (I do frequently). Wow. Keep it up. But 22% said Never (Waste of time) and just over 9%/each said, Recently (I rarely do); Long time ago; Never (I will now though).
Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Who should be responsible for child nutrition?” This question was inspired by last night’s FoodChat Twitter conversation. I appreciate the school lunch program and what USDA thinks it is accomplishing by creating rules but somehow it doesn’t sit right with me. There would be no need for this if parents would take some personal responsibility for themselves and their children. More and more government control of our lives just won’t work in the long run. At least that’s my opinion. What’s yours?
ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.
Posted: May 15, 2012 at 7:35 pm
By News Editor
The Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence has announced the dates for this summer’s “Open House and Dairy Tours.”
Each event will feature a tour of the farm, a look at the dairy’s best management practices and recent innovations on the farm, and a review of programs available from the center.
Both events are free and will be held from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., with a picnic-style lunch. Dates and locations include:
· Thursday, June 28, at Ryan and Jen Clark’s dairy operation
· Friday, July 6, at Reed and Diane Hoover’s dairy operation
Both events are open to anyone within the local dairy community, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Participation is free, but pre-registration is requested by calling 717-346-0849.
Source: Center for Dairy Excellence
Posted: May 15, 2012 at 7:28 pm
By News Editor
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 28 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Foremost Farms, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a total of 1,187 metric tons (2.617 million pounds) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 663 metric tons (1.461 million pounds) of butter and anhydrous milk fat (AMF) to customers in Asia, Central America, North Africa and the Middle East. The product will be delivered May through July 2012.
In 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 50.3 million pounds and butter and AMF totaling 42.8 million pounds to 27 countries on four continents. On a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports is 1.396 billion pounds, or the same as the annual milk production of 66,400 cows.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by reducing inventories that overhang the market and depress cheese and butter prices. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.
CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.
Source: Cooperatives Working Together (CWT)
Posted: May 14, 2012 at 7:44 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Tammy Anderson-Wise, who has been named chief executive officer of Dairy Council of California.
Anderson-Wise was formerly director of program services for Dairy Council of CA, managing its school programs. She has been with the organization 15 years. She replaces Peggy Biltz, who is retiring after spending 27 years with Dairy Council of CA, 22 as chief executive officer.
“I am humbly honored to be Peggy’s successor,” Anderson-Wise said of the appointment. “We share a vision for the future – staying true to our core focus on nutrition education. That means building a lifelong value for milk and milk products for California children and their parents – through more touch points and in behaviorally engaging ways that improve their eating habits,” said Anderson-Wise.
Under the Biltz rein, Dairy Council of CA aggressively worked to ramp up its influence in a challenging California school market. The organization now reaches millions of children each year with a professional staff of 50 through its nutrition education programs in schools, collaboration with health professionals and through digital communications. Some 90 percent of California schools use Dairy Council of CA nutrition education programs. Biltz’s most recent efforts have been to demonstrate to health opinion leaders the importance of including all food groups as part of a balanced diet while proactively positioning milk and milk products as an “irreplaceable” food group for maintaining health.
Anderson-Wise steps into the chief executive officer position July 16.
Source: Dairy Council of California
Posted: May 14, 2012 at 7:41 pm
By News Editor
Don and Elsa Sherman, Hilmar, Calif. have donated D&E Merchant Virtue 22230-ET to the 55th National Heifer Sale for the benefit of the national Jersey scholarship funds. Proceeds are designated for the AJCA Educational Fund, established in 2003 to provide additional educational funding for Jersey youth in conjunction with existing scholarship funds.
This is the second major contribution to the national Jersey scholarships by the Shermans. Sale proceeds and A.I. royalties from D&E Rebel Scholar-ET, sold in the 2005 All American Jersey Sale, previously benefited the scholarship funds.
“Virtue” is a daughter of the sixth-high cow in the United States for genomic Jersey Performance Index™. D&E Merchant Virtue 22230-ET has a GJPI of 197 and carries a bull contract from Jerseyland Sires. She is sired by Sunset Canyon Merchant-ET (GJPI 176).
Her dam is All Lynns Impuls Virtue-ET, Very Good-88% with 18,030 lbs. milk, 861 lbs. fat and 637 lbs. protein on her first lactation beginning at 1 year, 10 months of age. Ranked #6 with a GJPI of 238, “Virtue” is out of D&E Paramount Violet, the cow that stood at the top of the GJPI list a year ago. Scored Excellent with records to 27,600 lbs. milk, “Violet” has 29 sons in A.I. programs, including the highest bull on the NAAB G-code list, All Lynns Legal Visionary-ET. She also has 22 daughters and granddaughters among the top 500 females ranked by genomic Jersey Performance Index™ for May.
The third dam is D&E Abe Violet, Excellent-90% with five lactations averaging 21,714-981-776 m.e. She has 76 progeny recorded with the American Jersey Cattle Association.
The National Heifer Sale has provided annual financial support for AJCA youth development programs since 1958. Call 614/322-4473 to request catalogs by mail from the sale manager, Jersey Marketing Service. The catalog will be posted online after June 1.
Source: US Jersey
Posted: May 11, 2012 at 1:14 pm
By News Editor
The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy has announced three resources available to help measure, improve and communicate about sustainability.
The 2011 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Report serves as a comprehensive resource on dairy sustainability for the dairy industry, as well as its partners and consumers. The 2011 report expands beyond the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fluid milk focus of the 2010 report to include broader discussions on the environmental, social and economic aspects of U.S. dairy.
Dairy Plant Smart enables fluid milk processing plants to evaluate overall energy use — including production, transport, refrigerant losses and packaging — to identify opportunities to conserve energy use. In addition to reducing GHG emissions and lowering utility bills, energy efficient practices can help milk processing plants improve system reliability, prevent maintenance and shutdown costs, increase productivity and introduce new revenue streams.
Dairy Fleet Smart helps transportation managers identify ways to more efficiently deliver milk from the production facility to storage or retail by completing a 360-degree evaluation of fuel used. Adopting fuel-efficient best practices can save trucking companies a substantial amount in fuel costs, while also reducing emissions.
Source: Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy®
Posted: May 11, 2012 at 1:09 pm
By News Editor
Canada’s University of Saskatchewan and New York’s Alfred State College will both be install DeLaval milking solutions in their new dairy facilities.
The University of Saskatchewan, located in Saskatoon, Canada, built its new dairy research center for 100 lactating cows with the capability to milk robotically, in a parlor, or in a stanchion barn setting. DeLaval will outfit the facility with a complete range of its dairying equipment including: one VMS™; a Herringbone HDHB double-6 parlor; DelPro™ MU480 milking units for tie stalls; Harmony Plus clusters; a 2,700-gallon DXNA cooling tank; and a programmable C125 cleaning unit.
Animal welfare and the integration of innovative tools for smart on-farm decision-making are focus areas of the University of Saskatchewan’s dairy research facility. The teaching barn will incorporate a number of DeLaval herd management solutions including: the ALPRO™ Activity monitoring system; Smart Selection and Sort Gates; Online Cell Counter for VMS; Automatic Weigh Scale; and an Automated Footbath AFB1000.
The project is slated for completion in November 2012. A main feature of the new facility will be its Public Viewing Gallery for educating the local community about sustainable dairy farming.
Alfred State College, a unit of the State University of New York located in Alfred, NY, is in the process of a major rebuilding project at its College Farm, which will be the site of the Center for Organic and Sustainable Agriculture. As part of its plans, the farm will house side-by-side conventional and organic dairy herds for applied research and teaching purposes.
College Farm’s organic dairy herd will be milked robotically with one DeLaval VMS in a milk first cow traffic scenario. The system allows for round-the-clock milking designed to optimize high quality milk yield and help farm managers run more sustainable, professional and productive dairy operations. DeLaval will also equip the new facility with sort gates and bulk tanks.
Operations at the new agricultural facility for organic and sustainable education and research are scheduled to commence August 2012.
Source: DeLaval
Posted: May 11, 2012 at 12:48 pm
By News Editor
The staff at Dairy Herd Network recently reported this article:
A New York-based dairy cooperative is cutting the price paid to members, citing a surge in the milk supply since the beginning of the year.
“This is something we have done on rare occasions and only do if it is absolutely needed,” according to a memo from top brass at Dairylea Cooperative to members.
This comes on the heels of the Land O’Lakes co-op in California shuttering 17 dairies in a buyout program.
Read the entire article here.
Source: Dairy Herd Network
Posted: May 10, 2012 at 12:51 pm
By Melissa
The New York Beef Industry Council (NYBIC) once again invited more than 50 industry influencers to an educational veal/dairy tour of New York State. The dynamics of this year’s tour was different than the tour of 2010 as this year’s attendees were a mix of chef educators and their students. Six different culinary schools, along with food service, retail, dietitians and media, were present for a farm-to-fork look at the veal and dairy industries.
The tour discussed how the dairy industry impacts the veal industry, the aspects of group housing and feeding, veal nutrition, Veal Quality Assurance, Veal Issues Management, and Packer Processing, including inspection and grading. Center-of-the-Plate expert Steve Olson and Executive Chef Dave Zino conducted a 90-minute veal cutting and cooking clinic. After the lectures, attendees were sent to the “hands-on kitchen”, tied on aprons and cooked up a veal storm creating eight culinary dishes to be served for lunch.
Tours such as the one hosted by the NYBIC are a way for farmers and ag groups to showcase the transparency of the industry on a local level. It gives industry influencers (such as bloggers, media, foodservice reps, chefs and dietitians) a chance to freely ask questions and express their concerns over myths and misconceptions that are often portrayed about agriculture, which enables them to then communicate the FACTS with the consuming public.
Posted: May 9, 2012 at 6:59 pm
By News Editor
The Cornell Small Dairy Team has released a series of six new resources to help small dairy farms.
The team, whose members include farmers and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) educators, received a grant from the Cornell Small Farms Program in 2011 to provide new educational resources and tools to small dairy producers.
The new resources and tools include:
- Financial Bench Marks for Small Dairies: Helps dairies identify the strengths and weaknesses of their farms compared to other farms of similar size in New York State
- Off-Farm Processing Start-Up Fact Sheet: Suggests first steps for dairy farmers considering adding direct sales of value-added dairy products to their business mix
- Web based Geo-Map: Shows all the small dairy processing plants in New York state
- “Small Dairy Case Studies: Highlights unique solutions of how four small dairy operators made decisions to keep their farms profitable
- Production Record-Keeping Book for Grazing Dairies: Formatted and distributed to Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) offices statewide by Cornell
- Small Farms Program Small Dairy Team; printing funded by New York Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative; books are available to grazing dairies at no cost through local CCE office.
- Organic Dairy Forage and Grain Survey: Due to fluctuating precipitation in 2011, many farms were short of forage and grain. This is particularly stressful to organic dairies since they have limited options for buying replacement feed.
Looking ahead to 2012 small dairy programming, the Cornell Small Farms Program is collaborating with educators and farmers to host a series of small dairy field days through late Spring and Summer. Topics include everything from incorporating new value added products to improving nutrition to producing on-farm biodiesel.
Source: Cornell Small Farms Program
Posted: May 9, 2012 at 6:15 pm
By News Editor
The fourth Cow Pie Bingo, held on June 27 at the annual meetings of the AJCA and National All-Jersey Inc. at the Grand Hotel in North Conway, N.H., will benefit the Jersey Youth Academy. The Rector Jersey Farm, Hilmar, Calif. has donated Rectors Merchant Paris 22258 for the Cow Pie Bingo in memory of influential Jersey breeders and leaders of the American Jersey Cattle Association who have passed away in recent years.
“The Jersey community has lost a long list of distinguished members, really too many to name individually,” says Benny Rector. “As state and national leaders, as promoters of the Jersey cow, and through their efforts to improve the Jersey breed, they inspired those of us who followed them into this business to achieve success.
“My family and I are pleased to be able to give back to the association in their memory. Our hope is that this gift will convey to those who have or will participate in Jersey Youth Academy that the greatest rewards of owning Jerseys come through service to the breed and the dairy industry.”
Born in May of 2011, Rectors Merchant Paris 22258 is a P9 heifer with a genomic Jersey Performance Index™ of 151. She is sired by Sunset Canyon Merchant-ET, GJPI 176. Her dam by Ahlem Lemvig Abe-ET (GJPI 147) is Very Good-85% with 19,214-967-729 m.e. at 1 year, 9 months of age. The fourth dam is Excellent with four records over 21,000 lbs. milk, 1,000 lbs. fat and 800 lbs. protein.
The heifer will determine the winner before the start of the 55th National Heifer Sale on June 30. The first three events have raised $20,570 for the endowment of Jersey Youth Academy.
Source: Jersey Youth Academy
Posted: May 9, 2012 at 6:55 am
By Chuck
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Should raw milk be allowed for sale?” The question was prompted by one of the panelists at the 2012 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit. She is a reporter with a food safety publication who says that this issue is the one that gets the most comments and response of any other. This question generated the most comments of any ZimmPoll to date so I understand what she was saying. Actually, most comments wanted a 4th response option to allow the sale of raw milk but with sufficient regulation and testing to ensure it is safe. I saw the comments too late to make that change so I don’t know if these results would have been different. So the answer, Absolutely with no regulation received 66%; On a very limited and regulated basis received 20% and Definitely not, too many health concerns received 14%. Surprised? I’m thinking that we not only have a lot of raw milk lovers in the ZimmComm News Network community but they are very active at getting others to vote! This poll also had one of the highest number of responses we’ve had so far. Why do you think that is?
Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “When was the last time you talked to a journalist about agriculture?” The question is inspired by last night’s AgChat Twitter conversation and a question that had been submitted by @BASFAgro! We’re supposed to stand up for our industry and livelihoods that are threatened by lots of misinformation that gets spread by the media. What are we doing about it? How are we speaking out? Are we willing to develop a relationship with the reporters at our local mainstream media outlets (newspaper/radio/tv/web)? More questions I know but there is a lot we can all do to help educate the ultimate consumers of the products we produce. Keep it up. It does make a difference!
Let your friends and neighbors know they can participate by sharing this link.
ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.
Posted: May 8, 2012 at 5:53 pm
By News Editor
The Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence and the S. Dale High Center for Family Business are hosting a two-day training on facilitating the family farm transition process.
The two-day workshop, “Building a Bridge to Dairy Transition,” is being held on Wednesday, May 30, from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Harrisburg, Pa. and on Tuesday, June 5, from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Elizabethtown, Pa. Dairy professionals interested in participating are encouraged to attend both days of the workshop.
To help ‘build the bridge’ to successful transitions, the center has partnered with the Center for Family Business to train dairy professionals to serve as facilitators available to help these farms work through the complex planning process involved with a farm transition. Any dairy professional with an interest in facilitating farm succession or transition planning can register, but space is limited to the first 30 participants.
The training is offered in two parts. Day one of the workshop will address “Breaking the Communications Barrier,” covering the dynamics surrounding intra-family communications and the steps necessary in structuring successful family business transitions. Day two will offer advice on “Navigating the Difficult Decisions,” with representatives from Persun & Heim, AgChoice Farm Credit, Acuity Advisors and New York State Life addressing the legal, financial planning, accounting and insurance aspects of a farm transition.
Mike McGrann, executive director of the S. Dale High Center for Family Business, will lead the discussion on family business dynamics and facilitate the discussion on Day Two of the workshop. McGrann has conducted seminars for family business, executive education programs, and personalized educational workshops for family groups around the world. He teaches classes on entrepreneurship, family enterprising, and new venture creation.
During both days, participants will work together in round tables to think through case studies involving farm transitions. As a pre-requisite, participants are encouraged to bring a case study of their own on a business involved in the transition planning process to use in group discussions.
The cost to participate in the two-day training is $150 per person, discounted to $75 for those associated with a center “Ally for Advancement” at the silver level or higher. Registration costs are being supported by the grant from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Agriculture Partnership.
A full registration brochure can be found online. All registrations are due by May 10, 2012. However, space is limited, and only the first 30 registrations will be accepted into the program.
Source: Center for Dairy Excellence
Posted: May 8, 2012 at 5:47 pm
By News Editor
Cornell University will introduce a six-month aged mild white cheddar this fall. The cheddar, called Big Red Cheddar, will be sold online and in campus retail outlets such as Cornell Orchards and the Cornell Store, in one and two pound wheels.
The cheeses were developed by dairy extension specialist Rob Ralyea, with the help of Brian Bailey, master cheese maker at Yancey’s Fancy cheese company, and Howard Van Buren of Chr. Hansen, an international company that develops natural ingredients for the food, pharmaceutical, nutritional and agricultural industries.
The cheese will be marketed mainly to Cornell’s 300,000 alumni, students, faculty and staff, but Cornell Dining and Cornell Catering are also expected to be large wholesale customers. They currently use about 2,400 pounds of mild cheddar per year.
Kathryn Boor, the dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, was among those who tested the cheeses.
“Cornell Big Red Cheddar represents not only a great new product to come out of Cornell Dairy, but also our expanded efforts to support the New York dairy industry and its emerging entrepreneurs in cheese, yogurt and other fermented products,” Boor said.
“It seems like there has been a rebirth in the state for dairy, and it’s a great time to be in this industry. We have really good milk, we have good students, we have good support, we have good products,” added Bailey, of Yancey’s Fancy. “I’m really excited about what’s going on at Cornell, and I’m glad to be a small part of it.”
Source: Cornell University
Posted: May 7, 2012 at 5:49 pm
By News Editor
The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board has a new program for foodservice professionals, retailers and consumers alike who love cheese. Called Wisconsin Cheese Picks & Bites℠, the program offers more than 50 hand-held cheese creations for all to enjoy!
Each petite pick or bite combines Wisconsin Cheese with a few luscious ingredients that deliver irresistible flavor combinations and easy preparation. The choices range from savory to sweet and rely on fresh ingredients for contemporary appeal.
Restaurateurs can enliven a bar menu with choices from the eclectic collection as well as feature the Picks & Bites℠ as zesty appetizers. Their colorful eye appeal makes them a perfect garnish to a salad, soup or entrée. And, they offer great pairing opportunities, especially as a garnish for today’s popular cocktails. Sweet selections are a creative addition to the mini dessert plate, and the expansive choices encourage signature cheese course options.
Caterers can take advantage of these creative cheese applications, and will find selections make an outstanding passed hors d’oevre and buffet attention-grabber.
Retailers will find a wide variety of in-store promotional possibilities with Picks & Bites℠. WMMB has developed a variety of in-store merchandising materials to support this new addition to its popular in-store Toolbox retail programming that includes a recipe brochure, counter cards, iron man signage and table tents. The selection also is an innovative way for shoppers to sample new cheeses or enhance a deli or prepared food display. Several picks can be grouped to sell in the prepared foods section, especially for home entertaining occasions.
Consumers, too, can easily and quickly compose Picks & Bites℠ for entertaining and other special occasions. Many are simple enough to engage the entire family in kitchen duty while offering kids an educational opportunity and enticement to try new cheeses and the fresh ingredients that complement them.
A downloadable Picks & Bites℠ brochure, featuring photos and ingredient listings for each item is available to trade and consumers online.
Source: Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
Posted: May 7, 2012 at 5:36 pm
By News Editor
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 10 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a total of 340 metric tons (749,572 pounds) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 235 metric tons (518,086 pounds) of butter to customers in North Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The product will be delivered May through July 2012.
In 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 47.6 million pounds and butter totaling 41.3 million pounds to 26 countries on four continents. On a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports is 1.340 billion pounds, or the same as the annual milk production of 63,800 cows.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by reducing inventories that overhang the market and depress cheese and butter prices. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.
CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.
Source: Cooperatives Working Together (CWT)
Posted: May 3, 2012 at 7:53 pm
By News Editor
Featured speakers for the 2012 Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc. will be Dana H. Coale, Deputy Administrator for AMS Dairy Programs, USDA, and Roger A. Cady, Ph.D., Senior Technical Advisor and Sustainability Lead on the Elanco Food Industry & Consumer Affairs team. The meetings will be held at the North Conway Grand Hotel in North Conway, N.H., from June 27 through 30.
Coale will address the 54th Annual Meeting of National All-Jersey Inc. on Friday afternoon, June 29. Since September of 2004 she has served as the Deputy Administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Dairy Programs. The AMS Dairy Programs is responsible for administering the Federal milk marketing order program, reporting dairy market news, developing dairy product standards, inspecting and grading dairy products and facilities, reviewing equipment for meat and poultry processing, and overseeing dairy producer and fluid milk processor promotion and research programs.
Dana has spent nearly her entire career with the AMS Dairy Programs. She began as an agricultural marketing specialist in 1990 working with the Federal milk marketing order program. Prior to her appointment as Deputy Administrator, she served as the Associate Deputy Administrator for Dairy Programs for almost three years. Dana began her career with AMS Fruit and Vegetable Programs in 1989 working in the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act Branch as a marketing specialist.
Roger A. Cady, Ph.D., will be the featured presenter for the seminar programs starting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27 at the North Conway Grand Hotel.
In his role as Senior Technical Advisor and Sustainability Lead on the Elanco Food Industry & Consumer Affairs team, Dr. Cady works with the dairy industry and retail chain providing sound science to support sustainable agricultural practices. His current work is focused on methods to reduce natural resource use in the production of food animal protein and promote environmentally sustainable practices in the food animal industry.
Cady is a native of New York and received his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Breeding from Cornell University. He has served several technical roles during his 12-year employment at Monsanto and now Elanco Animal Health. Prior to working in industry, Cady was professor and extension dairy specialist for 18 years at University of New Hampshire and Washington State University. He was co-founder of a popular international 20-year old e-mail based discussion group covering dairy herd management issues. He is also a founder of the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA)./em>
Source: American Jersey Cattle Association
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