The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Association of Canada’s Board of Directors has announced Cyrus Cooper’s appointment as CEO of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, starting immediately.

Cyrus has more than 20 years of expertise in the hotel and higher education industries in Canada. He formerly served as Director of Operations at Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality, The Granite Club, and Pusateri’s Fine Foods. He is presently a lecturer at Centennial College’s School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts, where he directs the Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Management post-graduate program. He graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Ted Rogers School of Management with a B.Com. and an MBA.

Cooper is described as ‘a seasoned leader, whose characteristic drive, ambition, and emphasis on service, team development, and leadership has been his distinguishing feature of his.’ Cooper is also an active community member, serving on committees for organizations such as Toronto Metropolitan University and Trillium Health Partners. He lives in Mississauga with his wife and two boys.

Cooper succeeds Charlie Johnstone, who left in July 2023 after heading The Royal since 2015.

The 102nd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair will take place at Exhibition Place in Toronto from November 1–10, 2024.

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Animal Science recently named Doug Westendorp of Westvale-View Dairy in Nashville as the recipient of the 2024 Dairy Farm of the Year.

Since 1958, this recognition has been awarded to dairy farmers who exhibit outstanding management of their dairy operation and leadership within the Michigan dairy industry and their surrounding communities. The Dairy Farm of the Year Award is the highest honor given by the Department of Animal Science to individuals within the dairy industry.

“Doug Westendorp’s dedication to quality and efficiency and his innovative approach have made Westvale-View Dairy and MOO-ville Creamery the success they are today,” said Cathy Ernst, chair of the Animal Science department. “We especially appreciate Doug’s support of our undergraduate and 4-H dairy programs, and his willingness to host students at their farm. We are excited to recognize Doug Westendorp of Westvale-View Dairy as the 2024 Dairy Farm of the Year.”

Established in 1992, Westvale-View Dairy is a family-run operation based in Nashville, Mich. The operation, spanning 1000 acres and overseen by Doug and Louisa Westendorp, began with a foundation of only 50 milk cows. Westvale-View has grown significantly over the years and now milks approximately 240 Holsteins, with a herd average production of over 100 lbs. of milk per cow per day. They also manage an additional 250 youngstock and implant 150 embryos yearly.  

In 2005, the Westendorps expanded their business by opening MOO-ville Creamery, located adjacent to Westvale-View and offering homemade ice cream and dairy products, a gift shop and farm tours. The creamery business has now expanded to include four retail locations, with additional products located in over 140 retail stores and 50 ice cream shops. The dairy’s operations evolved again in 2012 with a new milk barn and the incorporation of four Lely milking robots, increasing automation and allowing for more flexibility to expand the business. In 2020, Westvale-View upgraded to Lely Astronaut A5 robots, capitalizing on the latest robotic milking technology and showcasing the dairy’s passion for innovation. 

According to his colleagues, MOO-ville was Doug’s ultimate dream, and the combined success of the dairy and creamery is a testament to his hard work and passion for furthering the dairy industry. Doug helms both Westvale-View and MOO-ville Creamery and is known for continually improving processes and increasing efficiency, demonstrating what can be accomplished through dedication and a forward-thinking mindset.  

Doug works closely with Louisa and his children, many of whom play active roles in the growth and success of the family business. Their oldest son Carlyle works in day-to-day management of the crops and together with Eric in herd management. Troy and Levi split their time between the farm and the creamery, with Troy managing the ice cream production and calves and Levi focusing on other milk products. Tina manages employees and product sales for several of MOO-ville’s retail locations. Brittany’s contributions to the family and community are presently in her role as an adoptive and foster parent. She still enjoys selecting and organizing the show string with Levi at the MSU dairy shows.

Doug gives back to the dairy community by sharing his knowledge and contributing his time, including his service as a member of the Advisory Committee for Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA). His work has earned numerous accolades, such as Westvale-View’s first place win in the BMR Corn Silage Division in 2020’s World Forage Analysis Superbowl. Doug also received the Michigan Holstein Association’s (MHA) Master Breeder Award in 2018, the highest honor given to Holstein breeders in the state. In 2009, Westvale-View received a gold award in the National Dairy Quality Awards (NDQA), a program highlighting dairy producers who prioritize producing milk of the highest quality. Over 200 operations were nominated for the NDQA in 2009. Doug’s early career achievements were also honored in 1996 when he received the Outstanding Young Famer award from MMPA. 

“As an educator, I value Doug’s support of educational programs, from opening the farm’s doors to program participants to serving as a guide to other farmers who want to learn more about their model,” said Martin J. Mangual, an Extension Dairy Educator. “The disposition to educate is one of the many attributes that make this farm deserving of this award.”

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

The European Council on Foreign Relations believes that the next European Parliament will be more right-wing than ever, with anti-European populist parties likely to win nine member states and finish second or third in another nine. By June 2024, lawmakers from outside the three main centrist groupings will occupy over half of the EU parliamentary seats, with a populist right combination having the potential to form a majority. This might result in considerable changes to EU policy, notably on environmental matters.

Recent national elections in Europe have shown signs of a long-term shift from centrist-left to right-wing politics, with voters in Slovakia and the Netherlands electing right-wing candidates last autumn. In the United States, Democratic Party President Joe Biden is more likely to compete against Donald Trump, the Republican Party’s most probable nominee for the 2024 presidential election. Farmer demonstrations have energized conservative politicians on both sides of the Atlantic.

Dr. Joseph Glauber, a senior research scholar at the International Food Policy Research Institute, noted that, although there were some country-specific variations, some elements were consistent across the board. He said that grain and oilseed prices have dropped significantly over the previous 18 months, causing farmers’ cash revenues to fall, raising worries in the United States and Europe. Furthermore, since the conflict with Russia began, nations bordering Ukraine have seen a surge in goods entering their markets, forcing them to compete with Ukrainian grain and other agricultural items for storage.

The war also caused an increase in energy prices and input expenses, which were felt across Europe, but less so in the United States. These increases in input costs reduced margins, and when profit margins fall, farmers search for a variety of reasons to blame, causing widespread dissatisfaction. Furthermore, pressure to address environmental sustainability has resulted in a number of farmer demonstrations, mainly in Northern Europe, particularly the Netherlands, where there is concern that greenhouse rules would have a detrimental effect.

European farmers have been more vociferous in voicing their unhappiness than their American counterparts, albeit this might be due to regional differences. The US Department of Agriculture predicts that farmer income would decline by more than a quarter in 2024 compared to 2023, more than 40% below the record high in 2022 but just under 2% below the 20-year average. The predicted drop-off is mostly due to decreased cash revenues, but it also includes greater production expenditures and lower direct government payments, notably lower supplementary and ad hoc disaster relief.

US farmer earnings remain quite solid, with predictions indicating that agricultural revenue in the United States would fall dramatically from the previous year. However, farmers face other challenges, including input costs, environmental laws, and protectionist inclinations when people look at decreased prices and blame imports from other countries.

Farmers have tremendous power over politicians as a result of the worldwide emphasis on food security and increased recognition of agriculture’s involvement in climate change. The issue is whether politicians will reconsider the regulatory side of things, modify present policy courses, or pay farmers. The US government has taken a different approach in terms of giving farmer subsidies to incentivise beneficial environmental behaviors, which has been criticized for being ineffectual, costly, and delivering significantly less effects than a regulated framework.

The current discussion in international organizations is about repurposing domestic assistance and redirecting it away from trade-distorting policies and toward more environmentally friendly ways. In the United States, there is more debate about increasing assistance rather than repurposing it. Many of the farmers who get these subsidies are Republicans, and opinions on this vary by area. Southern US farmers, for the most part, have desired greater support prices, and if it means losing the climate-smart programs, they are OK with it. Other regions of the nation, notably cattle farmers, have profited significantly from climate-smart support.

Dairy producers also confront regional variances of opinion. They go through cost cycles, with high feed expenditures in 2022 because to very high maize and soybean prices. For them, it all comes down to their feed expenses and dairy prices. Many dairy producers consider climate-smart projects as potentially beneficial.

Glauber is concerned about the future of protectionist global politics. What would happen to several markets if protectionist measures were implemented suddenly? European manufacturers would suffer if international leaders suddenly decided to become more protectionist. Donald Trump has pursued a strongly protectionist agenda throughout his first term, even proposing across-the-board taxes on imports and 60% tariffs on China.

Rizo-López Foods, a California cheese and dairy firm, is recalling more than 60 items owing to a listeria epidemic that has killed two individuals and affected dozens more. The epidemic was discovered over a decade ago, in June 2014, and at least 26 individuals in 11 states have been infected. The CDC and FDA renewed their inquiry last month when Hawaii authorities discovered listeria in a sample of Rizo Brothers Aged Cotija, resulting in a restricted recall on January 11. The recalled items include cheese, yogurt, and sour cream marketed under different brand names.

The goods were available at approximately 600 Walmart shops in 12 states, 28 Sam’s Club locations in six states, and deli counters at El Super, Cardenas Market, Northgate Gonzalez, Superior Groceries, El Rancho, Vallarta, Food City, La Michoacana, and Numero Uno Markets. Consumers are warned to destroy the recalled items and clean any surfaces or containers that come into contact with them. Listeria is more likely to infect pregnant women, infants, persons over the age of 65, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of infection usually appear within two weeks after ingesting infected food and might include fever, muscular pains, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, disorientation, loss of balance, and convulsions.

Farmers’ demonstrations in the European Union have escalated, with hundreds of farmers blocking major routes in France and Belgium with more than 1,300 tractors outside the European Parliament in Brussels. The French government had earlier warned farmers that any disturbance at Rungis would be a red line, and hundreds of riot police were stationed there. Farmers in Brussels tossed eggs at Parliament buildings and started many fires around the area. Slurry and farmyard manure were also applied to several of the European Parliament buildings in France and Belgium.

Farmers are outraged that the European Commission continues to reduce financial assistance for agriculture under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which is intended to shield farmers against declining prices and cheap imports. They are also witnessing an increase in environmental restrictions, which they claim will be hard to comply while producing food for a rapidly rising global population. The European Green Deal, which seeks to make Europe carbon-neutral by 2050, and the nature restoration legislation, meant to “improve biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems” are important points of dispute for farmers.

Under pressure, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said that a proposal to reduce administrative costs will be submitted at an upcoming EU ministerial meeting. According to Janusz Wojciechowski, EU Commissioner for Agriculture, this temporary exception achieves a compromise between the need to help farmers in the near term and the need to maintain the climate, soil health, and biodiversity over time.

The situation is now heated in several member states, with farmers flocking to the streets as the viability of European family farming as we know it is under threat. Focus will now be on the politicians as the European Parliament elections are scheduled for June of this year. MEPs are afraid that far-right groups, which are drawing more farmers, may acquire electoral support.

After six months of evidence and cross-examination, the public hearing for the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) ended on January 30. It will be a while before the FMMO is updated, since the hearing addressed 21 suggestions filed by business organizations. Online access to the hearing record is required so that groups and people may study it and provide feedback on how to improve it. After the hearing, interested parties may submit briefs in response to the USDA’s recommendation. The agency will next hold a comment and exception period. The changes will be put into action after they are approved.

To protect dairy farmers from additional losses during the remaining FMMO rulemaking process, the American Farm Bureau Federation filed an emergency petition with USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack at the end of the hearing, asking for a final decision to speed up the implementation of the “higher of” Class I mover formula. Since the new formula was put into place after the 2018 Farm Bill, farmers have lost $1.2 billion, and they are poised to lose much more money in the next months. In their recommendation that was sent to USDA before the hearing, NMPF prioritized making changes to the Class I mover.

Farmers and groups representing the dairy sector will now have to wait for the USDA to respond to their request. Unfortunately, dairy farmers’ payments have been cut with no signs of relief in sight due to the current Class I tariff, which was an unintentional legislative error.

Ron Sersland, President and CEO of International Protein Sires (IPS), died in a sad vehicle accident on Monday, February 5. Please remember his family, particularly his loving wife Nelly and his beautiful daughter Bailey, in your thoughts and prayers.
The IPS office, like so many others, is devastated by this tragic loss. The Bullvine expresses its sympathies to the Sersland family. When appropriate, we will provide further information on funeral arrangements and services.

Disagreements about food safety standards and tariffs on meat and cheese have stalled free trade discussions between Canada and the United Kingdom. Following two years of discussions on a post-Brexit trade agreement, the talks collapsed at the end of January due to disagreements over hormone-treated cattle and a 245% import duty on British cheese. Canada has been pressuring the UK to change its position on hormone-treated beef, which resulted in farmers being barred from the British market. This has resulted in harsher trading conditions with Canada than before it was part of the EU’s trade agreement with the nation. The failure in negotiations implies that British carmakers may face higher levies.

The UK agricultural sector has applauded the decision to withdraw from the discussions, which came after highly criticized agreements with Australia and New Zealand. Minette Batters, head of the National Farmers Union (NFU), argued that Canada was asking too much and delivering too little in terms of goods like cattle and cheese, hindering both nations from progressing. The UK government has made it plain that decreasing the country’s strong food safety standards is not an option in any conversations.

Last year, the UK exported £198.1 million worth of food to Canada, with cheese ranking among the top two goods. Canada authorized tariff-free British cheese imports under a temporary roll-over agreement reached when post-Brexit trade regulations went into effect, but it ended at the end of December. As of this year, UK cheese was shifted from the EU quota to a lower quota, subject to exorbitant import tariffs.

Remilk, a Canadian startup, has acquired clearance from the Food and Drug Administration of the United States and the Singapore Food Agency for its animal-free BLG protein. The protein, according to the business, is equal to that taken from cows but is manufactured using precise fermentation rather than animals. Remilk makes protein on a commercial scale in numerous places across the globe. Remilk’s co-founder and CEO, Aviv Wolff, said that the regulatory approval verifies the ingredient’s safety and purity, since Canadian authorities are the fourth health administration to analyze the protein. The firm is now ready to collaborate with the country’s major food brands and provide customers with a guilt-free enjoyment experience. Remilk’s animal-free protein marks a significant step forward in developing a new generation of food that is tasty, healthy, sustainable, and kind on the environment and animals.

A dairy checkoff partnership is putting hot chocolate milk into the hands of students during a pilot with a leading school foodservice company.

National Dairy Council (NDC) and Chartwells K12, which serves more than 2 million meals daily at 700 U.S. school districts, have launched the Hot Chocolate Milk program in 58 schools. The pilot, which will run through the end of the school year, features chocolate milk – with toppings such as cinnamon and peppermint – served hot during breakfast and lunch.

NDC began working with Chartwells K12 last year on a dairy-based smoothie program, which is available to all Chartwells schools following a successful pilot.

Lisa Hatch, vice president of business development for NDC’s school channel, said the smoothie program’s success led to a “what’s the next big thing?” discussion between the partners. They focused on hot chocolate, which had a global market size valued at $3.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $5.77 billion by 2030. Additionally, chocolate is the second most popular beverage flavor on TikTok with more than 10.1 million views related to #ChocolateDrink.

Hatch said some state and regional checkoff teams already have successful hot chocolate strategies in place. She said those programs on average experienced 14-percent increases of milk sales and an 11-percent jump in breakfast participation.

“We’re always investigating opportunities to enhance the school milk experience, which is where the smoothie pilot came from,” Hatch said. “That led us to looking at trends and hot chocolate surfaced the same way smoothies did. And looking at the state and regional hot chocolate programs, the results were very impressive.”

Chartwells K12 is optimistic hot chocolate milk will be popular among students and can help increase overall meal participation in schools.

“The popularity of specialty beverages is on the rise, and we’re bringing a healthy option to meet that demand in school cafeterias,” said Lindsey Palmer, a registered dietitian who serves as vice president of nutrition and industry relations for Chartwells K12. “With our new Hot Chocolate Milk concept, students can enjoy a fun, warm beverage that is packed with essential nutrients, making it a delicious and healthy treat to help kids power through their day.”

Katie Bambacht, vice president of nutrition affairs for NDC, said research shows chocolate milk is the most popular milk choice in schools and leads to higher total milk consumption and better overall diet quality. Flavored milk offers the same 13 essential nutrients as white milk and she feels this partnership will provide a much-needed boost to schools, which struggle to get students to eat breakfast.

“School feeding programs are faced with numerous priorities, and dairy innovation isn’t always top of mind,” Bambacht said. “If we’re not doing it, I don’t think anyone would. We play a critical role in bringing these best practices and case studies to help assure that milk appeals to students as part of school menus.

“Schools are only reaching half of the kids at breakfast that they’re reaching at lunch, so there is a big gap in participation and these programs have been shown to drive participation. Anything we can do to provide simple options such as heating up chocolate milk may help increase participation and milk consumption.”

Schools participating in the pilot program received a Hot Chocolate Milk kit provided by NDC through Hubert, a foodservice equipment manufacturer. The kit includes a transport cart with branded panels, an insulated beverage dispenser, a digital thermometer and more.

To learn more about the dairy checkoff, visit www.usdairy.com.

Farmers throughout Europe have recently protested against the European Union as a result of bad weather, conflict, and supply chain interruptions. On February 1, farmers blocked the streets with tractors and battled with police outside the European Parliament building, causing outrage. Later that day, France, the continent’s largest agricultural producer, granted concessions, prompting farmers unions to call the demonstrators home. This gave Europeans some hope for peace, but the debate over how to handle the farmers’ problems is likely to continue as political groups compete for power in the European legislative elections in June.

The problem is a complicated network of European agricultural subsidies, land-use rules, transportation licenses, export quotas, and tariffs that differ from those faced by North Americans. Protests in Belgium, France, and Germany have all been significant events.

Anger over Ukraine’s border has played a crucial role in the demonstrations. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine started two years ago, the EU’s attempts to assist the war-torn country have irritated its Eastern European neighbors, who argue that it is unfair for countries bound by EU standards to compete with cheaper products and services from non-EU nations. In November and December, Polish truckers, enraged that Ukrainian carriers were undercutting their pricing, blocked routes to border crossings; Romanian, Slovak, and Bulgarian truckers followed suit.

Farmers in Europe’s two largest agricultural nations started blocking roads in mid-January after their governments revealed plans to phase out diesel tax benefits, which the EU is reducing in order to reach climate objectives. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz proposed to modify the adjustments amid concerns that far-right groups are actively inciting fury. France, too, made concessions and invited farmers to negotiations, but tractor roadblocks in Paris and other cities spread throughout January, putting pressure on newly appointed Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.

Farmers from Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, and other nations met in Brussels for the European Parliament’s meeting on February 1. Protesters set off fireworks near the parliament building, attacked it with eggs and rocks, and attempted to knock down fences surrounding it until police repulsed them with tear gas and water hoses. The situation improved during the afternoon, when tractors started to leave the city. Back in Paris, two of the country’s two largest farmer organizations urged demonstrators to leave after Mr. Attal promised farmers stronger import safeguards and assistance.

Farmers in France claim that the government and retailers’ efforts to reduce food inflation have left many farmers unable to meet high transportation, energy, and fertilizer expenses. Between September 2021 and September 2022, the price of nitrogen, a key component in fertilizer, jumped 149% in the EU. Efforts to assist Ukraine by eliminating restrictions and levies on its exports have sparked worries about unfair competition among farmers in neighboring nations. Negotiations to finalize a trade agreement between the EU and the South American body Mercosur have also sparked concern about unfair competition in sugar, grain, and meat, with Spanish farmers demanding for the talks to end.

The EU implemented new measures aimed at promoting biodiversity and combating climate change, such as mandating farmers to keep 4% of their land fallow. On Wednesday, the commission replied by exempting EU farmers from the need until 2024 while still allowing them to receive EU agricultural assistance subsidies, although they would have to produce crops without using pesticides. The major farmers’ organizations in Spain warn that environmental laws are harming agricultural viability and raising food costs, while demonstrators in France argue that certain climate-focused measures are inconsistent.

Farmers in France are criticizing what they believe is an overly difficult system for adopting new EU standards, citing paperwork and obligations such as restoring hedges and arable land as natural habitat. In March 2023, the EU reacted to farmer concerns over the surge of grain from Ukraine flooding their markets and driving down prices with €56.3 million ($81.9 million) in compensation to impacted farmers.

A 56-year-old Dallas man died Thursday following a corn meal feed incident on a dairy farm south of Corvallis.

Deputies from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident about 2:45 p.m.

They discovered David Breyman III, 56, unconscious, not breathing, and with no pulse.

According to the sheriff’s office, the incident involved a truck transporting 27 tons of corn meal feed. Breyman was alone, emptying the feed using the trailer’s unloading gear.

Deputies believe the feed caused the gate to swing open, forcing and trapping Breyman against the barn wall.

A neighboring farmworker heard Breyman shout, called for aid, and turned off the trailer’s unloading mechanism to prevent additional grain from building up.

Deputies and witnesses on the scene tried lifesaving measures but were unsuccessful.

Corvallis Fire Department officials came shortly thereafter and were able to aid in getting Breyman unpinned by removing a portion of the wall.

According to the sheriff’s office, Breyman was employed for a Polk County-based transportation and feed firm at the time of the incident, but the company was not identified.

Sheriff’s authorities described his death as a “tragic accident.”

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family,” Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall stated in a statement. “Your dedication to put food on our tables does not go unnoticed and we’re terribly sorry for your loss.”

Researchers from Aarhus University’s MAPP Centre performed a survey of customers in four European nations to learn about their attitudes about animal-free dairy, especially precision fermentation products. The study sought to determine the perceived hurdles to implementing precision fermentation-derived dairy in Europe. The study discovered that, while dairy alternatives containing precision fermentation-derived milk proteins are sold in several markets, including the United States, such food products are not available in Europe due to EU regulation, which requires manufacturers to submit a Novel Food dossier to the European Food Safety Authority for approval.

Consumers responded differently to the study’s question about their main connection with precision fermentation technology. Danish consumers had negative connections, but the most commonly used terms in the UK, France, Denmark, and Germany were ‘artificial,”smart,’ and ‘future’. In the United Kingdom, the top associations were ‘interesting’, ‘friendly’, and ‘artificial’; in France,’microbes’, ‘fermentation’, and ‘health’; and in Germany, ‘environmentally friendly’, ‘animal’, and’microbes’.

Precision fermentation was highly connected with sustainability and eco-friendliness among consumers, placing the technique second only to plant-based alternatives in most nations. However, when it comes to what is considered ‘healthy’, precision fermentation came in last, with traditional and plant-based products being viewed as the healthiest, followed by hybrid dairy. Precision fermentation performed badly in terms of perceived taste and sensory appeal, prompting Banovic to recommend that producers and merchants use sensory marketing that promotes enticing tastes to counteract unfavorable taste judgments.

In terms of manufacturing technique, precision fermentation emerged as the most probable competitor to the plant-based category, while hybrid dairy – specifically products that blend conventional dairy with precision fermentation-derived components – were the second most popular among customers. Traditional dairy was the most popular option across all countries, reflecting the category’s market dominance and origins. Hybrid dairy, which included precision fermentation and traditional dairy components, finished in second place, whereas goods created solely from precision fermentation scored similarly to plant-based products.

The results indicate that there may be a need for a new dairy alternatives category that enhances the sensory and nutritional qualities of plant-based alternatives. Plant-based sales in Europe slowed in 2022, although the category grew in both value and sales terms. Banovic agreed that hybrid dairy might assist ease the transition to precision fermentation dairy in Europe.

The research found that Danish customers prefer hybrid goods over precision fermentation-derived dairy, but German and French consumers chose PF-derived milk alternatives. Plant-based dairy alternatives are trusted by UK consumers, but dairy milk is the most popular option, with the French having the biggest preference for conventional dairy. Danish buyers prefer a combination of traditional and precision-fermentation-derived protein products, whereas Germans narrowly favor a plant-based and precision fermentation hybrid. In protein bars, alternative production techniques are getting closer to catching up with traditional dairy, notably in Germany, where 24% of buyers choose plant-based alternatives to 28.7% who prefer conventional dairy.

When it came to buyers’ readiness to pay more for animal-free dairy, none of the four consumer groups were prepared to pay either the reference price or a projected price for precision fermentation products. The researchers discovered a very low purchase propensity and a high price sensitivity, indicating value-driven pricing models or a promotional discourse.

Younger customers, especially Millennials, proved to be more willing to test innovative dairy alternatives, with those under the age of 35 being more inclined to accept and purchase goods based on precision fermentation technology. While European consumers did not rate precision fermentation-derived dairy highly in terms of sensory experience or price, marketers may benefit from the technology’s perceived environmental credentials, as they are aware of positive associations such as a lower carbon footprint, environmental and animal welfare benefits, and so on.

The Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) hearing, which ran from August 23, 2023 to January 30, 2024, has finished. Trade associations like as the National Milk Producers Federation and the International Dairy Foods Association have indicated support for revisions to the Class I mover formula. The present formula has cost farmers $1.2 billion in damages since its adoption after the 2018 farm bill, with more losses likely in the coming months. The higher-of method, which suited farmers well, adapts rapidly to market changes, improves farmer cash flow, is easy to grasp, and has no actual effect on processors who utilize the formula to raise their immediate balance sheets.

IDFA’s chief economist, Mike Brown, said that pricing regulations were “out of step with the modern marketplace,” which is characterized by a dynamic, creative supply chain that focuses on items such as cheese, yogurt, dairy-based health drinks and powders, frozen delights, and value-added fluid milk. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) requested legislators to apply the previous higher-of Class I mover criteria on an emergency basis to protect dairy producers from future losses throughout this thorough and protracted regulatory change process.

The deadline for interested parties to make corrections to the transcript of testimony, proposed findings and conclusions, and written arguments or briefs is April 1, 2024. No later than 90 days after that, on June 30, the USDA is scheduled to publish a recommended conclusion or “tentative final decision” in the Federal Register. Additional comments and exceptions to the proposed conclusions may be submitted with the USDA hearing clerk 60 days after the decision is published in the Federal Register.

The regulator will make its final judgment, followed by a vote in which producers will be able to accept or reject the proposed modifications. If producers agree the amendment(s) to the order(s), they are published in the Federal Register as a final rule, announcing when the amendment(s) will become effective and bringing the rulemaking process to a close.

Everyone at The Bullvine sends our condolences to Larry’s family and friends.

Researchers at Virginia Tech in the United States are utilizing sound and machine learning to comprehend cow behavior and emotions, which may help farmers reduce their suffering. They want to capture audio from cows, calves, and beef cattle on the pasture by attaching tiny recording devices to their halters or collars. Then they’ll employ machine learning to detect indicators of stress or disease.

The researchers want to learn how cows transmit discomfort by matching the data with saliva cortisol samples collected from the cows. They can determine if the cows are stressed by matching the data with saliva cortisol tests. This technique is non-invasive, like utilizing a microphone during a speech.

Chen intends to create a computational pipeline that combines audio data with pre-trained machine learning models and interactive visualization. This will be open-source and freely accessible to the public, providing a tool that will allow a broad range of individuals to have a better understanding of the levels of animal welfare in any given situation.

The data might also assist determine which cows burp less, since cow burps contain a lot of methane, a greenhouse gas. They will compare the DNA of cows who burp more and those that burp less in order to determine if such burping levels are inherited. They will also examine the impact of rumen modifiers (food additives that reduce methane production).

A circuit court dismissed a case challenging the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ power to require big farms to purchase licenses. Wisconsin Dairy Alliance and Venture Dairy Cooperative filed the action, claiming that the DNR lacks the jurisdiction to enforce water quality permits under state law. Calumet County Judge Carey Reed dismissed this claim, citing Wisconsin Statute §283.001 (1). Clean Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Farmers Union opposed the case, arguing that big livestock farms should be held accountable and allowed to follow environmental regulations. The Wisconsin Farmers Union has always advocated for agricultural operation regulation in its policy. The Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Association could not be contacted for comment.

Four dairy producers are suing the Oregon Department of Agriculture over a new regulation they say will harm their small companies. Starting April 1, certain small dairies will be required to register as Confined Animal Feeding Operations, or face penalties. According to the ODA, some raw milk producers are bypassing the registration requirement, resulting in environmental problems and unfair competition. Farmers are fighting back, filing a case in federal court, claiming that the regulations do not represent how small companies function and accusing the state of shielding the corporate milk industry.

One of the claimants is Sarah King, the proprietor of Godspeed Hollow Farm in Newberg, a three-cow enterprise that offers raw milk by subscription. She contests the state’s confinement threshold, claiming that her free-roaming animals meet the standards. She is concerned that under these restrictions, she will have to purchase costly equipment and gather considerable data.

The case comes amid a dispute about unpasteurized milk in Oregon, which is not sold in shops but may be sold directly to customers. Advocates claim that the pasteurization process kills good bacteria, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the public not to ingest raw milk owing to an increased risk of severe foodborne disease and a lack of evidence supporting health advantages. Even with good agricultural techniques and frequent animal testing, the possibility of infection persists.

At the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) Dairy Forum in Phoenix, Arizona, IDFA CEO Michael Dykes underlined the need of a growth mentality in elevating dairy to the next level. He cited various successes and areas for U.S. dairy, including increased dairy consumption, reclaiming the health halo, supporting the SNAP Dairy Incentive Program, elevating research, protecting WIC benefits, and supporting the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Dykes also emphasized the significance of sustainability, claiming that the United States is market-driven, with 65% of dairy CEOs motivated by sustainability. He also emphasized the need of reigniting competitiveness in export markets and coordinating price plans in order to become internationally competitive. With the USDA estimating 20 billion additional pounds of milk by 2030, Dykes thinks farmers will produce that milk, and that dairy development will need investments in people, processing, production, innovation, and sustainability. As more milk enters the market, the dairy industry’s export share must rise over 22 percent.

The following statement can be attributed to Mike Brown, chief economist, International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA):

“The U.S. dairy industry continues to go through a period of evolution and transition that has opened new opportunities for growth and presented significant new challenges for all participants throughout the dairy value chain, namely farmers and processors. IDFA believes the dairy industry has fundamentally changed since 2008 when the previous FMMO revisions were made, and that the current FMMO pricing formulas should be amended to reflect these new market dynamics. While nutritious milk remains the foundation for dairy’s continued growth, today’s U.S. dairy industry is defined by a robust, innovative supply chain that relies more and more on products like cheese, yogurt, dairy-based health beverages and powders, frozen treats, and valued-added fluid milk to meet ever-evolving consumer demands and generate income for producers and processors alike. However, today’s pricing policies are out of step with the modern marketplace. As our industry continues to evolve and become more efficient, we must have policies in place that position U.S. dairy for the future without being hamstrung by outdated regulations. IDFA has spent nearly two years ensuring that our FMMO proposals reflect a balanced, inclusive approach that is in the best interest of the full dairy supply chain.

“Forty proposals were submitted by stakeholders to USDA for consideration. Of those, USDA accepted 21 to be included in the hearing process, including two by IDFA—one requesting that USDA update make allowances which are woefully out of date after nearly 20 years of increasing manufacturing costs, and a second proposal on Class I milk pricing that puts more dollars into the pockets of dairy farmers than they would receive under the ‘higher of’ mover while allowing dairy processors to effectively manage price risk. Throughout the process, IDFA has remained constructive, offered fact-based testimony, and has continued to encourage USDA to make necessary reforms that allow U.S. dairy producers and processors to compete and win in a global marketplace.

“After weeks of testimony and cross-examination, USDA must now follow through on its mandate to update a federal order system that serves a diversifying and integrating dairy supply chain without putting these complex issues on the shoulders of legislators, which would unnecessarily complicate efforts to pass a new Farm Bill and create significant uncertainty for dairy businesses. 

“IDFA appreciates being part of the national FMMO public hearing, and we look forward to reviewing USDA’s recommended changes, USDA’s final rule, and the producer referendum on the orders as modified which will determine this industry’s future.”

Background Information

After 12 weeks of testimony and cross-examination, the National Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) public hearing that began on August 23, 2023, in Carmel, Indiana, has come to a close. The purpose of the hearing was for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to consider proposals seeking to amend the uniform pricing formulas applicable in all 11 Federal milk marketing orders (FMMOs). Forty proposals were submitted by stakeholders for consideration. Of those, USDA accepted 21 proposals for consideration during the hearing, including two by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). IDFA believes that FMMO pricing formulas should be amended as significant changes in the dairy industry and milk marketing have occurred since their adoption in the early 2000s.

IDFA’s efforts related to federal order updates have been ongoing for several years. We have engaged in an extensive process with several dozen meetings and multiple streams of work internally with IDFA members across all segments of our industry, including our dairy cooperative members. In March 2023, IDFA met twice with leadership from the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) to seek consensus on a set of priorities for Federal Order reform; however, consensus was not achieved. IDFA then acted on the direction of our Boards and filed a petition for updates to make allowances at the end of March. In June, we submitted a second, balanced proposal on the Class I mover that allows processors to manage price risk effectively while putting more dollars into the pockets of dairy farmers over time than they would receive under the “higher of” mover proposal. It is because of our diverse membership that we can submit a balanced approach that is based on sound data and beneficial to both processors and dairy farmers.

This is not a Farm Bill discussion. The focus is on USDA and its responsibility to manage the FMMO hearing process to amend these federal regulations to accurately reflect today’s dairy markets. IDFA will continue to work in the best interest of our members and the full U.S. dairy industry to see this process through.

IDFA proposals

IDFA is proud to stand behind these proposals because they represent a balanced approach that is based on sound data and is beneficial to both processors and dairy farmers.

IDFA’s Make Allowance proposal would update the system to better reflect the cost of processing milk into dairy products – something that hasn’t been adjusted since 2008. The IDFA proposal increases the current 2008 make allowance levels to the simple average of the 2022 Scheik study results and the new Stephenson 2022 survey stepwise over time. Half of the difference would be applied when (and if) the order changes are initiated, and 1/6 of the difference would be added each year over the next three years until the full amount is reached.  If an audited mandatory cost survey conducted by USDA becomes available during this time, the make allowance numbers from the new survey would be used instead. IDFA, NMPF, AFBF and other stakeholders are all asking Congress to provide USDA with the statutory authority to conduct regular cost surveys, and IDFA members were in Washington, D.C., this summer urging Congress to include this authority in the upcoming Farm Bill.   

In June, IDFA submitted a modification to the proposal at the request of USDA. The modification adds a $0.0015 adjustment to the Schiek and Stephenson studies for marketing fees, as is currently recognized by USDA. The chart below outlines the proposed make allowance changes.

IDFA’s Class I Mover proposal would provide dairy producers with milk check payments equal to or greater than what they would receive under the “Higher of” mover over time, while preserving the ability for producers, processors and their customers to hedge their costs. It would do so in a manner that:

• Preserves the ability of Class I market participants to manage price risk;
• Encourages increased sales of Class I products, which have been in steady decline for many years; and
• The proposal will put more dollars into the pockets of dairy farmers over time than either the current Class I mover or the “higher of” proposal.

In June, IDFA submitted a modification to the proposal at the request of USDA, further defining the proposed language and providing examples on how the proposal would work.  

Under the IDFA proposal, the Class I skim milk mover for any given year would equal the Simple Average of the Class III & Class IV Advance Skim Milk Price, plus the higher of the following:

1. The 24-month simple average of the Advanced “Higher-Of” Skim Milk Price (rounded to two decimals) for the August-July of the two preceding years, minus the 24-month simple average of the III-IV Advanced Skim Milk Price (rounded to two decimals), or
2. 74 cents per cwt skim milk (71 cents per cwt 3.5% Milk). 

An example for 2023 follows below:

Therefore, if the proposed IDFA Class I Mover formula had been in effect for 2023, it would have paid farmers on average 41 cents more per cwt on 3.5% milk than the “Higher-Of” and 43 cents more per cwt. on Class I Skim than the “Higher-Of” Skim mover.

Montgomery County officials are investigating complaints of animal maltreatment at Calico Dairy Farm in Conroe.

According to a press release, cattle Specialists with the Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation in December 2023 in reaction to sad photographs of cattle in terrible circumstances posted on social media.

Officials said that they had rigorously performed many follow-up investigations at the farm, including on Tuesday.

Officials noted, “It is crucial to highlight that many of the images presently circulating on social media are old shots that have reappeared. While the images are troubling, our investigation has determined that all of the injuries seen in the photographs were treated by a licensed veterinarian prior to the arrival of police enforcement.”

According to the announcement, an active investigation into animal abuse is now ongoing. They said that as part of their efforts, they have collaborated with the Texas Animal Health Commission, which has regulatory authority, to evaluate the conditions within the dairy barn, especially those involving products meant for human consumption.

Officials also said, “We fully understand the emotions that arise when confronted with reports of neglected animals, and we want to emphasize that we take all animal cruelty reports very seriously.” We would want to remind everyone that posting images on social media is not a sufficient method of reporting illegal conduct to police authorities.”

We express our heartfelt sympathies to Marianna Thomson’s family on her loss.

Marianna Mark Thomson, 94, of Springfield, passed away on January 25, 2024, at her home. She was born December 18, 1929, to Mary Leannah (Hughel) and Carl Gustaf Mark in Springfield, Missouri.

Marianna married Robert Frank Thomson, Jr. on January 8, 1950, and farmed together with him at Robthom Farm where they both lived out their lives. She graduated from Greenwood High School and attended Southwest Missouri State (now MSU). She was a member of Oakland Methodist Church.

Marianna was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brothers Richard (Margie) Mark and Phillip Mark.

She is survived by her son, Robert Mark Thomson; daughters, Carol Jean (Randall) Kollmeyer, Nancy Cathryn Thomson, Janice Emily Ling, Mary Ann Thomson, and sister-in-law Edith Mark.

Grandchildren: Carol’s children: David (Kara) Tag, Amy (Brodie) Verworn, and Rachel (Nathaniel Heironimus) Tag; Nancy’s children: Laura Bachmann, and Robert Bachmann; Janice’s children: Eric (Mary) Ling, Monica (Michael) Streets, and Kelsey (Craig) Zydenbos; Mary’s children: Mikala, Lexi, and Hunter Angelo.

Great-grandchildren: Jackson, Ashlyn, and Isaac Tag; Faith, Amelia, and Aaron Ling; Monique, and Morgan Streets; Hannah, Sophie, and Blake Zydenbos.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024, at Eastlawn Cemetery, 2244 East Pythian Street, Springfield, Missouri.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.klingerfuneralhome.com. 

This month, Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a complaint alleging that over the last three years, dairy producers Keith Schaefer and his daughter Megan Hill stole almost $3 million from hundreds of their employees in central Minnesota. The owners of Morgan Feedlots and Evergreen Acres Dairy, Schaefer and Hill, allegedly took 12–32 hours out of workers’ paychecks every two weeks, didn’t pay them for the first and last weeks they worked, and took rent money from their wages for beds in unfit buildings. Although workers put in 12-hour days six to seven days a week, they were only paid $12 to $17 per hour with overtime payments.

When the lawsuit was served on Schaefer and Hill at their residence in Stearns County, they were not arrested, despite the fact that stealing anything worth at more than $1,000 is a crime in Minnesota. Despite the complaint detailing Schaefer’s violent assaults and threats to murder employees, they have not been charged with any crimes. Case in point: Minnesota’s new wage theft legislation, which aims to discourage what worker advocates describe as an all-too-common behavior, but which has both potential and obstacles, as this case shows.

The state of Minnesota has enacted a criminal statute that is among the most stringent in the nation against wage theft as of 2019. Wage theft over $35,000 carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in jail and a fine of $100,000. But the rule of law is almost never put into practice. Prosecutors have only filed five cases involving pay fraud in the previous four years. There has been a single gross misdemeanor conviction for wage theft, but it seems like it was an oversight in the filing process since the individual in question was also charged with stealing electronics from Walmart.

Arresting an individual for the theft of wages is more difficult than putting them behind bars for the theft of a vehicle or money. As a prosecutor, you must establish that the employer acted with the “intent to defraud.” It is insufficient to simply demonstrate that the business failed to pay workers their fair wages. Local law enforcement has little expertise in financial crimes and an absence of investigative resources, making them ill-equipped to handle instances of pay theft.

A Franklin County dairy farm started cleaning up on Sunday, after a fire damaged three barns and killed around 20 cows the day before.

“I worked so hard to make the barn what it was, and now it’s all gone,” said the owner, Ashley Swainbank. “There’s nothing left.”

Swainbank owns and runs one of Kane’s Scenic River Farms LLC’s farms in Sheldon, with her husband. She said that before the weekend’s fire, they had around 450 dairy cows.

When a neighbor saw the smoke and called 911, Swainbeck and her family moved fast.

“My husband and I just started getting animals out as fast as we could,” she said. “We knew it was a lost cause as soon as we walked out the door.”

On Sunday, the bulk of the animals had been saved and were being cared for on several nearby farms.

While firemen fought the issue on Saturday, several others helped to move the animals to safety.

“I really appreciate every single one of you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said.

Swainbank said that the goal is to fix the barn and enlarge the herd, but this will be a major issue.

“Building is a tricky thing,” Swainbank said. “If we wish to continue farming, we must raise our children [cows]. Nobody else is doing it, and you can’t get substitutes anymore.”

Swainbank said Sunday afternoon that she had found the remains of around 20 cows among the rubble.

“It takes a lot of work to raise a baby calf,” Swainbank said. “It’s a lot of work and it’s hard; it crushes my heart more than anything to see them in there, but we’ll be OK.”It just damages my heart.

Swainbank said that, as the farm proceeds forward in its rehabilitation, the most essential thing the community can do right now is keep an eye out while driving through the greater Sheldon area.

If you find a cow that seems to be missing, she asks you to alert her on Facebook.

Applications for the 2024 George Miller Memorial Scholarship are due April 1, 2024. The scholarship fund was created in honor of the late George Miller, who was an icon within the Holstein Breed and dedicated to preparing youth for futures within the dairy industry. Launched in 2023, the scholarship supports a student who serves as a leader within the dairy industry and their communities. Qualifying college students are invited to apply for the $1,000 scholarship.

The scholarship fund is hosted by the Holstein Foundation, awarded by Holstein Association USA, and supported by Select Sires, who have been allocating funds for this scholarship from semen sales of 7HO15807 GEORGE MILLER, a previous NxGEN® sire.

“We’re thrilled to be offering this scholarship for the second year in a row,” says Diedra Harkenrider, Director of Development for the Holstein Foundation. “Along with preserving George Miller’s legacy, the $1,000 scholarship supports a deserving student we expect to go on and make a difference within the dairy community.”

The George Miller Memorial scholarship will be awarded at the 2024 National Holstein Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. Application information can be found on the Holstein Foundation’s Website, www.holsteinfoundation.org, under “Scholarships.”

Applicants must be a junior or adult member of Holstein Association USA and currently enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program. They must also be a U.S. citizen attending college full-time in the U.S. and pursuing an agricultural degree with dairy-related experiences and career interests.

Last year’s scholarship recipient Kylie Konyn of Escondido, California, is attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in dairy science with certificates in ag business management and science communications. Kylie says she hopes to use her talents to positively impact the lives and dairy industry around her, just as George Miller did.

About the Award

George Miller made significant contributions to the dairy and A.I. industries throughout his lifetime. He exhibited an unmatched passion for good cows and the breeders he worked beside. George grew up helping on his uncle’s dairy farm, the birthplace of 7HO58 Round Oak Rag Apple ELEVATION (EX-96-GM). George Miller was a pioneer for genetic advancement in the dairy industry and played a major role in the breeding decisions that produced ELEVATION.

George Miller attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute, earning a degree in animal husbandry and a master’s degree in dairy science. George spent most of his career at Select Sires joining the staff in 1973 where he worked as the cooperative’s marketing manager before retiring in 1991.

Dairy Girl Network (DGN), an organization offering programs and events supporting all women in dairy reaching across the nation, has welcomed three new dairywomen to the board of directors: Jennifer Fernandes-Hanf of California, Julie Patterson of New York and Lorilee Schultz of Illinois. Jennifer, Julie, and Lorilee recently joined the board which together with industry partners, allow DGN members to gain valuable connections, resources and shared experiences while supporting and encouraging fellow dairywomen.  

Jennifer Fernandes-Hanf was raised on her family dairy farm in Tulare County, Calif. She was active in her local 4-H and Jr. Holstein clubs and enjoyed raising replacement heifers, registered Holsteins and showing cattle. Jennifer earned a B.S. degree in Agricultural Business Management from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Jennifer’s career has combined her passion for the dairy industry with her keen interest in software and technology. The bulk of her career was as IT Director for World Wide Sires, Ltd before she joined the Milc Group team in 2019. As Vice President of Product at Milc Group, she heads up the organization’s people management and employee training software products. 

Julie Patterson is an owner at Patterson Farms, Inc., alongside her husband, as sixth generation dairy and crop farmers in Cayuga County, NY. Julie’s responsibilities at Patterson Farms, Inc., include financial management, HR management, safety training, social media, outreach and workforce development. Julie attended Alfred State College and earned an associate degree in architectural engineering and worked in that field for a few years after graduating. After going back to school, Julie completed the Cornell Dairy Executive Program in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Julie serves on the NYS Dairy Promotion Order Board, on a cohort for the National Young Farmers Coalition and is involved in Workforce Development for agriculture in her community.  

Lorilee Schultz manages Mil-R-Mor Farm, in Orangeville, Ill. On the farm, some of her passions include developing deep pedigrees, producing high quality milk, and incorporating practices that improve soil health and increase biodiversity. She graduated from Iowa State University with a double major in Agricultural Business and Economics. While in college, she enjoyed some terrific internships with Hoards Dairyman and the USDA Foreign Ag Service, but her love of cows brought her back to her grandparents’ farm. Lorilee is active in her local Holstein club, a YDLI graduate, and former president of the Holstein Foundation. She recently served as the chairperson for the National Milk Producers Federation Young Cooperators advisory council. 

The DGN Board of Directors is comprised of twelve voting members along with two advisory members. These individuals are elected representatives serving as dairy farmers and industry professionals. They oversee the overall execution of the organization’s mission. In building the organization and supporting dairywomen through connections, encouragement and inspiration, DGN is proud to continue to add to our board of directors with new leadership. 

Jennifer, Julie, and Lorilee join the current DGN Board of Directors who include Laura Daniels, founder and president, of Wisconsin; Rebecca Shaw, vice president, of Pennsylvania; LuAnn Troxel, financial officer, of Indiana; Carrie Mess of Wisconsin; Kristy Pagel of Wisconsin; Tami Smith of Pennsylvania; Mary Knigge of Washington DC; Julie Veldhuis of Idaho; Rosario Ibarra of Wisconsin. Advisors to the board include Leah Ziemba of Wisconsin and Dr. Kelly Reed of Washington. These individuals are advocates for advancing women within agriculture and are dedicated to the mission and vision of DGN. 

Learn more about the organization and the opportunities DGN offers atdairygirlnetwork.com. Membership is free for all dairywomen. If you are interested in becoming a member of DGN, go tohttps://dairygirlnetwork.com/join/.  

The Dairy Girl Network connects all women of the dairy industry, encouraging ideas and camaraderie in an effort to achieve personal and professional development. Designed as a welcoming network of passionate women involved in dairy, relationships will grow through shared experience, support and inspiration. 

According to Circana data cited by the National Milk Producers Federation, whole milk sales rose 0.6% in 2023, accounting for 45.4% of total fluid volume. Lactose-free milk rose 6.7%. NMPF executive vice-president, communications & industry relations Alan Bjerga said 2024 was exciting for whole and lactose-free milk. Whole milk accounts for 45.4% of fluid volume sold, and lactose-free milk outperformed almond-based alternatives, which fell 9.8% in 2023.

The second straight year of declining sales, plant-based dairy alternatives fell 6.6% to 337.7 million gallons in 2023. This was the lowest plant-based alternative consumption since 2019. Whole and lactose-free milk’s success shows that consumers prefer milk that tastes and looks like milk and is accessible to everyone who wants its benefits. Quality and diversity are promising building blocks for a prosperous future, and consumer choices can improve federal policy.

In 2023, 2 in 5 US shoppers bought almond milk alternatives, according to Mintel. Oat, coconut, and soya milk are all similar, with 15-20% of consumers buying them in 2023. 2 in 5 55-year-olds think non-dairy milk is healthier than dairy, while 1 in 5 think dairy is.

Taste has been a bigger factor than lactose intolerance in switching from dairy to plant-based milk. Plant-based milk is considered more nutritious, natural, high in protein, better for animals, and better for the environment by plant-based milk consumers.

Firefighters in Lordstown dealt with smoldering straw and prevented the fire from spreading. The straw was moved from the barn to a field to prevent it from rekindling. Other farmers assisted the family with equipment and equipment. The fire took over the barn, and hydrant issues initially posed challenges. Four hogs were saved, but another hog and its piglets perished. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Dairy farmers in Wisconsin are being recognized for their dedication to quality care for their cows. Tom Crave of Crave Brothers Farm was awarded the Advocate of the Year award by the Dairy Business Association for his role in shaping the dairy community. Crave’s farm, which has 2,100 milking cows, 1,400 heifers, and over 2,500 acres of cropland, has implemented sustainability practices and technologies, such as reducing tillage and crop rotations. He also launched a farmstead cheese operation in 2001, producing several award-winning cheese varieties. Crave was also instrumental in building the Clean Water Initiative, a partnership between DBA, Clean Wisconsin, The Nature Conservancy, and the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association. The award was presented at Dairy Strong, a conference featuring presentations from dairy policy, farm management, and sustainability leaders.

Wisconsin dairy is a vital part of rural communities, with many dairy workers serving on boards for schools, towns, counties, and other organizations. The Dairy Business Association and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin have announced Doug Grotegut as the inaugural recipient of the Community Builder Award at their annual Dairy Strong conference. Grotegut, who co-owns and operates Grotegut Dairy Farm Inc., a third-generation family farm in Newton, Wisconsin, has been a leader in the dairy community, milking about 3,500 cows and managing 3,350 acres of land. Grotegut played a pivotal role in hosting the Manitowoc County Breakfast on the Farm, educating the public about dairy farming in Wisconsin. His commitment to transparency is evident through the farm’s partnership with the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center. Grotegut’s dedication to his community and Wisconsin dairy is exemplary, as exemplified by his efforts to engage the public, promote sustainable farming, and actively participate in community events. The Community Builder Award is a testament to individuals or families’ role as a pillar of the community, exemplifying leadership, responsibility, and a deep-seated commitment to their community. Over 450 farmers representing over 280,000 cows, along with allied professionals, attended the two-day conference.

Dunkin’ is removing coconut milk from its menus, less than three years after adding the plant-based dairy alternative. The chain confirmed that it will be “bidding farewell” to coconut milk from US locations in the coming days, but will still offer almond milk and oat milk as dairy-free creamers. The elimination of coconut milk also means the end of its Coconut Refreshers lineup, which were colorful drinks mixing coconut milk and flavored iced tea. Dunkin’ did not specify why it is reducing its selection of plant-based dairy alternatives, but chains regularly adjust offerings if an item isn’t selling or becomes too expensive. Technomic’s Robert Byrne, director for consumer and industry insights, said that the cost of coconut milk plays a significant role as it is the most expensive nondairy milk for restaurants, while almond is the cheapest. Technomic’s Ignite menu data shows that coconut and soy milk, which appear more frequently than almond and oat, are disappearing from menus. Coconut milk joins the menu graveyard with the Dunkaccino, which Dunkin’ eliminated earlier this year.

Wisconsin lawmakers have introduced legislation to prohibit non-dairy substitute food products from using the term “milk” on their labels. Assembly Bill 952 would restrict the term “milk” to labels that contain milk from a cow or a hooved or camelid mammal. If passed and signed into law, the legislation will not take effect until at least ten other states pass similar legislation by 2031. Dairy organizations claim that federal guidelines already require this, but the Food and Drug Administration has not enforced it. The Wisconsin bill has bipartisan support, with 31 representatives and 7 senators in favor.

Missouri dairy farmer Alex Peterson, right, is USDEC’s new chair. Becky Nyman, left, a California dairy farmer, was elected as vice chair. In this June USDEC photo, they hold up Calli ice cream cups (made with U.S. milk protein concentrate) while in Southeast Asia on a USDEC-sponsored farmers mission. Download this photo here.

Dairy farmers Alex Peterson of Missouri and Becky Nyman of California have been elected to guide the U.S. Dairy Export Council as its chair and vice chair, respectively. The vote came in a December 13 meeting of USDEC’s board of directors.  

“I am delighted and thrilled to have such bright and capable leaders to guide us at this pivotal time,” said USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden. “As we look to the future, this is the right team to help the U.S. dairy industry continue to grow exports.” 

Peterson and Nyman share similar personal stories. Both left budding careers to return home to work on their family-owned dairy farms. Both have given their time and energy to serve the broader U.S. dairy industry in multiple leadership positions. 

Peterson earned a degree in agricultural economics from the University of Missouri and landed an internship in Washington, D.C. He found work on Capitol Hill exciting but missed the day-to-day joy of dairy farming. He returned home to Peterson Dairy, Inc. where he helps care for 150 cows on 1,000 acres in Grundy County, Missouri, with his parents, Brian and Barb Peterson, brother Opie, and niece Jandie Davis. 

Peterson has emerged as an influential leader within the dairy checkoff. He has served on the board of Midwest Dairy, representing 4,400 dairy farms. He also is a board member at Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), which manages the national dairy checkoff to increase sales and demand for U.S. dairy. In November, Peterson was elected chair of the United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA).  

Peterson became USDEC’s vice chair in 2021. He traveled to Mexico, Southeast Asia and other export markets on behalf of U.S. dairy farmers, impressing people with his friendliness, curiosity and accessible personality.  

In August, Peterson was named USDEC’s interim chair, stepping in for Larry Hancock, who had served four years in that role. 

“My job as USDEC’s chair is to bring fresh, innovative solutions to life and help solve some of the most pressing challenges the global dairy industry faces today,” said Peterson. “Ultimately, my goal is to advocate for U.S. dairy farmers on the international stage, making it as simple as possible for U.S. dairy exporters to establish footholds in new regions, develop their business, and meet the rising demand for dairy across the globe.” 

With a master’s degree in Agribusiness from Texas A&M University, Nyman worked for eight years for a company providing consumer research for agribusiness and consumer packaged goods clients. Nyman left that corporate job in 2011 to join her brother, Brad Nyman, as the business manager at her family’s 4th-generation, 1,200-cow dairy farm in Hilmar, California. Nyman Dairy Farms has expanded to include eight additional dairies and other ventures.  

“At a time in which there is so much change around the world — from public policy to the economy to consumer demand — USDEC is positioning our industry to turn these changes into opportunities,” said Nyman, who also serves on the DMI and National Dairy Promotion and Research boards. “The challenges we have experienced this year highlight the importance of exports to help build healthy markets that contribute to profitable margins for U.S. dairy farmers.” 

DMI founded the U.S. Dairy Export Council in 1995, bringing together milk producers, dairy processors, co-ops, ingredient suppliers and export traders in a unified strategic effort to grow exports. Since then, exports have increased more than 10-fold to $9.6 billion in 2022, an all-time high. Export volume last year was equivalent to 18% of all U.S. milk produced in 2022, which was also an all-time high.  

####

The U.S. Dairy Export Council is a non-profit, independent membership organization that represents the global trade interests of U.S. dairy producers, proprietary processors and cooperatives, ingredient suppliers and export traders. Its mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and assist the U.S. industry to increase its global dairy ingredient sales and exports of U.S. dairy products. USDEC accomplishes this through programs in market development that build global demand for U.S. dairy products, resolve market access barriers and advance industry trade policy goals. USDEC is supported by staff across the United States and overseas in Mexico, South America, Asia, Middle East and Europe. The U.S. Dairy Export Council prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, disability, national origin, race, color, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, political beliefs, marital status, military status, and arrest or conviction record. www.usdec.org.

This year’s National DHIA scholarship recipients are Allison Ahrensmeyer, Baraboo, Wis. (parents: Larry and Laurie Ahrensmeyer); Makenzie Alberts, Pine Island, Minn. (parents: Eric and Angie Alberts); Cassie Bohnert, East Moline, Ill. (parents: Scott and Karen Bohnert); Wyatt Glessing, Waverly, Minn. (parents: Dan and Seena Glessing); Sydney Haag, Thorntown, Ind.  (parents: Brent and Beth Haag); Garrett Hastings, Chardon, Ohio (parents: Lad and Brenda Hastings); Ryan Hath, El Nido, Calif. (parents: Leon and Amy Hath); Trevor Hath, El Nido, Calif. (parents: Leon and Amy Hath); Kaleb Heins, Morris, Minn. (parents: Brad and Joni Heins); Colton James, Dodgeville, Wis. (parents: Dennis and Christine James); Lincoln Michaud, East Hardwick, Vt. (parents: Jeremy and Leslie Michaud); Makayla Moline, Saint Peter, Minn. (parents: Rob and Gail Moline); Kelly Niefergold, Lawtons, N.Y. (parents: David and Emily Niefergold); and Emma Roar, Sullivan, Ohio (parents: Jeremy and Jenny Roar).

For the 16^th year, National DHIA awarded a scholarship in memory of Joe Drexler, who worked for NorthStar Cooperative DHI Services (now known as CentralStar Cooperative Inc. – DHI Services). Cassie Bohnert is this year’s recipient. NorthStar members and employees, friends and family contributed nearly $10,000 to establish this scholarship fund.

Money generated from the annual National DHIA Scholarship Auction primarily funds the organization’s scholarship program. Investments and donations also help build the fund. Support the National DHIA Scholarship Program by donating $15 or more and receive a copy of The Big Book of Moo by Leigh Rubin. The Big Book of Moo features nearly 300 cow-centric cartoons. To order, e-mail BookOfMoo@dhia.org. To donate to the National DHIA Scholarship Fund, contact Leslie Thoman at 608-848-6455 ext. 108 or lthoman@dhia.org.

On July 1, 2024, the 2025 National DHIA Scholarship application will be posted on the National DHIA website at: www.dhia.org/scholarship.asp. Applications are due Oct. 31, 2024.

National Dairy Herd Information Association, a trade association for the dairy records industry, serves the best interests of its members and the dairy industry by maintaining the integrity of dairy records and advancing dairy information systems.

As angry farmers protest agricultural subsidy cuts and regulations, thousands of tractors and trucks have gathered in Berlin. After a week of protests across Germany, including the blockade of motorway on-ramps, organizers expect 10,000 people to attend Monday’s rally. Dissatisfaction in German society has fueled the protests.

The current government in Germany, led by the center-left coalition of Social Democrats (SPD), Greens, and the neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP), is facing a crisis as the country faces a budget hole and price hikes for energy and food. This has led to a growing sense of anger among farmers who are facing subsidy cuts, blocking highways, driving into cities in their tractors, and bringing traffic to a standstill. In northwestern Germany, farmers allegedly supported by far-right extremists attempted to storm a ferry on which Economy Minister and Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck was returning from a vacation.

In 2016, the Germans appeared to be the least receptive to populist policies, according to a YouGov survey of European Union states. However, things seem to have changed. Political journalist Albrecht von Lucke sees trends towards social division and dissolution in Germany, with people shifting to the fringes of the political spectrum. He believes that if this dispute is no longer accompanied by a willingness to reach compromises, democracy is eroded, and positions drift more and more to the fringes.

Political analyst Ursula Münch, Director of the Academy for Political Education in Tutzing, does not see it quite as dramatically, but she sees that the fringes of society are growing, referring to those who express strong discontent and carry out protests like the farmers and the train drivers’ union. Both groups of protesters have the power to paralyze large parts of the country.

Many view the fossil fuel phase-out as state intrusion, as farmers often say they cannot deal with the pace of reform and new regulations in environmental and animal protection. Smaller farms, in particular, say they are being given too little time to adapt to EU policy changes. When the news emerged in 2023 that the government was planning to phase out fossil fuel heatings quickly, this prompted a big public outcry. However, the coalition parties all declined in the polls.

The far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) is profiting from all the discontent, with its approval ratings continuing to climb. In the eastern German states of Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg, where state elections are taking place in September, it is polling as the strongest party by far. The AfD is fueling polarization, with some people believing that there is a threat only because a part of the population may be easily instrumentalized.

Journalist von Lucke is expecting 2024 to be a year of protest votes, especially as the problems within the coalition government show no sign of ending. The quarrels will continue, frustration will grow in the country, and we will be faced with protest votes.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed measures to support New York’s farmers, including dairy producers and establishing a “one-stop shop” for the agricultural workforce. The governor is committed to advancing agriculture and food production, and New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball emphasizes the importance of farmers and the agriculture sector. New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher is dedicated to working with Hochul and the state legislature to strengthen agriculture and family farms. Hochul is seeking $34 million over two years for on-farm fluid milk storage technologies and processing infrastructure to reduce transportation costs during pandemics and winter storms.

Hochul also suggested $21 million for a new Alternative Waste Management and Enhanced Precision Feed Program to help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, capture carbon, and scale up their operations. A new program to help New York’s agricultural labor is proposed, which would collaborate with Cornell University’s Agricultural Workforce Development Program to create a suite of resources.

Hochul envisions a “one health approach” to enhance illness detection and prevention, food safety education, and veterinarian care optimization to lessen dangers to people, animals, and the environment. Initiatives include increased engagement with New York’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Advisory Board, a new program to prevent the misuse of veterinary drug xylazine, changes to reimbursement and fee structures for on-farm animal health testing programs, and the establishment of a new animal health testing program.

A Minnesota dairy farm is facing legal action for allegedly failing to pay its workers in full and unlawfully charging rent for poor accommodation.

State Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a case in Stearns County District Court against Evergreen Acres Dairy, Evergreen Estates, Morgan Feedlots, and the dairy’s owners, Keith Schaefer and Megan Hill. Ellison issued a statement claiming that farm businesses in the Paynesville area systematically deprived vulnerable, low-wage dairy employees of more than three million dollars in wages by deducting regular and overtime hours from workers’ paychecks, failing to pay wages owed at the start and end of workers’ employment, and illegally deducting rent for substandard onsite housing that does not meet habitability standards.

Ellison claims that many of the impacted workers are undocumented and come from Mexico with little or no English proficiency. He claims the inquiry started after getting information from local citizens.