HD Notebook

A hard fall for school soft drink sales

2010-03-12T07:55:00.001-06:00

Rejoice, milk producers. The latest report card for beverage sales at U.S. high schools shows a big fat F for soft drinks.

According to The Wall Street Journal earlier this week, a report to be released Monday by the American Beverage Association will show a stunning decline in the sale of soft drinks in U.S. high schools over the last five years. Most notable is a 95 percent decline in sales of “full-calorie” soft drinks.

The collapse is credited to many factors, including efforts by states and local school districts to limit or eliminate high-calorie sweet beverages from schools’ menus and vending machines, greater social focus on battling childhood obesity, and cooperation from beverage manufacturers.

Milk and other dairy products were not identified in the study. Other major sales declines in the study include:
– a 94 percent decline in imitation fruit juices
– a 77 percent decline in flavored teas
– a 67 percent decline in sports drinks
– a 47 percent decline in diet soft drinks

“We congratulate the beverage industry for working to remove sugary sodas from schools,” said Margo G. Wootan, nutrition policy director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest in a March 8 press release. She added, however, that much work remains to be done since full-calorie sodas, sports drinks, imitation fruit drinks, and ice teas still make up one-third of all beverage sales in high schools.

Last July, the American Heart Association said recent research had found that drinking more than one soft drink per day – regular or diet – increased the risk factors associated with both heart disease and new-onset obesity.

USDA lowers milk price forecast sharply

2010-03-11T08:20:00.000-06:00

Lower milk prices and feed costs are forecast, but the lower costs won’t make up for the lower prices.

In yesterday’s World Supply/Demand Estimates, USDA lowered its milk price forecasts sharply from a month earlier. The midpoint projection for 2010 Class III prices was lowered from $15.25 to $14.50. The midpoint of the All-Milk Price projection was lowered from $16.55 to $15.85 or 70 cents per hundred.

The milk production forecast was raised for 2010 with milk production expected to be fractionally above 2009.

Cheese prices were reduced as higher stocks are expected to pressure prices. Butter price forecasts were raised slightly on the strength of current demand although higher milk supplies and weaker cheese prices may encourage higher butter production, pressuring prices later in the year.

The projected 2009/10 marketing-year average farm price for corn was lowered 20 cents on the top end of the range to $3.45 to $3.75 per bushel. World corn production for 2009/10 was raised 5.9 million tons. Global corn ending stocks for 2009/10 were projected to be 6.1 million tons higher with increases in most of the world’s major corn-exporting countries, including the U.S., Argentina, South Africa, and Brazil.

The U.S. season-average soybean price range for 2009/10 was narrowed to $8.95 to $9.95 per bushel. The soybean meal price was projected at $280 to $310 per short ton (2,000 pounds) compared with $270 to $320 previously.

U.S. soybean ending stocks for 2009/10 are projected at 190 million bushels, down 20 million from last month. Soybean production is estimated at 3.359 billion bushels, down 2 million from the January estimate.

Cattle price forecasts were raised for 2010 due to tighter meat supplies. This will provide more cull cow income and encourage culling which will help reduce milk supplies.

A peek into the future dairy farm

2010-03-10T08:05:00.001-06:00

While many dairy farms in the U.S. and abroad are trying to dig their way out of the most recent milk price crisis, a 200-plus person group of producers and industry, mostly from Canada, met in Toronto, Ontario, last week for the First North American Conference on Precision Dairy Management. Perhaps, Dairy Farming of the Future would have been an appropriate name, as well. The plethora of high-tech equipment couldn't help but make us think of our industry's next generation of managers who prefer push-button controls to back-breaking work. But, the bigger question on our mind was — who can afford this right now? One exhibitor at the conference touted an in-line NIR (near infrared) feed control system. The technology has the capabilities to monitor and alter moisture, ADF, NDF, and much more in your ration as it is being mixed. Could this be the link that removes the variation between the ration formulated by the nutritionist and the ration actually mixed and fed?

Feeding wasn't the only focus of the meeting. Robotic milking was a natural fit under the precision dairy management umbrella. The conference's coordinator, Jack Rodenburg of DairyLogix and the Vetvice group has authored an article that will be appearing our March 25 issue about optimal barn design for robotic milking facilities. If you're thinking of going robotic, you'll want to read it.

Breeding, a not so obvious fit to precision dairy farming was also discussed. Getting cows bred has become an Achille's heel for many dairy farms, but we must admit that public relations has, too. One U.S. veterinarian presenting at the conference blasted the U.S. dairy industry's reliance on timed A.I. protocols because of its potential to become a public relations nightmare. He pointed to the potential expanded use of activity monitoring to manage heat detection instead of OvSynch protocols. Another heat detection tool discussed was in-line milk sampling for progesterone levels.

Ephraim Maltz, of the Volcani Institute in Israel, has been researching precision dairy farming technologies for many years. He reminded attendees that decades ago, individual animal care was the norm when farms were only home to a few cows. Today, cows tend to be managed in groups on large farms. "We can now manage the smallest production unit again," he says when referencing the variety of tools now available to manage cows individually and precisely.

An exciting announcement from Hoard's Dairyman

2010-03-08T16:35:00.008-06:00

While 2010 marks the beginning of a new decade, it also marks a momentous occasion for Hoard's Dairyman. On January 23, 1885, William Dempster Hoard launched the first edition of Hoard's Dairyman. This year, our 125th anniversary, we've asked world-renowned dairy artist Bonnie Mohr of Glencoe, Minn., to help us create an updated Foster Mothers of the Human Race painting. The original Foster Mothers print was created in 1957 followed by updates in 1963, 1991, and 1993 — all of which were painted by former Hoard's Dairyman Art Director James Baird. You can follow along with Bonnie on Bonnie's Brush with Hoard's — our special edition blog — as she paints this piece during the coming months. We'll have plenty of video of Bonnie answering the questions you've always wanted to ask and we'll offer sneak peaks of how the painting is coming along. Visit the blog as often as you like, we'll update it each week!

NEDPA approves best management practices

2010-03-08T07:55:00.002-06:00

Over 550 dairy producers and allied industry professionals gathered in Liverpool, N.Y., for the biannual conference of the Northeast Dairy Producers Association (NEDPA). Sustainable agricultural production, carbon footprints, markets, and animal welfare were key discussion topics for the two-day conference held on March 3 and 4 just outside of Syracuse, N.Y.

During the second day of the conference, animal welfare was a major focus as Candace Croney from Ohio State and Nina von Keyserlingk from the University of British Columbia discussed animal welfare initiatives across the country and around the world. Nina then turned the discussion to specific issues on dairy farms and Nigel Cook, D.V.M., from the University of Wisconsin detailed cattle housing.

After those presentations, Daryl Nydam, a Cornell D.V.M., began the Best Management Practices recently adapted by NEDPA. Three specific issues addressed were dehorning, tail docking, and nonambulatory cows. In their position statement, NEDPA supports the right of farmers to choose to dehorn and dock tails as appropriate management practices when these practices are conducted humanely, with best management practices, and under the supervision of a veterinarian.

When it comes to dehorning, NEDPA is recommending that it take place before 8 weeks of age through dehorning paste, thermal cautery, or by gouging technique. Cornual nerve block with lidocaine should be used with all dehorning procedures. In addition, a single-dose of a long-term analgestic, such flunixin, is recommended for pain control and inflammation reduction

For tail docking, NEDPA suggests using an elastrator or cautery tail docker in calves less then 30 days old. They recommend tail docking at a young age. If animals are docked over 1 month of age, cutting requires use of anesthesia with lidocaine. The tail docking issue may be the most controversial as Nydam went on to discuss the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) position statement on the subject: "The AABP is not aware of sufficient scientific evidence in the literature to support tail docking in cattle. If it is deemed necessary for proper care and management of production animals in certain conditions, veterinarians should counsel clients on proper procedures, benefits, and risks."

NEDPA's protocol for nonambulatory cows includes a provision for prompt relocation from concrete to a safe, well-bedded area. That area must provide adequate footing, provisions for water and food without competition from other cattle, protection from self-injury, injury from other animals, and protection from environmental elements. If it is determined a cow should be euthanized, it should be done quickly without moving the animal. NEDPA recommends using the AABP's guide on euthanasia found in the pdf below.

euth.pdf

Pressing HSUS’s feet to the fire

2010-03-05T08:30:00.000-06:00

In the two weeks since we told you about creation of HumaneWatch.org and its mission to separate fraud from fact about the Humane Society of the United States, we’re delighted to report that turning up the heat of scrutiny is already producing some results.

First came a colossal tidal wave of public backlash against the Australian company that makes Yellow Tail wine after it announced a $100,000 donation to HSUS in February. This prompted the company to investigate what HSUS’s priorities really are – and then make a public apology and promise to never donate to the group again.

An essentially identical story was repeated a few days later by Pilot Travel Centers, a U.S. chain of gas stations that caters to long-haul truckers, which was also clueless about HSUS’s anti-agriculture mission. Then yesterday, Precious Cat, Inc., a cat litter company that had been listed on the HSUS “corporate supporters” page, announced it had withdrawn its support and henceforth would make donations to actual animal shelters instead.

While the truth about HSUS may finally be getting out in some quarters, communicating the message to the public will be an uphill struggle. Just how steep that challenge is was illustrated by results of a nationwide public opinion poll released on Tuesday this week. In it, 71 percent of those polled the previous week agreed with the statement that, “HSUS is an umbrella group that represents thousands of local humane societies all across America.” However, HumaneWatch.org says tax records filed by HSUS show this statement is, in fact, false.

The heat is on, ladies and gentlemen, and we think HSUS may be starting to sweat.

Watch the cows, and use a tape measure

2010-03-04T07:55:00.001-06:00

You may have noted that the Hoard's Dairyman Farm has benefited from having a management team that has met regularly over the past 1-1/2 years (February 10, 2010, issue, page 108) and having converted our heifer free stall barn to a bedded pack area for our close-ups (March 10, 2010, issue, page 177). We also tweaked the prefresh ration to reduce sorting.

The changes have made a difference, especially in pregnancy rates that have improved notably over the past six months. But we have been seeing more retains and metritis cases during the past few weeks.

The invaluable part of having a management team in place is that you have an established way to brainstorm what may be causing a problem and a procedure for making decisions and taking action quickly to get things back on track.

In our March 10 article, we talked about having at least 100 square feet of bedded pack and 28 inches of manger space per cow at capacity (70 close-up cows and heifers). But it is important to watch your cows and use a tape measure. Jason Yurs, our farm manager, had been observing where cows were lying and not lying. He saw that there was a 22 foot-wide strip of bedded pack down the middle of the barn that the cows were using. There were 41 cows in the barn at the time which meant 72 square feet per cow. We had tried bedding closer to the open south side of the building, but rain and snow blowing in kept the bedding in that area wet. Plus, cows avoided lying in areas around the waterers which were out in the middle of the bedded areas, it being a retrofit.

Wanting to make sure that we maintain good intakes in that prefresh group, we put sand down in the feeding area to give cows more confidence as they go the manager, with plans to do some grooving when possible. We also will try to devise a way to keep some of the further-off dry cows in another area to reduce pressure on the pack.

We're trying another tactic that will reduce pressure on the close-up barn and help heifers get off to a better start. When bringing them back from the heifer growers, they will be put either in Pen 1 (our first-calf heifers) or Pen 5 (our tail-enders), depending on where space is available, so the springing heifers will have some free stall and parlor experience before they are moved to the close-up barn just before calving.

They checked the facts on lactose intolerance

2010-03-03T09:48:00.008-06:00

Consumers battling lactose intolerance might need to find ways to become more tolerant of dairy to manage good health. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently gathered a panel of nutrition experts to address lactose intolerance and health. The group evaluated the most recent research on lactose intolerance, discussed strategies to manage the condition, and discovered the outcomes of diets that exclude dairy foods. Lactose intolerance is the result of low amounts of the lactase enzymes used to comfortably digest dairy products and more specifically, lactose — the sugar found in milk. Many times when the condition is discovered, dairy products are almost completely eliminated in the diet. The panel of experts completed a thorough scientific review and drafted a consensus statement to address common misconceptions about lactose intolerance.

They agreed that completely eliminating dairy in the diet was a poor choice and could lead to greater health risks. Because of dairy's dense nutrient line-up, meeting nutrient needs would be difficult for lactose-intolerant individuals who eliminated dairy in their diet. In addition, strong research suggests that those with lactose intolerance can tolerate at least 12 grams of lactose without minor symptoms — that's about one cup of milk.

African Americans tend to have lower Vitamin D intakes. Part of that likely is due to the increased prevalence of lactose intolerance in the African American community. The National Medical Association is the nation's largest group of African American physicians. Dr. Wilma Wooten, president of its San Diego chapter presented research to the NIH panel on the ethnic prevalence of lactose intolerance. "Individuals with lactose intolerance should not avoid dairy products," Wooten said. "This message should be reinforced to prevent the missed opportunity provided by the nutrient-rich package of low and nonfat milk, hard cheese, and yogurt with live active cultures."

Another study quantified the degree of lactose intolerance in the United States and found an amount lower than previously thought. They concluded that as little as 12 percent of the U.S. population identifies themselves as lactose-intolerant. However, ethnically, this number varied. For European Americans, 7.7 percent reported being lactose-intolerant, 10.1 percent of Hispanic Americans, and 19.5 percent of African Americans report being lactose-intolerant.

Dietary guidelines for Americans encourage those with lactose intolerance to focus on consuming lower-lactose dairy options such as lactose-free milk, yogurt, and hard cheeses to ensure they receive the important nutrients found in dairy products. If you would like more information on the recent panel on lactose intolerance, visit the National Dairy Council's website.

Breed judges named for 2010 World Dairy Expo

2010-03-02T07:55:00.000-06:00

Official judges for World Dairy Expo 2010 have been appointed. The individuals who will be responsible for placing over 2,500 head of dairy cattle during the five-day show are:

International Junior Holstein Show: Adam Liddle, Argyle, New York

International Ayrshire Show: Norm Nabholz, West Union, Iowa
Ayrshire Associate: Randy Franck, Dewitt, Iowa

International Milking Shorthorn Show: Ronnie Mosser, Geneva, Indiana

Central National Jersey Show: Kelly Barbee, Concord, North Carolina
Jersey Associate: Dennis Patrick, Woodbine, Maryland

International Brown Swiss Show: Callum McKinven, Canton De Hatley, Quebec, Canada
Brown Swiss Associate: Richard Landry, Ste-Brigitte des Saults, Quebec, Canada

International Guernsey Show: Lynn Harbaugh, Pine River, Wisconsin
Guernsey Associate: Paul Trapp, Taylor, Wisconsin

Grand International Red & White Show: Brian Carscadden, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Red & White Associate: Quim Serrabassa, Spain

International Holstein Show: Brian Craswell, Civic, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Holstein Associate: Tyler Doiron, Cap Sante, Quebec, Canada

2009 milk production statistics reveal few changes

2010-03-01T07:55:00.000-06:00

USDA recently released the 2009 averages for state-by-state milk production, cow numbers, and milk per cow. A detailed report, complete with charts and tables, can be found the in the March 10 issue on page 169. Here are a few findings from USDA's report:

Cow numbers dipped slightly compared to the previous year’s 9.315 million which represented the highest inventory since 1996. Despite the drop, average cow numbers were still high with the nation’s 9.201 million cows running above average totals for 2001 to 2007. It should be stressed these are yearly averages. Estimated cow numbers in December 2009 stood at 9.082 million. Among the top 10 dairy states, those that reduced cow numbers were: California, down, 2.6 percent; New York, down 1.1 percent; Pennsylvania, down 0.7 percent; and New Mexico, down 3.8 percent.

Growth in milk per cow slowed for the fifth consecutive year, dropping to 0.9 percent compared to between 1.0 to 3.2 percent gains in the previous four years. Over the past decade, Arizona, Colorado, and Washington all took turns holding the top spot for milk per cow. This year, New Mexico has the nation’s highest-producing cows, breaking the 24,000-pound barrier for the first time.

Meanwhile, there was only one change in the top 10 milk production states with Michigan overtaking New Mexico. Milk production in the top production state, California, was down 4.1 percent, while production in the nation's second leading state, Wisconsin, was up 3.1 percent.

U.S. dairy farmers produced 618 pounds of milk for every American citizen. On a per capita basis, Idaho led all states producing 7,860 pounds of milk for every state citizen. The next three on the list were: Wisconsin, 4,463 pounds per resident; Vermont, 3,971 pounds per resident; and New Mexico, 3,933 per resident. A full-color map including all 50 states can be found in the March 10 issue.
MilkProd-02-19-2010-1.pdf

Tougher organic milk and meat rules

2010-02-26T07:55:00.001-06:00

The organic milk and meat world will change significantly on June 17, when stricter new regulations defining it go into effect. The new standards were announced by USDA earlier this month after several years of study and discussion requested by organic producer groups, food companies, and consumer organizations.

At the heart of the new rules is a precise definition of how much time cattle producing organic milk or meat must spend on pasture: at least four months each year, although they need not be consecutive. Another precise stipulation that figures to be more difficult to measure is that at least 30 percent of their feed intake must come from grazing. Previously, the only stipulation was that cows needed have access to pasture.

The new rules come at a time when adverse effects of recession in the general economy are taking a bite out of organic product sales. For several years, proponents boasted about the huge annual percentage growth in organic sales and dairy numbers but did not mention the actual totals involved. According to a USDA analysis released February 25 that detailed a slowdown in organic growth, the number of organic milk cows in 2005 was 86,000 (just under 1 percent) and organic milk’s total U.S. fluid market share in 2008 was just 3 percent.

The analysis said the recession is having a major impact on organic dairies in ways besides just a slowdown in retail sales. Organic production costs are estimated to be $4.78 per hundredweight higher than conventional dairies. In addition, average organic herd size is about 50 percent smaller and production per cow is about 30 percent less, both of which limit production efficiency and scales of economy. A lengthy and costly conversion period is also required for existing conventional dairies to be certified for organic production.

Smaller drop in cows and milk expected

2010-02-25T07:55:00.000-06:00

Cow numbers and milk production may not drop as much this year as expected earlier, according to USDA's dairy outlook report released yesterday. The size of the U.S. dairy herd is expected to decline from an average of 9.2 million head in 2009 to an average of 9.015 million
this year. The big heifer inventory suggests that the decline in herd size will be more gradual than earlier forecast.

Milk per cow is forecast to increase 1.8 percent this year, to 20,950 pounds from
20,576 pounds last year.

Feed prices will decline as the price of corn is expected to average $3.45 to $3.95 per bushel in the 2009/10 marketing year and soybean meal is forecast to average $270 to $320 per ton. These forecast prices represent substantial declines from $4.20 per bushel for corn and $336 per ton for soybean meal posted for 2008/09. The resulting Milk-Feed Price ratio's will not be enough to create expansion, but they could limit the rate of decline in milk production.

Year-ending stocks in 2009 were about 12 percent higher on a milk equivalent fat basis than at the end of 2008, mostly due to especially high cheese stocks. On a milk equivalent skim-solid basis, stocks were about 3 percent higher.

USDA forecasts dairy product exports to rise substantially in 2010 compared with 2009’s depressed levels. Exports are projected to increase from 4.0 to 4.8 billion pounds on a milk equivalent fat basis and from 22.7 to 25.7 billion pounds on a milk equivalent skim-solid basis.

Domestic commercial use, on a skim-solid basis, is forecast to increase to 168.3 billion pounds in 2010 from 166.4 billion in 2009 and to rise to 188.8 billion pounds from 186.2 billion on a fat basis. Commercial use rose in 2009, mostly due to low prices, but the commercial use forecast this year will hinge more on the strength of economic recovery in light of higher
expected prices.

Cheese prices are forecast higher in 2010, at $1.575 to $1.645 per pound. Likewise, butter prices will strengthen in 2010 averaging $1.395 to $1.495 per pound. Prices for dry products will also rise this year. NDM prices are forecast to average $1.175 to $1.235 per pound and whey to average 37.5 to 40.5 cents per pound in 2010.

Based on product price forecasts, milk prices will rise in 2010 from those of 2009. The Class IV price is expected to be $13.95 to $14.75 per cwt, and the Class III price is projected to average $14.90 to $15.60 per cwt. The all milk price is expected to be $16.20 to 16.90 per cwt in 2010.

A fatal flaw in cheese making that you could be causing

2010-02-24T08:31:00.006-06:00

Black spot defect is known as a fatal flaw in cheese making. These minute flecks of black in aged cheeses mean serious devaluation of cheese. They are formed because of the metallic nature of compounds that find their way into the milk line. The likely cause is poor removal of internal teat sealants. These internal teat sealants are hydrophobic, too, so they stick to our stainless steel milk lines and processing equipment. Scott Rankin from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and Keith Engle with GEA Farm Technologies discussed the issue during the recent meeting of Wisconsin dairy plant field representatives.

Internal teat sealants can dramatically reduce mastitis during the dry period and early in lactation. However, making sure teats are thoroughly cleaned out is essential."Prevention in administration and removal is definitely key, along with using milk filters while washing," Engel says. Be sure to pinch the very top of the teat when administering the sealant and when removing it. When removing, be sure to strip each teat 10 to 15 times before attaching the milking unit. If some does enter the milk line, it isn't easy to clean out. A very simple foam sponge is probably your best bet.

We believe in the future of agriculture — Happy National FFA Week

2010-02-23T08:05:00.002-06:00

Saturday began a week-long celebration for the nation's largest youth-led organization. National FFA Week lasts through Saturday. The organization boasts a membership of over a half-million students in 7,429 chapters across the United States.

At the organization's 3rd National Convention, a creed written by E.M. Tiffany was adopted. An updated version was adopted at their 38th and 63rd convention. Some of you who participated in the organization's Creed Speaking competition may be able to recite the entire creed still today. For those of you who can't, we'd encourage you to read it below; it is inspiring how much of it still rings true today.

I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds — achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.

I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.

I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so — for others, as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.

I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.

After rough years like 2009 it is good to get a reminder that agriculture is challenging, but it is rewarding. E.M. Tiffany clearly knew the importance of being a skilled business man, the importance of perseverance, and our "inborn" passion for what we do. Happy National FFA Week to all 506,199 members— we are proud to call you our future.

Farm numbers fall just 3.8 percent to 54,952

2010-02-22T13:42:00.009-06:00

Despite low milk prices and rising costs, the majority of dairy producers continued to milk cows last year. What remains to be seen is how the recent depressed economic conditions, both on the income and expense side of the ledger, will affect long-term dairy farm numbers.

For the moment, last year’s 2,185 drop in dairy operations with permits to sell milk represents the second smallest drop in actual numbers. It was last year’s drop of 2,003 dairy farms that set the low mark for losses since milk permit tracking began in 1992. On a percentage basis, dairy farm numbers dropped only 3.8 percent from the previous year. That’s the fourth-smallest-ever percentage drop since count began.

Since 1992, the drop in licensed or so-called commercial dairy farms has been 76,567, from 131,509 to 2009s 54,942. That’s a drop of 58 percent during that time. The farms counted in this survey are those that have a permit to sell milk. This number differs from another USDA estimate . . . operations with milk cows. That total now is 65,000 and has declined 103,500 or 61.9 percent since 1992.

For only the second time since the survey began, the West led all regions for the largest share of farms losses at 5 percent. With the West’s higher than usual losses, it was the first time since 2002 that the Southeast didn’t lead the nation in dairy farm losses. Since 1992, however, the Southeast’s operations fell from 12,057 to 3,845 . . . a drop of 8,212 or 68 percent.

For a full report, check out page 167 of the March 10 issue which will be in the mail shortly.

MilkProd-02-19-2010-1.pdf

Make a bowl of popcorn and check out this website

2010-02-19T07:55:00.000-06:00

Ladies and gentlemen it’s showtime at last.

One of the best surprises we’ve had in a long time arrived in our e-mail on Tuesday this week, from the Center for Consumer Freedom in Washington D.C. announcing it has formed HumaneWatch.org to be a watchdog to fan away the smoke and clear the mirrors of propaganda spewed by the Humane Society of the United States.

Pinch us because it feels like a dream.

In the announcement, CCF Director of Research David Martosko said, “Nearly one million Americans donate money to HSUS every year, and most are completely unaware that they’re bankrolling PETA-style propaganda, far-reaching anti-meat campaigns, a huge staff of lawyers, and bloated pension plans for HSUS executives.

“Donors deserve to know exactly how their money is being spent,” he continued. “HumaneWatch will create an open dialogue for farmers, scientists, fashion designers, entertainers, and countless Americans who love both their pets and their chicken sandwiches.”

Browse through the HumaneWatch website and you’ll see no shortage of critical questions and fact-supported statements that paint a picture of HSUS as a relentless fund-raising machine, rather than a benevolent savior of unwanted pets that its tear-jerker TV commercials want people to believe. Among HumaneWatch’s most recent entries is a connect-the-dot sequence that strongly suggests HSUS’s claimed membership of 11 million – which it wields like a bludgeon over the heads of politicians – is actually only 420,000.

Yes, we are positively giddy that HumaneWatch is putting HSUS and its one-sided tactics under the microscope. We’re also going to pull up a chair and watch, and we can’t wait to see what happens. Extra butter anyone?

Dairy farmers join with NFL and USDA

2010-02-18T07:55:00.000-06:00

As you watched National Football League games this past season, you probably saw the commercials promoting Play 60. That’s the NFL’s initiative to promote 60 minutes of activity every day for youngsters. Through our check-off dollars and National Dairy Council, those of us in the dairy industry are part of a related campaign Fuel Up To Play 60.

The program gained momentum when it was endorsed by USDA during a ceremony last month at Central Park East Middle School in New York City. The campaign brings together the NFL, National Dairy Council, multiple health organizations, and several major corporations, including Kraft Foods, Domino's Pizza, Leprino, and LaLa. All 32 NFL teams are participating in the program through local dairy councils and schools in their respective markets.

The signing ceremony involved Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, as well as Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, and Tom Gallagher, CEO of Dairy Management Inc., who are shown here.

NFL players present included Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers; Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars; and Kevin Boss, New York Giants. Dairy farmers present included Zach Meyers, North Carolina; Skip Hardie, New York; and Paula Meabon, Pennsylvania.

As dairy farmers, we have committed $50 million per year to the campaign for five years. Funding is expected to grow as government, business, communities, and families join this effort to improve nutrient-rich food choices and achieve 60 minutes of physical activity each day among children. More than 58,000, or 60 percent, of the nation’s 96,000 private and public schools are currently enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60.

Goal of the campaign is to fight and defeat childhood obesity. Based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the program empowers students in grades 4 through 10 to engage their peers to “fuel up” with nutrient-rich foods they often lack – particularly low-fat and fat-free milk and milk products, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains – and “get up and play” with 60 minutes of daily physical activity.

Ben and Jerry's stance on the environment, BST, organics, and farm profitability: You might be surprised

2010-02-17T07:55:00.001-06:00

Ben and Jerry's ice cream of Waterbury, Vt. is home to the largest tourist attraction in the state of Vermont. Nearly a half million visitors walk through their processing facilities each year. Let's not forget to mention their nationwide popularity, too. Outlandish flavors like Cherry Garcia are among the most popular. But with this popularity comes a responsibility, they think. Andrea Asch is the manager of natural resources for Ben and Jerry's and recently spoke at the Dairy Business Innovation Center's Profitability and Environmental Sustainability in the Dairy Industry conference held last week in Madison, Wis. Asch answered tough questions about Ben and Jerry's stance on hot-button dairy foods issues while also discussing their one-of-a-kind Stewardship Alliance.

As part of their corporate responsibility plan, Ben and Jerry's developed the Dairy Stewardship Alliance — a partnership between themselves, St. Albans Cooperative Creamery (all of their milk comes from this creamery), and the University of Vermont. The project aims to further the sustainability of their product and the farms that produce their milk. An on-farm assessment tool helps farms become more aware of their social, environmental, and economic practices. In addition, the program equips farms with information on how to continuously reduce their impact on the environment. You can learn more about this program and its modules here.

Ben and Jerry's does not allow farms to use BST and although BST has been shown to reduce carbon footprint, Asch says, "We took a holistic approach to that [BST], and part of that is cow health." You might expect a company with such an extensive sustainability approach to also be engaged in organic production — not so. The ice cream maker had an organic line for a short time but discontinued it after a short run.

Sustainability isn't just about the environment and hot-button issues like BST and organics. We think the definition of sustainable farming must mention on-farm profitability and long-term farm survival. So, does Ben and Jerry's guarantee producers that they will make a profit while adhering to their rigorous "earth-friendly" programs? "We can't guarantee anyone anything," Asch says. "We hope to give producers the tools to do that, but we can't guarantee it."

Holstein has a new milk production record-holder

2010-02-16T08:32:00.004-06:00

Ever-Green-View My 1326 -ET now holds the record for most milk produced in one single lactation by a Holstein. She is bred and owned by Thomas J. Kestell of Waldo, Wis. After a 365-day lactation, 1326-ET produced 72,170 pounds of milk, with 2,787 pounds of fat and 2,142 pounds of protein. That' a lot. A whole lot. What does that equate to? We did the math.
8,295 gallons of milk
or
If the average person drank three 8 oz. glasses of milk each day, she would have been able to sustain about 121 people each day for one year!
or
about 7,217 pounds of cheese — that's enough for 115,472 cheeseburgers (each with one ounce of cheese)

"She's always been a really good milk cow, and a very solid type cow," owner Tom Kestell says. "This record wasn't hard on her – she looks great and feels great. She just wasn't stressed out at all, just like the rest of her family." Ever-Green-View My 1326- ET, and was 4 years, 5 months when she made her record-breaking lactation. She is a Stouder Morty-ET daughter and is classified Excellent at 92 points. The farm — Ever-Green-View is owned Tom and Gin Kestell, with son Chris involved in the operation. They have 130 cows with a BAA of 109.7 percent and a Rolling Herd Average of 35,151 pounds of milk, 1,351 pounds of fat, and 1,083 pounds of protein. Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment!

Veal producers adopt ethics standards

2010-02-15T07:55:00.003-06:00

Delegates to the 2010 American Veal Association (AVA) annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas, adopted a statement of ethical principles and code of conduct as a way to articulate veal industry principles and confirm an industry commitment to “veal raised right.”

"Veal producers recognize that consumers, restaurants, retailers, and policy makers want to know that they can count on the veal industry to provide humane care and sustainable practices,” said AVA President, Chip Lines-Burgess. “By adopting and embracing these principles, we can help our consumers and customers better understand our commitment to producing safe, nutritious food, protecting the environment, caring for our animals, providing a safe, rewarding work environment and contributing to our communities.”

The ethical principles and code of conduct were initiated as a project of a veal-checkoff-funded committee and were identified by a cross section of veal industry participants during a working session in July 2009. The draft language was distributed to the veal industry with a survey for feedback and to determine whether the proposed ethical principles fairly represent the guiding values of today’s veal. The final document was submitted to the AVA delegates in an effort to bring full industry alignment to the principles that guide today’s veal industry. To view the standards, download the file at the end of this blog.

“The veal industry is well on its way to meeting a voluntary effort to transition all veal farms to group housing by 2017, “ said Lines-Burgess. “The adoption of the ethical principles and code of conduct reflects our continued commitment to provide leadership in the areas most important to our customers and consumers. We will continue to work with farmers and others in the industry to ensure they are incorporated into all aspects of veal calf well-being and farm management practices.”

The American Veal Association represents 1,000 producers, processors and others involved in the $1.5 billion U.S. veal industry. Veal producers purchase calves at 100 pounds, raising them until they reach a market weight of 475 to 500 pounds. Veal producers contribute $350 million to the dairy industry through purchase of dairy by-products and male calves. The veal industry purchases 5.5 percent of all the milk solids produced in the United States.

Veal_Standards.pdf

A quantum leap in automated dairy data collection

2010-02-12T01:36:00.003-06:00

Technological breakthroughs and new automation are what dairy producers have come to expect at World Ag Expo in Tulare, Calif., but an announcement by the world’s largest dairy equipment company during the 2010 show this week still has our heads spinning.

To put it simply, management of three of the biggest profit-draining problems on dairies – mastitis, heat detection, and subclinical ketosis – may have just became fast, easy, and accurate.

In a special press briefing February 9, DeLaval said “Herd Navigator,” a computerized in-line milking analysis system that automatically identifies cows that are in heat, cows that are about to develop mastitis, and cows that have subclinical ketosis, will become available in the U.S., but declined to specify when. How confident are they that the system is for real? Confident enough to fly in its president and CEO from Sweden and its parent firm’s CEO from Switzerland to share in the announcement.

Fernando Mazeris, D.V.M., director, Product Portfolio Dairy Management and Nutrition, said the system automatically tests each cow’s milk for progesterone to identify those that are coming into heat; for lactate dehydrogenase, an enzyme highly correlated with somatic cells; and for beta hydroxybutyrate, which is produced when cows are in negative energy balance.

Herd Navigator is already in use in Europe. Mazeris said farmers there have seen staggering heat detection accuracy of up to 98 percent and pregnancy rates of up to 45 percent. In its current stage of development the system can handle up to a double-16 parlor.

Individually, any of these three tools would be a huge dairy management breakthrough. Collectively, they are nothing short of a quantum leap. “We think so, too,” said DeLaval president and CEO Joakim Rosengren.

USDA bumps up milk price forecast a bit

2010-02-11T07:55:00.002-06:00

Cheese and butter price forecasts for 2010 are little changed from last month in USDA's World Agricultural Supply Demand Estimates. But the Class III price estimate for 2010 was raised about a dime from last month due to higher forecast whey prices. The forecast for the Class III midpoint was $15.25 ($14.90 to $15.60) compared to $15.15 ($14.75 to $15.55) a month earlier. However, the Class IV price forecast was lowered reflecting weaker nonfat dry milk prices.

The all milk price is forecast at between $16.20 and $16.90 for 2010 (midpoint $16.55) compared to a midpoint of $16.60 in the January estimate.

The milk production forecasts for 2010 were raised by half a billion pounds to 188.9 billion, up from 188.4 last month. Milk production was forecast higher for 2010 based on the higher-than-expected January 1 dairy replacement heifer estimate. Herds are not expected to decline as rapidly as forecast last month, boosting milk production.

Dairy exports on a skim-solids basis for 2010 are raised, reflecting higher sales of cheese and nonfat dry milk. Import forecasts are lowered for 2010. Fat and skim-solids ending stocks are estimated higher for 2009 and stocks for 2010 are raised in the face of higher production.

ATTENTION COW JUDGING CONTEST PARTICIPANTS: Due to the poor print job of the Holstein class on the cover of our January 25 issue, we have reproduced the Holstein class on our web site: www.hoards.com . Click on Dairyman Extras to view the class. We apologize for the difficulty many have had in getting a good look at the cows in the Holstein class. We have made changes to ensure better print jobs in the future.

Rubber-lined sand pump has longer life

2010-02-10T14:00:00.002-06:00

After a rain-soaked opening day at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, Calif., the clouds are starting to break and sunshine is in the forecast for the remaining two days of the 80-acre show. At 11 a.m., the traffic in the Dairy Center as well as the Hoard’s Dairyman booth was very brisk.

Yesterday, we reported that Hoof Supervisor made the finals for World Ag Expo’s Top 10 New Products. Another product with direct dairy ties that made The Top 10 New Products is McLanahan’s 44 Super Magnum Sand Pump. Many herds across the country have turned to sand because of the great cow comfort benefits. However, sand has one major downside; it simply wears out farm equipment due to its abrasive nature.

The new pump which debuted at the World Ag Expo has been tested in field conditions at a commercial dairy in Pennsylvania for the past year and has been working quite well. McLanahan also tells us that a pair of pumps recently were installed in New York and Wisconsin.

In order to deal with sand’s abrasive action, the 44 Super Magnum Sand Pump has split castings that are protected by replaceable rubber liners while the impeller is made from molded rubber. Both rubber components are made of nitrile — a synthetic rubber polymer. Nitrile was the material of choice because it not only stands up better to sand, but it is also oil resistant and stands up to most milk house chemicals which improves its life in many dairy environments. A heavy-duty mechanical seal made from tungsten carbide/silicon carbide protects the bearings and shafts from sand and manure.

The unit retails between $20,000 and $25,000. The price depends on the motor size, which ranges from 10 to 40 HP (horsepower), diameter of the shaft which ranges from 3 to 8 inches, among other features.

To check out the other Top 10 new products at World Ag Expo, go to www.worldagexpo.com/attendeeschoice You can cast your vote based on a five-star scale for your favorite new product once you've previewed them.

Vote for your favorite new product at World Ag Expo

2010-02-09T16:56:00.001-06:00

Tracking hoof health just got a bit easier thanks to a newly introduced product called Hoof Supervisor. The computer program that utilizes touchscreen technology allows hoof trimmers to enter hoof health data cowside. World Ag Expo officials thought so much of the software program that they selected it as one of the Top 10 New Products out of 70 entries at the show which began on Tuesday, February 9.

The Hoof Supervisor program hit the market last year. The program’s hoof health coding system is based on the work of the International Lameness Committee. That committee developed international dairy language to properly code not only hoof health disease, but also the location of the foot problem.

Hoof Supervisor allows the trimmer to keep data on countless herds. In addition, data files are created on each cow in the herd so that hoof health can be tracked over time. At the end of the day, the hoof trimmer can print out reports detailing each trim along with any issues that need additional follow-up. There are 18 specific follow-up codes that can be entered for specific post-trim action by the farm team.

For those farms with herd management software programs, a comma-delimited computer file can be created that includes: cow identification, trim date, lesion information on a specific claw, and notes on specific actions like blocking or wrapping. If the herd manager or dairy producer wants to look back at previous trims, that is a possibility as well.

The software program retails for $1,600. The Hoof Supervisor team encourages hoof trimmers to purchase the rugged touchscreen tablet-style computer which already has the software built into it. The 10.4 inch screen is easy to maneuver, it can withstand temperatures ranging from -20 to 140 °F, it is extremely durable, and it can be sprayed clean with a water hose. All these features do come at a cost of $6,000.

You can cast your vote for your favorite new product once you previewed them.
To check out the other Top 10 new products at World Ag Expo, go to www.worldagexpo.com/attendeeschoice

Milk quality: the international dairy language

2010-02-08T07:55:00.003-06:00

No matter where they are located or what size farms they have, dairy owners around the world are increasingly speaking the same language: higher milk quality.

This universal translation was never more clear than last week at the 49th annual meeting of NMC (formerly the National Mastitis Council) in Albuquerque, N.M., February 1 to 3. Of the 275 milk producers, veterinarians, scientists, and industry professionals who attended, 20 percent came from over a dozen foreign countries. Of NMC’s total membership, 25 percent is located outside of the U.S.

The event was once again a celebration of superior milk quality. Seminars and presentations from both scientists and dairy owners focused on the technology, biology, and practicality of producing low-somatic-cell-count milk. Speakers came from the U.S., The Netherlands, Great Britain, Mexico, and Canada.

Management excellence on farms was recognized through the presentation of National Dairy Quality Awards to 46 dairies across the U.S., including the seven Platinum Award winners pictured here. Academic excellence was honored in the form of NMC Student Recognition Awards presented to four university students from the U.S., Ireland, and Brazil.

So great has been the international enthusiasm and support for NMC that it is perhaps time to seriously consider changing the “N” part of NMC’s name. We propose either IMC (for International Mastitis Council) or QMC (for Quality Milk Council). And as long as we’re at it, here’s a prediction: We think it’s only a matter of time before the rapidly growing international participation in NMC eventually leads to an annual meeting being held outside of the U.S. The top destination possibilities on our list include Canada, England, Germany, The Netherlands, Brazil, and Argentina.