Maurice Core Fund to be established

National Dairy Shrine has a long and storied 60-year history of awarding scholarships to young people. Last year alone, over $30,000 in awards was given to America’s dairy youth. In order to honor more deserving young people, the National Dairy Shrine is establishing a fund to permanently honor the distinguished career of Maurice Core, the former executive secretary of the American Jersey Cattle Association and recently retired executive director of National Dairy Shrine. As a testament to Core’s accomplishments, he was just selected as the 2009 World Dairy Expo Industry Person of the Year. The Maurice Core Scholarship will be awarded to college freshman who are majoring in dairy science or animal science related fields with long-term interests in working in the dairy industry. This scholarship will be based on leadership abilities, volunteer work, activities, and future plans.

Last fall, National Dairy Shrine Board authorized the Maurice Core fund to be established with a fund-raising goal of $50,000. National Dairy Shrine is pleased to announce that we have met 60 percent of our targeted goal but still need help from other dairy industry enthusiasts to reach the fund-raising goal. Initial response has been so generous, National Dairy Shrine will offer the first Core Scholarship this year.

Those interested in making a donation to the Maurice E. Core Scholarship Fund may send it to National Dairy Shrine, Dr. David Selner, Executive Director, P.O. Box 1, Maribel, WI 54227 or call (920) 863-6333 or e-mail info@dairyshrine.org.

Since National Dairy Shrine is a 501-3C education-based charity, all donations are tax deductible, and your donation will be recognized via letter. Additionally, your contribution will be recognized in National Dairy Shrine’s newsletter The Chronicle. During Maurice Core’s tenure as National Dairy Shrine’s executive director, he most graciously and effectively guided National Dairy Shrine to accomplish the organization’s mission of: (1.) Recording dairy history, (2.) Inspiring future dairy leaders, (3.) Honoring top dairy cattle breeders and pioneers, and (4.) Honoring present dairy pioneers.

Watch for signs of depression and suicide

Tough economic times are a crucial reason why dairy producers should be extra vigilant for signs of depression and suicide among family members and friends, said Colorado State University Extension specialist Robert Fetsch at the Western Dairy Management Conference March 12 and 13.

Farming already ranks as one of the 12 most stressful occupations in America according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, but Fetsch warned that economic downturns only make the risk worse.

Nationally, the U.S. suicide rate is 11 per year per 100,000 of population. But in Rocky Mountain and Western states it is usually much higher. Montana leads the nation at 22 per 100,000; Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming and Colorado are all over 17.

Fetsch noted that men are roughly five times more likely to commit suicide than women, and by far the most at-risk group of all are white men age 70 and older – particularly if their wife has recently died.

Depression, anger, sleep disorders, violence, prolonged exhaustion, change in routine, decline in appearance of the farm, eating irregularities, and increased drinking of alcohol are just a few of the many signs of chronic, prolonged stress that is a leading precursor to suicidal thinking. Fetsch said children are often the “canaries” that first show signs of stress in a family, but the best barometer of all may be the daughters-in-law.

“Depression is the “common cold” of modern psychology,” he explained. “The most effective cure is a combination of taking good care of yourself, exercise, counseling, and medication.”

He implored anyone who suspects signs of depression or suicidal thinking in a family member, friend, or themself to get help or a referral to local resources by calling 1-800-SUICIDE (operated 24/7).

Midwest Manure Summit at Lambeau Field

Capturing and managing the value in your farm’s waste stream was the focus of the Midwest Manure Summit held March 24 and 25, 2009, at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis. Two full days of featured speakers educated producers, consultants, and others interested in manure management. Optional tours of the historic Lambeau Field were also a popular draw of the conference.

Frank Mitloehner of University of California-Davis took several questions after his discussion on odor management. Mitloehner described mitigation strategies for reducing odor on farms, as well as his experiences with projects on UC-Davis’ campus, and a village in Germany that will, and have, reduced odors. Both of these systems generated power through the use of methane digestion, and the German village is now off of the power grid.

Another speaker, Keri Cantrell of the USDA-ARS in South Carolina, outlined research on emerging technologies that turn waste into energy and are not yet commercially available. Instead of methane digestion, Cantrell described a potential for thermo-chemical conversions such as pyrolysis. Pyrolysis could greatly reduce hauling involved with typical manure management and produce a product known as bio-char which could be used as a soil amendment. If implemented, these technologies have the potential to allow farms to expand animal units without adding land needed for nutrient management planning.

Proceedings of the entire conference are expected to be available online shortly on the Midwest Manure Summit website.

Dairy big player in world's eighth largest economy

Despite all the computer electronics in Silicone Valley and Hollywood's massive stake in entertainment, it is agriculture that competes right with the high-tech industries as an anchor of California's economy. And that is quite impressive, given California's rank as a stand-alone world economy which currently stands at eighth and fluctuates between fifth and tenth, depending on the year.

Despite all the press California's wine gets, it is the dairy industry's milk and cheese that takes the top spot in the agricultural sector, capturing roughly 20 percent of all cash receipts in 2007. That means one in five ag dollars comes from dairy. Next on the list is greenhouse and nursery stock at 11 percent and then grapes at 8.4. Rounding out the top five are lettuce at 6 percent and almonds at 5.8 percent.

Dairy's impact on California is even more impressive given the fact California is the world's fifth largest supplier of food and agricultural commodities. California's agricultural sales are twice that of any other state in the Union.

Reno conference attendance surprised some observers

With today's dairy economy, organizers and participants at the big bi-annual Western Dairy Management Conference weren't sure what to expect. After all, the March 11 through 13 conference came right on the heels of World Ag Expo at Tulare where there seemed to be a relatively small turnout of dairy producers.

Attendance at WDMC 2009 ended up being in the range of 1,450. This was down, perhaps, only 150 or so from the 2007 Reno conference. It was an attendance number that pleased organizers and others at the conference, considering the losses that many dairy producers are experiencing these days and the tightening operating and travel budgets of many in the agribusiness and public agency communities.

Conference co-chair John Smith with Kansas State University thought that perhaps the proportion of the WDMC audience who actually were dairy producers may have been down a bit from recent years. Nearly all sessions of the 2-1/2-day conference were well attended. Plus, there seems to be a growing number of dairy meetings held in Reno the same week since so many people attend WDMC.

Many of the presenters at this year's conference took extra pains to include a lot of information in their proceedings papers, making the proceedings a valuable reference. To order copies, go to the conference website www.wdmc.org.

Before there was online dating, there was Hoard’s

Popular dating websites claim to cater to today’s fast-paced world and the fast-paced working professional. The sites draw those without the time or dedication to find love the old-fashioned way — whatever that may be. This challenge is nothing new to many in the dairy industry; it takes a special person to understand the dedication of those in the industry.

Just a few months ago, in a West Bend, Wis., paper, we read about a couple that had just celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary. Jim and Kathy Weber, the couple featured in the article, shared their unique story of how they met. It was an accident actually; Kathy’s mother placed an ad in the Hoard’s Dairyman classified section about her single daughters, without notifying her daughters (see the original classified ad in the picture.) Shortly after the ad was placed, Kathy’s mailbox was full of letters from possible suitors. One persistent individual stood out though, and after writing back and forth for a few months, a meeting was arranged. A first date to a local fish fry wasn’t exactly perfect, but through time and much correspondence and visits the couple decided to get married in a double wedding ⎯ a double wedding that included Kathy’s sister and her fiancé and themselves. Kathy’s sister met her now husband the same way.

Over 23 years later, the couple is thankful for the match that was found in the pages of Hoard’s. Their story has been printed in our magazine, National Enquirer, Woman’s Day, and even broadcast on European radio. We often wonder if there are similar stories out there. Have you heard of any?

Congress and USDA must work together to make mandatory animal ID a reality

At a Congressional hearing last week, the dairy industry renewed calls for a mandatory National Animal Identification System (NAIS) to serve as a collective insurance policy in the event of an animal disease emergency.

Dairy producer Karen Jordan, D.V.M., from Siler City, N. C., testified that the dairy industry “collectively believe(s) that our industry will be best served when all dairy operations and, ultimately, all dairy cows, are identified in a national central database.” Jordan serves as chairperson of NMPF’s Animal Health & Welfare Committee.

Since 2005, IDairy has worked to make NAIS a reality for the dairy industry. Today, nearly 75 percent of dairy producers participate in NAIS by having their premises registered. In many states, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Idaho, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Utah, Nevada, and South Carolina, more than 90 percent of their dairy producers have participated in premises registration. However, until animal ID becomes mandatory, obtaining the last 25 percent participation will be difficult.

While USDA has pursued a voluntary NAIS program for nearly a decade, the dairy industry has been a prominent supporter of mandatory animal ID. In an animal disease emergency, Jordan said, “the system is only as strong as its weakest link. Now is the time for Congress and USDA to work together to make mandatory animal ID a reality.”

“If this is to truly be a New Era of Responsibility, we need to be mindful that preparing for a quick and effective response to emergencies lies at the heart of responsible animal health system,” concluded Jordan.

For more information on registering your premise or obtaining Official NAIS 840-RFID tags, visit the IDairy online at www.idairy.org.

CWT achieves membership goal of two-thirds of U.S.milk supply

Cooperatives Working Together announced this week that it has reached its goal of signing up a supermajority of the nation’s milk supply for two years which will enable the self-help program to focus on reducing the current devastating imbalance in milk supply and demand.

According to CWT officials, 67 percent of the nation’s milk supply has now committed to pay the 10-cent-per-hundredweight membership assessment for a full two years, from January 2009 through December 2010, and more memberships are still being received that will further boost that figure. This membership investment will allow the farmer-run program to take actions to reduce dairy supplies.

“March is shaping up to be one of the toughest months ever for America’s dairy farmers, given the painfully low milk price, combined with elevated input costs,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF which manages CWT. “But the good news is that CWT will continue to be engaged in efforts to improve the difficult economic situation that dairy producers are facing.” Kozak said he’s also optimistic that CWT membership will expand, as farmers recognize the program’s importance to the dairy business.

Kozak said that both cooperatives and individual dairy farmers still may join CWT with a 24-month membership commitment, retroactive to January. Membership participation is required if a farmer wishes to participate in future herd retirement programs, he said.

Kozak said that CWT will not, consistent with its long-standing policy, disclose the precise dates when it will initiate future herd retirement activities, or any targets that the organization may have for how much milk or how many cows it will remove.

Cooperatives Working Together is funded by dairy cooperatives and individual dairy farmers, who are contributing 10 cents per hundredweight assessment on their milk production. The money raised by CWT’s investment is being apportioned between two supply management programs that strengthen and stabilize the national all milk price. For more on CWT’s activities, visit www.cwt.coop.

Dairy direction for social media

Here’s some direction for all of the online dairy advocates out there. It’s called the myDairy social media program and it’s an online starting point developed by producer check-off investment. To kick off the website, DMI hosted two webinars recently to encourage over 350 dairy advocates to become online spokespeople through the use of social media. It’s part of an initiative to have farmers “tell their story” firsthand to the consumer. This isn’t their first dip into social media. The dairy industry already has an 820-fan-strong Facebook page, an impressive YouTube channel, and they’re on Flickr, too. The myDairy program has a toolkit and includes tips on utilizing websites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, links to positive on-line dairy articles, ideas for blogging, and tips on joining online conversations. The myDairy program encourages users learn who their audience is, how to critically evaluate messages, and choose which conversations to join in order to effectively educate those unfamiliar with dairy. The password protected toolkit that houses this information is limited to only those dedicated to promoting a positive image of dairy on-line. To find out more about the program or to obtain a user name and password, contact myDairy@rosedmi.com.

January milk:feed ratio was worst ever

It’s the yardstick that perhaps illustrates most clearly of all just how steep the uphill battle is to make a profit with dairy cows these days – the milk:feed price ratio.

It’s a measurement of milk producer profitability that USDA began using in 1985, representing the number of pounds of 16-percent protein mixed dairy feed that could be bought with the value of one pound of whole milk. Rising milk prices tend to push the ratio higher; rising feed prices tend to pull it lower.

In all the years of roller-coaster ups and downs since then, the milk:feed ratio had never gone as low as it did in January 2009 – just 1.69. To put that figure into context, a ratio of 3.0 is considered to be the level at which buying feed and producing milk becomes profitable.

Sadly, it’s a record that seems destined to last for only one month. February’s announced Class III price of $9.31 was sharply lower than the January price of $10.78. On top of that, the prices of feed grains continued to rise. That’s the “perfect storm” scenario for more bad news for dairy producers, who are long overdue for a financial forecast that contains some sunshine.

Tail docking and antibiotics under fire in California

When proposition 2 passed in California, new housing restrictions were placed on egg-laying hens, veal calves and pregnant sows. Just last month, California Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez introduced a bill that would outlaw tail docking. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) opposed proposition 2 but does not stand behind tail docking.

Just today, we learned of the Majority Leader’s plan to prohibit schools from serving meat or poultry products from animals treated with antibiotics. The bill would also place a ban on antibiotics for non-therapeutic and prophylactic uses. Finally, the bill would require state and local governments, when purchasing meat supplies, to prefer meat supplies produced without the use of medically important antibiotics as feed additives. See the .pdf link below to view the bill.

SB416.pdf

One thing is for certain; farmers and animal agriculture advocates across the country should be ready to educate the public on the measures we take to be good animal caretakers. Comment below to share your thoughts.

All systems are go for Western Dairy Management Conference

The curtain rises in just 9 days on the dairy industry's largest educational event and it's already clear that the economic slowdown isn't going to derail things at all.

The 9th installment of the Western Dairy Management Conference runs March 11 to 13 in Reno, Nevada, and conference organizers say preregistrations are well over 1,000 so far. Total attendance is expected to be around 1,400 (versus 1,700 in 2007), which is a strong turnout at a time when milk prices are dipping to 1978 levels.

Two dozen different presentations will be made at the conference, all geared specifically for producers and focused to provide practical, "take home" management tips and information. In addition, a special "Dairy Issues" presentation will be made March 12 by Dairy Management, Inc., that will look at consumer perceptions about dairying and how it operates.

The conference will also feature dozens of hospitality events by industry companies and organizations the evening before the conference begins and at night the first two days. These will be in addition to two major receptions – one on opening night hosted by Pfizer Animal Health and the other the second night by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health.

This second event will feature a presentation by a world-famous expert on global food issues, Dennis Avery. Here's a prediction for anyone who has never heard him speak: You'll leave the room feeling proud and excited about owning dairy cows. You don't want to miss it.