Four outstanding individuals are being honored with National Dairy Shrine’s Pioneer Award this year in recognition of their significant contributions to the dairy industry. The four will join a distinguished group of industry leaders whose portraits are displayed at the National Dairy Hall of Fame at the National Dairy Shrine Museum in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

Among the Pioneers being honored is Dr. Donald R. Monke of Plain City, Ohio, the respected veterinarian who helped open international markets for American dairy cattle genetics and whose work and research led to improvements in male bovine management and care during a 40-year career at Select Sires Inc.

Born in Illinois, Donald Monke earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1977 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and then a Master’s of Business Administration from Franklin University in 2003.

In May 1977, Monke joined the staff of Select Sires Inc., the Plain City, Ohio, based A.I. cooperative that today is North America’s largest A.I. organization. Monke was the first Chief Staff Veterinarian in Select Sires’ history and in his role oversaw and managed the health and welfare of the company’s bulls. He was named Vice President of Sire Health Programs in 1991 and in 2003 was appointed Vice President of Production Operations. During his 40 years at Select Sires, Monke spearheaded the design, construction and renovation of facilities used to house the company’s bulls. He developed health, biosecurity, and emergency management protocols to help prevent the seminal transmission of bovine disease. He took the knowledge he gained from researching bovine diseases, and how they may be transmitted via frozen semen, and translated that into practical bull stud management. When Monke retired in June 2017, the Select Sires Board of Directors honored this committed, foresighted employee by naming their Export Production and Housing Facility the D.R. Monke Production Center.

Monke’s expertise on bull health and the A.I. business led him to be called upon many times to assist with the negotiation of international health regulations related to the export of bull semen. Monke travelled extensively as a veterinary technical advisor for the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to help develop and negotiate international bull semen health requirements so that semen from the United States could be exported to dairy producers in countries around the world.

As David Thorbahn, Select Sires CEO, says, “Dr. Monke’s work in disease transmission, aiding the breeding industry in negotiating domestic and exporting health regulations, developing strict biosecurity protocols for managing bovines, and his research and clinical work that improved the standards of care for over 1,600 highly valuable bulls at Select Sires has earned him high regard.”

Monke helped to educate dairy producers and veterinarians on bull care and health and disease prevention through his countless technical presentations at domestic and international conferences and his extensive articles that were published in scientific and lay publications. Dr. Gordon Doak, NAAB President Emeritus, states, “Monke’s contributions to health programs for bulls in A.I. over the years has been instrumental in protecting the health of dairy and beef producers’ herds as they employ A.I. to utilize the best genetics available to them.” Dr. Tony Forshey, State Veterinarian for the Ohio Department of Agriculture, says, “Monke’s dedication to excellence by developing and adopting cutting edge technologies has allowed him to contribute to improving dairy herd health and semen quality.”

Monke has been actively involved in many organizations. He was Chairman of the NAAB Board of Directors from 2003-05, a member of the NAAB Sire Health and Management Committee for 16 years (1978-93) and Chairman of that group for eight years, as well as Board Chairman of NAAB’s subsidiary, Certified Semen Services, for 12 years. In 2014, Monke was recognized with NAAB’s Distinguished Service Award. Monke has been a member of the U.S. Animal Health Association for over 40 years where he has served on numerous animal health and import/export committees including the Bluetongue and Bovine Retrovirus Committee. From 1984-95, he was also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary Preventative Medicine at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

For more information about National Dairy Shrine, the banquet, or the students and dairy industry leaders being recognized this year, contact National Dairy Shrine’s office at info@dairyshrine.org or visit their website.

Dairy Holdings has sold a 25 per cent stake to a Canadian pension fund.

Dairy Holdings, the country’s biggest corporate dairy farmer has sold a 25 per cent stake to Canadian pension fund, Sooke Investments, for an unknown sum.

Diary Holdings is Fonterra’s largest shareholder, with more than 12 million shares and $1 billion in assets.

Dairy Holdings’ 59 dairy farms are all in the South Island, with a total herd of 50,000 milking cows that produce around 17 million kilograms of milk solids a year, according to its website.

Sooke is owned by Canadian state-owned Public Sector Pension Investment Board and also owns a 69.5 per cent of Kaingaroa Timberlands, and is the owner of investment holding firm Global Herd.

Timaru-based Dairy Holdings is made up of five companies, the largest of which is Dacca Investments. The other four are Pure Pasture Investments, Turdair 2019 and Turdair Holdings, owned by Temuka farming couple Margaret and Murray Turley.

Prior to the deal with Sooke, the company was wholly New Zealand owned.

Dairy Holdings began in 2001 with the purchase of two South Island corporate farming companies: Tasman Agriculture and Dairy Brands.

Dairy Holdings would not comment on the sale.

Source: stuff.co.nz

Holstein Association USA recently recognized six finalists as 2020 National Distinguished Junior Members (DJM) during a Facebook Live event on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. This award is the highest honor given to members of the National Junior Holstein Association, ages 17 to 21, in recognition of a commitment to the Holstein breed and involvement in a variety of agriculture related activities.

National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) is offering $1,000 scholarships to full-time, incoming and continuing students at technical and two-year and four-year colleges/universities. To be eligible for a National DHIA scholarship, the applicant must be a family member or employee of a herd on DHI test, family member of a DHI employee, or employee of a DHI affiliate. The DHI affiliate for the herd or affiliate employee must be a member of National DHIA. (AgSource Cooperative Services, Arizona DHIA, Central Counties DHIA, CentralStar Cooperative Inc., Dairy Lab Services, Dairy One Cooperative Inc., DHI Cooperative Inc., Idaho DHIA, Indiana State Dairy Association, Lancaster DHIA, Minnesota DHIA, Rocky Mountain DHIA, Tennessee DHIA, United Federation of DHIAs and Washington State DHIA are National DHIA members.)

The scholarship selection committee will evaluate applicants based on scholastic achievements, leadership, community activities, work experience, knowledge of and experience with DHIA, and responses to questions on the application. Applications are due Nov. 30, 2020. Recipients will be announced at the 2021 National DHIA Annual Meeting.

To apply for a National DHIA scholarship, log on to: www.dhia.org and download and complete the electronic application form. For more information, contact JoDee Sattler, National DHIA scholarship coordinator, at 414-587-5839 orjdsattler@dhia.org.

National DHIA will award approximately 15 $1,000 scholarships. Generous contributions from National DHIA members, friends and supporters help fund these scholarships.

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.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announces that Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) safety-net signup for 2021 coverage will begin October 12 and will run through December 11, 2020. DMC has already triggered payments for two months for producers who signed up for 2020 coverage.

“If we’ve learned anything in the past six months, it’s to expect the unexpected,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “Nobody would have imagined the significant impact that current, unforeseen circumstances have had on an already fragile dairy market. It’s during unprecedented times like these that the importance of offering agricultural producers support through the delivery of Farm Bill safety-net programs such as DMC becomes indisputably apparent.”

The April 2020 income over feed cost margin was $6.03 per hundredweight (cwt.), triggering the second payment of 2020 for dairy producers who purchased the appropriate level of coverage under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. The April margin reflects a more than a $3 drop from the March $9.15 cwt. income over feed cost margin.

As of June 15, FSA has issued more than $100 million in much-needed program benefits to dairy producers who purchased DMC coverage for 2020.

Authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, DMC is a voluntary risk management program that offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. Over 13,000 operations enrolled in the program for the 2020 calendar year.

All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including some that are open to visitors to conduct business in person by appointment only. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors may also be required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. Our program delivery staff will be in the office, and they will be working with our producers in office, by phone, and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

For more information, visit farmers.gov DMC webpage or contact your local USDA service center. To locate your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator.

Just when it looks like the storm has let up with a little relief in early 2020 milk markets, another storm bears down, leaving Michigan dairy farmers to believe that short reprieve was just the eye of the storm — a small window of peace and security between the front and back ends of a deluge.

“We’re all in this together” is like nails on a chalkboard at this point, but the truth more than ever before, is that right now, dairy farmers need to support each other wholeheartedly. 

There is no reason to repeat the issues as they are more than obvious to anyone who has ever received a milk check. To support each other, two questions were posed to five dairy farmers from different demographics. Their answers are from the heart.

Question one: What one or two things do you find yourself doing or reflecting on to get through this unique time in history?

Ashley Kennedy: I often find myself going back to my basic comforts of movement or reading. Since I was a kid, I could lose myself in a good book and I have found myself doing that move often lately. I also find my yoga and running/walking habits to be a great way to clear my head.

Tara Good: Things have been very “business as usual” for us, because we are working around the clock. I do think I rely a lot on music to keep me uplifted; and we love what we do! My motto has always been Carpe Diem, or Seize the Day, and I truly try to find beauty in the simple things daily. I think many people forget to do this. It could be as simple as enjoying the sunset, the alfalfa field coming to life after a long cold winter or the birth of a beautiful heifer calf.

Joe Kulhawick: I have a job I love and am grateful that I can get up and go to work every day. I realize I am just passing through this world and trying to do the Lord’s work. This dumping milk to me is sinful and a bitter pill to swallow. I rely on my faith and the Bible, and even though we cannot go to church and worship together, I try to do daily devotions and look for wisdom and knowledge from above, because no one else has wisdom like that.

Mary Costigan: Undoubtedly my faith! Constant conversations with the good Lord throughout the entire day relaxes my anxiety about all the on-farm and off-farm things that are out of my control. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” Those words in Isaiah 41:10 could not be truer in a time like this. How comforting to know that with all the upset in the world, that God is always with us! God has always upheld me with a strong supportive family, including my husband of almost 12 years, my precious and rowdy sons (Case 6, Brant 3, Kipp 10 months) and my Dad, Mom, brothers Jake and Dave and sister Sarah. 

Gerald Geurink: We don’t have any animals here anymore, it was just more than I could do at 80. I just take care of the things we have here at home, read, watch TV, church on the computer, read some more. That’s about it. Once in a while we sneak off and visit some relatives that are our age. 

Question two: What is one business tool or piece of advice that you incorporate to keep your business moving forward?

Ashley Kennedy: While going through struggles and stresses on the farm, I have found that taking time away, even for a bit, helps my frame of mind. Even when I know it is painful, know our numbers. I like to avoid doing things like that when it’s bad and usually I feel more in control when I know the truth, good or bad.

Tara Good: As far as business advice/strategy, I really think for us it is to just take one day at a time. Dairy farming has always been and will continue to be filled with challenges daily. Remember that everything happens for a reason. We focus on taking care of our herd to the best of our ability. From a cow management standpoint, we can sum it up by saying grass is king for us. A high forage diet positively impacts overall immunity and health of our cows.

Joe Kulhawick: The one thing we try to fall back on is to stay out of severe debt and out of the bank. Unfortunately, reserves will only last so long. We watch our labor budget close, and since we are healthy and able, we are working more and of course getting paid less. But we have our health and strength, and it helps keep us out of the bank. We diversified seven years ago into custom feed harvesting and selling feed. We also have a sweet corn plot. Diversification gives us something to fall back on and can be a real help.

Mary Costigan: I am afraid I cannot give too much surprising and helpful insight on this besides living frugally. Being raised by the master of frugality, it is in my blood to not spend frivolously. The fundamentals of my breeding program haven’t changed. I may be quicker to use Angus in a mating, but I am still seeking that perfect (to me) sized individual with functional feet and legs and beautiful udder with positive milk production and always positive fertility traits. We give probably too many chances to calves that don’t show promise because we cannot stand not giving them a chance. We trim out expenses where we can, but the animals and their comfort are still priority. In the background, my dad has been a miracle worker when it comes to enlisting in helpful programs and knowing where to put money that is going to benefit us the most in the short and long term. Has he been hard to convince over the years to spend money to make money? Absolutely, but ultimately that way of thinking is what is getting us through times like these.

Gerald Geurink: I’ve been through crisis, too. Back in the ‘70’s, I got divorced. It was the worst thing that ever happened to me. Then, about four years later, I got married again and it has been the best 35 years of my life. If you have cows, you just keep doing what you have to every day. Just keep slugging it out.

Source: farmersadvance.com

A $3.5m course to prepare Kiwis to fill the 1000 vacant dairy farm jobs has attracted just 93 registrations.

But Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor is confident more New Zealanders will come forward to enrol as the three-week course is rolled out over the coming months.

O’Connor visited Dairy NZ’s Scott Farm, on the outskirts of Hamilton, on Tuesday where the first group of people to sign up to the free farm ready training were into their second week of the course.

There were just seven people in the group but Dairy NZ said 65 more were working on the online training segment now, which was the first week of the three-week training initiative.

The online segment gave people a clear picture of the dairy industry and a chance to decide whether they wanted to continue on with the training.

“I think the industry still has a big job to get out there and tell the story, to show what opportunities there are in dairy,” O’Connor said, replying to questions about the low number of trainees at the Hamilton farm.

There was still uncertainty around Covid-19 and more people would turn to dairy as a secure employment opportunity, he said.

“The conditions are not as bad as people think. You are outdoors dealing with the elements but the rewards are great, you’re learning how to deal with animals and operate machinery.”

The free farm training is part of Dairy NZ’s GoDairy campaign, to encourage more Kiwis into dairy jobs and it is backed by the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Primary Industries and supported by Federated Farmers.

“With Covid-19, we’ve had people been locked out (workers stuck overseas) so we need New Zealanders to help with calving, to help our farmers get the milk out and help run our key dairy industry,” O’Connor said.

The first week of the course, online, focussed on working and living on a dairy farm.

The trainees then moved into the practical training in the second week, which would look at working with cows and farm infrastructure.

On the final week, the people on the course will be put through farm safety exercises.

The training groups will have up to 12 people each and be rolled out around the country. Dairy NZ anticipates there will be 500 people go through the course in total.

Dairy NZ Chief Executive Tim Mackle said the eight candidates in Hamilton will be ready to start work on farms at the end of the three weeks.

“Farmers will do a lot of their own training with them but this is about getting them ready to enter the farm.

“Later on, they can go on to Primary ITO courses if they want.”

Mackle agreed the group was a lot younger than anticipated, most in their early 20s.

“I think over time, sadly we will see more older people unemployed, and that will be a push factor (towards other employment).

“When you are young you can pivot pretty quickly and that’s what these young people have done but I think the demographic will change quickly over the next few months.”

Among the first intake of trainees is Natasha Price, 21, from the Hauraki Plains.

She had finished a degree in ecology and zoology but when the pandemic hit, she realised job opportunities in her field of study would be slim.

“So I thought I would try something different for a career. I grew up on a dairy farm with my family and already have a lot of experience with animals.

“But being on this course means I can learn more about the science and technology involved in running a large-scale farm.”

That included understanding how automation technology had helped advance dairy farming.

“For example in a rotary milking shed, you’ve got automatic cup removers, automatic teat sprayers which save on time getting people to do those jobs.

“We were showed technology that allowed you to use a satellite to measure grass growth on the farm to predict where to graze the cows next. The technology seems limitless.”

Price was commuting from Hauraki Plains to attend the course and said she was excited to be part of the first intake, others were from around the Waikato, South Waikato and Hawke’s Bay.

Some had worked on farms before while others had come from other careers to learn new skills.

“When we finish, I would love to move on to another farm, as a farm assistant and then move my way up the ladder over the years.”

Source: stuff.co.nz

Officers and directors of the USJersey organizations were elected during the Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) held virtually on June 26 and 27, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio.

Jonathan Merriam, Hickman, Calif., was re-elected to a third one-year term as President of the American Jersey Cattle Association on June 27. The third generation of his family to breed and own Registered Jerseys, Merriam is the genetics specialist at Ahlem Farms Partnership, Hilmar, Calif., having previously worked in A.I. sire procurement, extension and education. He has served on the boards of the California Jersey Cattle Association and Jerseyland Sires and was co-chair of the 2016 National Heifer Sale. He was General Chair of The All American Jersey Shows & Sales in 2019, and served as chair of The All American Sale Committee in 2017.

Rebecca Ferry, Johnstown, N.Y., was elected to her first three-year term as AJCA Director from the Second District. She owns and operates Dreamroad Jerseys LLC, an 80-cow Registered Jersey herd, with her sister Sandra Scott. The herd is enrolled in AJCA’s REAP program. Becky was the 2002 National Jersey Youth Achievement winner and received the AJCA Young Jersey Breeder Award with Sandra in 2013. She was co-chair of the 2019 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. In addition, she has served as co-secretary and vice president of the New York Jersey Cattle Club.

Karen Bohnert, East Moline, Ill., was re-elected to a second term as Director from the Sixth District. Bohnert and her husband, Scott, and children, Tyler, Cassie and Jacob, own and operate Bohnerts Jerseys with her in-laws and brother-in-law. The 500-cow Registered Jersey herd is enrolled on REAP. Bohnert is currently a member of the Development and Finance Committees on the AJCA board. Bohnert works from home as a dairy freelance communication consultant, known for her monthly column in the Hoard’s Dairyman, “Around the Kitchen Table.”

John Maxwell, Donahue, Iowa, was elected for his first term as AJCA Director from the Eighth District. He and his family own and operate Cinnamon Ridge Dairy, a 185-cow Registered Jersey herd. The herd is enrolled on REAP. The farm has diversified through the years, adding a large agri-tourism business that hosts an average of 7,000 visitors a year. The tours aim to educate visitors on practices of a modern dairy and row crop operation. John received the AJCA Young Jersey Breeder Award in 1997. He is currently serving as dairy superintendent of the Mississippi Valley Fair, a supervisor for Scott County and fire commissioner for the Donahue Volunteer Fire Department. He is a past president of DHIA and the Outstanding Young Farmers Organization. As well he sat on boards for Dairyland Jersey Sires Inc., Iowa State University Extension Council and River Valley Cooperative.

Cornell Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif., was elected to AJCA Director from the Eleventh District. Kasbergen and his wife, Teri, and son and daughter-in-law, Case and Allison, own and operate Rancho Teresita Dairy. The dairy consists of 1,800 acres of farmland; 3,600 Registered Jerseys and 1,400 Holsteins. The herd is enrolled on REAP and has many animals that rank among the elite of the breed for Genomic Jersey Performance Index. Cornell chairs the Milk Producers Council and recently completed 22 years of service on the Land O’Lakes board of directors. He chaired the audit committee for Land O’Lakes and represented the organization on the National Milk Producers Federation board. Kasbergen is a member of the dairy committee for the Agriculture Council of California and the milk producer review board for the California Department of Food and Agriculture. As well he served on the California Dairy Environmental Justice Fund.

Chairs of standing committees for 2020-21 are Bradley Taylor, Booneville, Miss., Finance; Mark Gardner, Dayton, Pa., Breed Improvement; Tom Sawyer, Walpole, N.H., Development; and John Boer, Dalhart, Texas, Information Technology and Identification. Gardner will also serve as vice president for the coming year.

National All-Jersey Inc.

Following the Annual Meeting of National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) on June 26, John Kokoski, Hadley, Mass., was elected to continue as president by the Board of Directors. Kokoski has been a member of the NAJ Board since 2007. He heads up the family-operated Mapleline Farm LLC. The enterprise includes a 135-cow Registered Jersey herd enrolled on REAP and a dairy plant that processes and distributes a full line of Jersey milk products to grocery retailers, restaurants and university food service. Kokoski is a past director of the Massachusetts Cooperative Milk Producers Federation and has served more than 25 years on the New England Dairy Promotion Board.

James S. Huffard III, Crockett, Va., was re-elected to a fifth term as Director from District #5. He served as president of the AJCA from 2001-2004. Huffard was honored by World Dairy Expo in 2014 as Dairyman of the Year, and as the Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder by National Dairy Shrine in 2012, He was named Master Breeder of the AJCA in 2008.

Huffard was re-elected as NAJ vice president. Calvin Graber, Hurley, S.D., will continue to serve as Finance Chair.

The American Jersey Cattle Association, organized in 1868, compiles and maintains animal identification and performance data on Jersey cattle and provides services that support genetic improvement and greater profitability. Since 1957, National All-Jersey Inc. has provided services that increase the value of and demand for Jersey milk and milk products and Registered Jersey™ cattle and genetics. For more information on AJCA and NAJ services for dairy business owners, visit the website at www.USJersey.com or connect at facebook.com/USJersey.

An official statement from the staff at the Big E:

“The Big E is so much more than just a fair, it is tradition, it is celebration, it is the showcase of everything we are so proud of in New England. This is why our hearts are heavy as we bring you this news. For the safety of our fairgoers, staff, vendors, entertainers, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers and the broader community, the 2020 Big E has been cancelled. Thank you all for your support and we’ll see you September 17-October 3, 2021, when we can all celebrate together again. “

Ronald J. Schaap, 72, Marshall, died peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2020. He was born on July 6, 1947, in Sheboygan Falls, to Jacob and Marie (Reiss) Schaap. Ron graduated from Sheboygan Falls High School in 1965. He married Jean Evert on July 21, 1978 in Pewaukee.

Ron spent his career working to advance the holstein breed and supporting the dairy industry. After high school he worked for Pinehurst Farms, eventually becoming a herdsman. In 1984, Ron became a classifier for the Holstein Association. Even after retiring, he continued to work in the dairy industry as a contributor to Dairy Agenda Today.

Ron loved watching sports, talking cows, telling stories, making jokes, and staying connected with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife (Jean), his two children, Andrew (Tara) Schaap of Wichita, Kansas and Ruth Schaap of Lake Mills, and two grandchildren.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and his only sister, Nancy Schaap.

Due to the current pandemic, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, watch a Badger game and toast a good man.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com

Australia’s dairy farmers need a Royal Commission into the sector to ensure it’s long term viability, according to Eden-Monaro Nationals candidate Trevor Hicks. Mr Hicks said a Royal Commission is needed into the dairy industry given 20 years since it was deregulated, farmers have been “struggling to survive”. “It’s the only thing that’s going to deliver these dairy farmers a long-term viability in Australia,” Mr Hicks told Sky News host Peta Credlin. “Otherwise we could see businesses shutdown, and overseas interests take over”. “We’re going to be really stuck for dairy products if we don’t have a Royal Commission”. The by-election for Eden-Monaro will go down to the wire between Labor’s Kristy McBain and Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs according to polls, but preferences, especially from the Nationals, could play a defining role. Mr Hicks said if he were elected he would be willing to cross the floor in order to push to get support for a Royal Commission.

A new countdown starts for UK Dairy Day; instead of being just over 2 months away sadly we now have to wait another 14 months for the dedicated dairy industry event to return to Telford.

Unfortunately, Government guidelines have not provided us with the assurance that UK Dairy Day can go ahead with the large numbers we anticipate attending.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce that the 2020 event cannot take place on Wednesday 16th September at the International Centre, Telford”, said Sue Cope, UK Dairy Day Event Director and CEO of Holstein UK.  “Since UK Dairy Day started in 2014, it has provided dairy farmers and the industry with a fantastic opportunity to network, do business and view a superb show of dairy breeds.  We thank everyone for the positive support in an attempt to make the event happen, however in light of lead times that are required by many of our exhibitors we have had to make the difficult decision to postpone until Wednesday 15th September 2021. Our top priority has to be the health and safety of our visitors, exhibitors, employees, venue support team and the wider community.”

UK Dairy Day 2021 will welcome the return of over 300 trade exhibitors, 9,000 visitors and cows that showcase the exceptional standard of UK dairy cattle.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to the 2021 event.  In the meantime please stay safe and be proud of the amazing commitment and hard work that British dairy farmers and the industry have delivered during these uncertain times”, concludes Sue Cope.

Lebanon County’s Dairy Princess Paige Peiffer is making the best of her reign during a very atypical year. (Courtesy photo)

The near loss of her family’s dairy farm in 2018 was an eye-opening experience for Paige Peiffer.

The farm’s milk contract, along with many other area producers, was suddenly dropped by Dean Foods, sending shock waves through the local agriculture community and leaving Peiffer with mixed emotions about the fate of the family farm.

Fortunately, the family signed with Harrisburg Dairies to process the milk that their Holstein cows produce on their North Cornwall Township farm, which is located just outside Cleona.

What could have been a tragic ending instead taught Peiffer a valuable life lesson.

“That really kind of opened my eyes and made me think that we really don’t understand and appreciate things unless they are taken away from us,” said Peiffer. “So I decided that I wanted to advocate for families in a similar situation as my family as well as become an advocate for the dairy industry.”

The idea to be a spokeswoman on behalf of an industry that she had been around her whole life led Peiffer, who recently turned 18, to compete in the Pennsylvania State Dairy Princess pageant last September.

As the 2019-2020 Pennsylvania State Dairy Princess, Peiffer is sharing her passion with consumers and using her high-profile position to educate the public and government leaders about the important role the dairy industry plays in the state’s economy.

“One of the big things of any dairy princess, not just the state princess, is going to promotions and engaging with consumers, answering questions with all honesty, addressing their concerns and doing general education,” Peiffer said. “At the state level, I’ve done a lot of activities with kids … With government leaders, we go to different conferences and workshops to not only educate ourselves but them as well.”

When she isn’t educating or advocating, the 18-year-old Peiffer helps her parents, Ammon and Brenda, and her siblings, Mackenzie, Skylar and Seth, run Box-in Acres, milk their 80 Holsteins, and feed all 160 cows.

In addition to growing corn, soybeans, wheat, rye, and alfalfa on their 65-acre farm, they also rent several hundred additional acres of land from farms in Lebanon and Berks counties in order to feed their animals.

In some ways, her reign has been similar to past state princesses. Although, it’s doubtful that any have ever had to deal with as many car issues on the road as the Peiffers, who have faced not one, not two, but three dead car batteries, a busted oil pan — and, during a promotional event, the lug nuts were stolen off the tires of their car.

“The two alternates and the program director, who is my work mom, thought this was really kind of funny and something that’s never happened in any other state princess’ reign before,” Peiffer laughed.

Automobile difficulties aside, it’s been a unique reign for Peiffer —especially since mid-March, when the coronavirus ushered in a new normal.

The pandemic may have temporarily prevented Peiffer and the 26 other county princesses from promoting the industry within their regions of the state, but the girls have shown they are very resilient.

“The virus caused me to have more time on my hands, so it definitely made me want to learn better time-management skills,” Peiffer said. “I had to finish [high] school [at Cedar Crest] online and still had dairy princess activities to do, so it helped me to learn how to manage my time.”

An added benefit is the digital presence Peiffer’s developed now that Pennsylvania Dairy Princess & Promotion Services, Inc., which administers the state princess program, has taken their message online.

“I wasn’t the most necessarily experienced when it came to speaking in front of a camera since I don’t do that on a normal day-to-day basis,” Peiffer said. “But, eventually, with the dairy princess stuff, it has become a regular activity for me. I have become less self-conscious speaking in front of a camera.”

The princess program has also maximized social media to reach people, especially the 16-24 age demographic, according to Peiffer.

“I’ve learned a lot about the importance of social media and the impact it can make,” Peiffer said. “I think through our social media posts, we’ve been able to hit an audience that we normally wouldn’t meet in person. That demographic is important because they are the next generation of consumers who will marry and have children, and it’s important to engage and educate them now about dairy’s benefits.”

Her favorite memory as state princess occurred in January at the milking parlor at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

“I got to see firsthand the guests who got to witness for the first time a cow being milked, and it was amazing to see how fascinating they thought it was,” Peiffer said. “I live and breathe dairy farming, but for me to see their fresh perspective, was really interesting. It also gave us a chance to answer all their questions like, ‘They’re milking a cow, where does the milk go next?’ So, it was a wonderful opportunity to educate people about the dairy industry.”

After her year-long reign ends in September, Peiffer will attend Penn State University to major in animal science. She then plans to enroll in veterinary school to become a veterinarian.

With a strong interest in science, and especially biology, Peiffer originally thought she’d like a medical career but then decided she’d prefer to work with four-legged animals instead.

“One of the reasons I love the dairy industry is that I am around animals on a day-to-day basis,” Peiffer said. “I love animals, I love science and I absolutely love to work with my hands. So, I thought about it, meshed it all together and came up with being a veterinarian.”

Until she begins the next chapter in her life this fall, Peiffer is content to continue her highly visible role as an ambassador for the dairy industry.

“What one impression would I like to leave with consumers as an advocate? That’s a great question,” Peiffer said. “Honestly, when you talk about the dairy industry, there’s so many important parts that you can be promoting. But overall, I think that what people need to understand is how vital the dairy industry is, from both a nutritious standpoint and an economical standpoint, and how impactful that really is on the lives of everybody.”

Since June is National Dairy Month, LebTown asked Peiffer to share a dairy-infused recipe with our readers. Creamy Chicken Enchiladas is one of her favorite recipes, and she hopes it becomes one of yours, too.

Recipe: Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

(Makes 10 servings)

Ingredients:

• 1- 8 oz. package of cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 5 cups diced cooked chicken
• 20 flour tortillas
• 2 cans (10-1/2 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can (4 oz) green chiles
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheese

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, water, onion power, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in diced chicken.

2) Place ¼ cup chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll up and place seam side down in two greased 13×9 in. baking dishes. In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, milk, enchilada sauce, and chiles; pour over rolled enchiladas.

3) Bake, uncovered, 30-40 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with cheese and bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Source: lebtown.com

Holstein Association USA has added two new features to the web site to help recognize outstanding Registered Holstein® cows and the people who breed them. New links have been added under the Popular Lists section on the Holstein Association USA homepage for Monthly Classification Summaries and 40,000+ Pound Production Records.

“With so many industry events being postponed or cancelled this year due to COVID-19, Association staff wanted to come up with new ways to help acknowledge the great achievements our members are continuing to attain with their Registered Holsteins,” said Lindsey Worden, Holstein Association USA Executive Director of Genetic Services. “We think these new reports will be of great interest to many and will showcase thousands of animals each month.”

On the Monthly Classification Summaries page, viewers will find lists by month of any cow who classified Very Good-85 or higher in that month, including cows who received a Multiple E designation, regardless of age. The report lists the animals’ names, age at time of classification, final score, sire name, owner name and owner state, and the report is sortable and searchable.

The 40,000+ Pound Production Records page is similar but includes all cows who have a completed lactation record of at least 40,000 pounds of milk that was received in the given month. The report lists the animals’ names, age at the start of lactation, milk, fat and protein information, sire name, owner name and owner state. The report is sortable and searchable.

For both new features, reports are available from January 2020 through present. The lists will be updated each month after classification and production record files are received and processed for the month.

To view these new reports, navigate to www.holsteinusa.com, find the Popular Lists section at the lower left of the homepage, and you will find them both listed in that menu.

Holstein Association USA, Inc., www.holsteinusa.com, provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, and consulting services.

The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vt., maintains the records for Registered Holsteins® and represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the United States.

Brent Royce believes there is a huge sigh of relief across Ontario’s countryside following the passing of Bill 156.

“It’s really there to protect farm families and keep people from trespassing,” says the Perth County farmer.

The Ontario government recently passed the Security from Trespass and Animal Safety Act. It’s a bill that will dramatically increase fines for people who trespass on farms, and make it illegal to obstruct trucks carrying farm animals.

It’s a result of an increasing number of animal activist protests on farms across Canada.

“They’ve shown up at all kinds of farms in the middle of the night, you just never truly know. Some farmers have put up video surveillance, but yeah, I’d say this is a huge sigh of relief. Everyone is thankful and hopeful this bill will help out,” says Royce, who is also a regional representative for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, who pushed for the bill’s adoption.

Animal activists are not thankful for the new bill. They say the bill will put an end to undercover operations to expose abuse on farms, as it makes it illegal to gain access to a farm or processing plant under false pretences.

Camille Labchuk is the Executive Director for Animal Justice.

“This is what’s known as an ag gag law, which attacks whistleblowers and prevents them from exposing illegal and unethical practices on farms. This pure protectionism for the farm industry,” she says.

Labchuk believes, sometimes the ends justifies the means.

“These investigations have led to animal cruelty prosecutions and important policy changes. But the bill would effectively shut down these important undercover videos,” says Labchuk.

Farmers and the provincial government say there are laws in place to protect animals, and trespassing on farms can simply no longer be tolerated.

“You want your family to be safe. We do to. We want our family safe, and our farm safe,” says Royce, who farms near Listowel.

Ontario’s Agriculture and Food Minister agrees.

“Individuals would never tolerate having strangers unlawfully enter their homes and to be threatened and harassed by those strangers. Farmers are no different and deserve the same protection under the law,” he says.

Animal activist groups vow to fight the legislation, and have it overturned in the courts.  

Source: CTV News

With the cancellation of this year’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON, this November due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Curtis Clark Achievement Award Committee regretfully announces that they will not be presenting the Curtis Clark Achievement Award in 2020. All nominations submitted for the award in 2020 will be held over for consideration next year. The Clark Committee looks forward to presenting the Curtis Clark Trophy again at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in 2021.

Curtis Clark Press release from June 3, 2020:

Nominations for this year’s Curtis Clark Achievement Award are currently being sought. Presented annually at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario, the Curtis Clark Award goes to the Canadian dairy cattle exhibitor who possesses the ability, sportsmanship and character necessary to be respected by their fellow breeders and exhibitors. The award is sponsored by the Alberta Holstein Branch.
Photo provided.

To be eligible for the Clark award, the nominee must be an “active” showman, breeder or manager of any dairy cattle breed in Canada who is exhibiting animals at major shows in Canada. The person who wins the award “must be present” at the Royal Winter Fair to accept it. Nominees will be judged on their support of breed activities and ability to breed, manage, develop and exhibit dairy cattle. Selection of the winner is made by former recipients of the award. The 2020 winner will be announced on November 13th during the Royal’s National Holstein Show.

Nominations for the award, which should include a brief résumé on the nominee, should be sent by October 1st to the Curtis Clark Achievement Award Committee Secretary, Bonnie Cooper, 904 – 12 Rockford Road, North York, Ontario M2R 3A2, e-mail: becooper2010@gmail.com, telephone: 416-663-8515, cell: 416-579-6572.

Nominations previously submitted for the award need not be submitted again.

Appel de candidatures pour le Prix d’accomplissement Curtis-Clark 2020

Nous sommes présentement à la recherche de candidats pour le Prix d’accomplissement Curtis-Clark de cette année. Un prix décerné à chaque année à la Royal Agricultural Winter Fair à Toronto, Ontario, le prix Curtis-Clark est attribué à un exposant de vaches laitières qui souligne la capacité, l’esprit sportif et le bon caractère nécessaire pour qu’une personne puisse mériter le respect de ses collègues d’élevage et d’expositions. Le prix Curtis-Clark est commandité par la section Alberta de Holstein Canada.

Pour être admissible à ce prix, le candidat, qu’il soit un exposant, un éleveur ou un gérant de n’importe quelle race de bovin laitier du Canada, doit être « actif » et une personne qui expose des animaux dans les grandes expositions de ce pays. Le gagnant de cette reconnaissance doit être présent à la Royal Winter Fair pour recevoir son prix. Les candidats seront jugés selon leur appui des activités de la race et leur capacité de pouvoir élever, gérer, développer et présenter le bovin laitier. Le nom du gagnant cette année sera annoncé le 13 novembre prochain lors de l’exposition nationale Holstein à la Royale.

Les nominations pour ce prix, qui doivent inclure un bref résumé sur le candidat, doivent être envoyées au plus tard le 1 er octobre à la secrétaire du comité du Prix d’accomplissement Curtis-Clark, Bonnie Cooper, 904 – 12 Rockford Road, North York, Ontario M2R 3A2, courriel : becooper2010@gmail.com, téléphone : 416-663-8515, téléphone mobile : 416-579-6572.

Les nominations déjà soumises n’ont pas besoin d’être soumises à nouveau.

Curtis Clark Achievement Award Nominations Sought for 2020

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The 2020 Holstein Association USA Elite Breeder award winners are James and Nina Burdette of Windy Knoll View Farm in Mercersburg, Pa. The Windy Knoll View prefix is synonymous with Registered Holsteins^® with outstanding conformation. For the past 44 years, breeding upstanding, strong cattle, with deep maternal and paternal lines, has been the focus of Registered Holsteins for the Burdettes.

The path the Burdettes chose to develop their outstanding herd of Holsteins was very unique. They started with a group of cows with nondescript pedigrees and bred them to develop several great cow families that are internationally known.

Their farm has always been a smaller breeder herd, 50 cows for the first 35 years, cared for by their own family labor, with minimal part time outside help. With careful breeding, they developed several notable cow families that transmitted generation to generation.

Windy-Knoll-View Ultimate Pala was a tremendous brood cow for the Burdette family and the “P family” is known around the world. Tracing down to her great grand-daughter, Panini, through daughter Promis and granddaughter Pledge, you will find classification scores of Excellent 94, then three generations in a row of Excellent 95. The latest three generations were all nominated All-American in milking form. Among Pala, Promis and Pledge, you will find a combined 54 Excellent daughters.

The Burdettes certainly accomplished their plan to breed high type, balanced cows, with high production and they never wavered from that goal. As a result, Windy Knoll View cattle have been in demand as bull mothers as well as elite show cattle and have had a positive impact on Holstein genetics around the globe.

About the Award  

The award recognizes a Holstein breeder who bred outstanding animals, making a notable contribution to the advancement of the Holstein breed in the United States.

The 2020 Distinguished Leadership Award honoree is Patricia Gifford of Groton, N.Y. Patsy’s unselfish leadership has motivated young Holstein enthusiasts to set goals, achieve them, and work to create new ones. Simply put, she inspires others to be good human beings.

Patsy’s intrinsic love and support for the Registered Holstein^® cow and the dairy industry are evident to those who know her. Patsy became the first woman to classify cattle for the Holstein Association USA.

For Patsy, classifying cattle seemed to be an almost natural and deep-seated talent. She was on the road for nearly two decades scoring thousands of cattle, all the while explaining her decisions with great satisfaction from those whose cattle she was evaluating.

This Holstein enthusiast is a role model to many young people who are finding their way in the dairy industry. She has a knack for putting the right people together and encourages them to stay engaged.

After her career of classifying cattle for the Holstein Association USA, Patsy became the Executive Director of the New York Holstein Association. She had the vision for, secured, and executed the creation of the New York Holstein Reserve Fund. Since its inception, the fund has helped to ensure the long-term success of the New York Holstein Association.

Whether working on a dairy farm classifying cattle, or working in the office, Gifford always approached her career with enthusiasm and commitment. Farm families with whom she worked over the years consider Patsy their cheerleader, confidant, and trusted advisor.

About the Award

This award recognizes an individual who has made a career of providing outstanding and unselfish leadership for the betterment of the dairy industry.

Holstein Association USA, Inc., www.holsteinusa.com, provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, and consulting services.

The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vt., maintains the records for Registered Holsteins^® and represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the United States.

Kurt and Sarah Loehr of Eden, Wisconsin are the winners of the 2020 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder award. The Loehrs’ cattle are registered under the Forest-Ridge prefix.

The prefix had humble beginnings in 2003, just before the couple met and started farming together. Sarah has strong Registered Holstein^® roots as National DJM semi-finalist and brought Kurt along on a journey that has established them as a well-respected name in Registered Holstein circles.

Kurt and Sarah married in 2010 and took over the farm a year later. Today, the Loehr’s 92-cow herd has a Rolling Herd Average of 23,289 pounds of milk, 929 pounds of fat, and 738 pounds of protein. Kurt and Sarah’s herd currently consists of 21 Excellent and 46 Very Good cows with an impressive 110.7 BAA, making them one of the top 100 BAA herds in the country. With a passion for the show ring, they also have claimed three All-American nominations, and five Red and White All-American nominations.

Kurt and Sarah breed for high type with good feet and legs, excellent udders, dairy strength and wide rumps. With a quarter of their income from cattle sales, they breed cattle that can thrive in any type of dairy operation.

They also lease show calves to area youth. They say, “We want our genetics to excel for others, whether that is a youth show calf or a milk cow sold to a repeat buyer.”

Both Kurt and Sarah are active as youth activity volunteers, event organizers, and Kurt currently serves on the Wisconsin Holstein Association board of directors. They have two young daughters, Adella and Ainsley.

About the Award  

The Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder award recognizes significant accomplishments of young Registered Holstein^® breeders for their commitment to preserving the dairy industry and for achieving excellence in their daily lives.

Holstein Association USA, Inc., www.holsteinusa.com, provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, and consulting services.

The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vt., maintains the records for Registered Holsteins^® and represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the United States.

Peter McBride has been named as the new chairman of Fonterra. McBride takes over from John Monaghan (R), who has held the role since 2018.

Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says the rules covering the dairy industry need to be changed to allow a level playing field covering all companies.

Dairy giant Fonterra has named Peter McBride as its new chairman.

McBride will replace current Fonterra chairman, John Monaghan, when he retires as a director of the co-op at its annual meeting in November.

Monaghan said that the early announcement of McBride as chairman-elect was part of the board’s commitment to planned governance succession.

McBride was a current farmer director. H said he was humbled to be selected by his fellow directors, and was looking forward to leading the co-op.

“I grew up on a dairy farm near Te Aroha and today my wife Linda and I run the family farm milking 950 cows in the South Waikato, so dairy has always been part of my life.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside John for the next few months before leading our Co-op into its next phase and creating value for the benefit of our farmer owners and unit holders.”

McBride is a former chairman of kiwifruit exporter Zespri, and was named the Deloitte Top 200 2018 New Zealand chairperson of the year.

He is also the chief executive of Trinity Lands, a farm-focused charitable business in the Waikato.

McBride is the grandson of Lichfield Lands and Longview Trust founder Robert Auld.

Monaghan announced his departure from Fonterra at the end of his three-year term in March.

The Wairarapa dairy farmer held a long serving governance role at Fonterra, and took over the leadership of the co-operative after former chairman John Wilson stepped down due to ill health.

Monaghan was regarded as a “back to basics” leader, taking over just after the dairy giant reported its first ever loss of $196 million. Last year that figure blew out to $605m.

When Monaghan’s retirement was announced, ANZ agriculture economist Susan Kilsby said he had improved the board culture and helped provide a more cohesive direction for the organisation.

“He also contributed to turning the morale of Fonterra around. They’ve been working hard to be a lot more transparent.”

McBride was tipped to be Monaghan’s successor in March.

Source: Stuff

As the agricultural industry continues to change with the times, so does the state’s agricultural ambassador program. Jayne Krull, director of the Division of Agricultural Development at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, says there will be two new changes made to the Alice in Dairyland program starting this year.

During last weekend’s Alice in Dairyland finale, which was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Krull said the term of all new Alices going forward will begin in July instead of June.

“We’re changing the cycle so that the current, more seasoned Alice will concluded her term during June Dairy Month and thus ending on a high note,” Krull said. “The finals process will still be held in May, but the incoming Alice will begin her duties a little later.”

The second change would allow all Alice in Dairyland finalists to be credentialed for their training and preparation efforts.

“Anyone who applies for Alice can tell you it’s one of the hardest job interview processes around,” Krull noted. “They all learn valuable skills which will help them in the future. So going forward, all finalists will be recognized for completing an agricultural marketing and communications certification program, which will also help them on their resumes.”

As part of the certification process, each of this year’s finalists have gone through weekly learning modules that taught them skills ranging from dealing with the media to effective public speaking.

Source: wisconsinagconnection.com

Charlie Garrison

The 62nd annual meeting of National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ), will be held virtually at 2:00 p.m (EDT) on Friday, June 26, 2020. Members will elect a Director from District #5, receive reports of the officers and General Manager and consider any other business that may properly come before the meeting.

The latest on national dairy policy, the USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, prospects for additional federal assistance legislation, trade policy and agreements and the agriculture workforce modernization legislation will be discussed by Charlie Garrison, founder and president of The Garrison Group LLC, during the NAJ annual meeting.

Founded in 1997, The Garrison Group is a Washington, D.C.-based public affairs firm specializing in food, agriculture and energy policy and communications. Garrison provides regular briefings on legislative affairs to the NAJ Board of Directors and coordinated the three Congressional fly-ins organized for NAJ and AJCA members since 2014.

Garrison was raised on a central Indiana dairy and row crop farm and earned a B.S. in Animal Science from Purdue University. After 10 years as a partner in the family farm, he accepted a staff position in Chicago with the Beef Industry Council, the checkoff¬ funded promotion and research arm of the beef industry that is now part of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. While in Chicago he studied at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. In 1992, Garrison moved to Washington, D.C. to create the position of Director of Industry Relations for the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. He remained in that role during and after the merger of the National Dairy Board staff and programs into Dairy Management Inc. (DMI).

To view the complete agenda of the virtual meeting, click here.

For a list of sponsors and information to join the meeting, click here.

National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) was formed December 9, 1957 by the American Jersey Cattle Association, the oldest dairy breed registry organization in the United States. NAJ’s mission is two-fold: to increase the value of and demand for Jersey milk and to promote equity in milk pricing. It is the only organization that represents milk marketing concerns for owners of a single dairy breed. It functions cooperatively with the AJCA by sharing several Directors, Officers, and staff personnel, and occupies joint headquarters offices in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

The Holstein Association USA has provided the below following statement on their re-launch. 

Dear Holstein Association Friends:

As you know, since March 25th, the Holstein Association USA office has been officially closed under Vermont Governor Phil Scott’s emergency order due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even so, a subset of the Holstein Team continued to work to carry on as many Association services as we effectively could.

Let me assure you, all who remained working exceeded my most optimistic expectations. Many thanks to my colleagues.

At this juncture, I’m happy to report the majority of our personnel is now working either in the office or remotely. Our classification and regional sales representatives teams are working as well.

Our employee Health and Safety Committee is doing an excellent job instituting the guidelines and recommendations coming from the Vermont Department of Health and the CDC. A number of new protocols have been implemented at 1 Holstein Place in order to try to do everything possible to ensure the health and safety of those who work here.

We’ve made some internal operational modifications that we hope will enable us to be of greater service to you than ever before. We’re currently running as close to full throttle as possible, even though some state restrictions still remain. We’re open and here to assist you!

Many thanks to all of you for your patience during this cumbersome time.

Please take care of yourselves and do everything you can to stay well,
John
John M. Meyer
Chief Executive Officer

Dairy farmers are eligible for direct support through USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). CFAP provides direct financial assistance to agricultural producers, providing them the ability to weather the economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19.

USDA is accepting CFAP applications through August 28. Call and set up an appointment with your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to determine your eligibility and to apply for assistance.

Am I eligible for assistance under CFAP?

CFAP payments are eligible to all dairy operations with milk production in January, February, and/or March 2020, including any dumped milk production during that period. All farmers who produced milk between January and March 2020, including those who went out of business or otherwise stopped producing milk during this period or after, are eligible. Production enrolled in risk management programs, including Livestock Gross Margin, Dairy Revenue Protection, Dairy Margin Coverage or forward contracts, also qualifies for CFAP payments.

What is the payment level for milk production?

For dairy, a single payment will be made derived from two funding formulas intended to calculate losses caused by the coronavirus. The first and larger component is calculated from a producer’s certification of milk production for the first quarter of calendar year 2020 multiplied by $4.71 per hundredweight. The second component of the payment is based on a 1.014% increase in that first quarter production, multiplied by $1.47 per hundredweight. Overall, the payment amounts to $6.20/cwt. for a farm’s production in January through March of this year.

What other CFAP categories am I eligible for?

Besides milk production, dairy farmers may be eligible for payments under the following categories. Click here for the full list of eligible commodities.

Livestock: Cull cows, Steers, Bull calves, Mature bulls, Cull heifers

Non-Specialty Crops: Corn (including high moisture corn), Sorghum, Soybeans

How does the livestock payment affect my dairy operation?

Livestock that are no longer used for dairy production and have entered the beef cattle market, if all other eligibility requirements are met, may be eligible for CFAP and would be categorized accordingly. USDA has provided guidance to assist dairy producers in determining eligibility. The payment rates listed below are all per head.

A single payment for livestock will be calculated using the sum of the producer’s number of livestock sold between Jan. 15 and April 15, 2020, multiplied by the payment rates per head, and the highest inventory number of livestock between April 16 and May 14, 2020, multiplied by the payment rate per head. For more information, visit USDA’s CFAP webpage for livestock.

How do payment limits work under CFAP?

CFAP payments are subject to a per-person and legal entity payment limitation of $250,000. This limitation applies to the total amount of CFAP payments made with respect to all eligible commodities. Unlike other FSA programs, special payment limitation rules are applied to participants that are corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships (corporate entities). These corporate entities may receive up to $750,000 based upon the number of shareholders (not to exceed three shareholders) who are contributing at least 400 hours of active personal management or personal active labor.

For a corporate entity:

• With one such shareholder, the payment limit for the entity is $250,000;
• With two such shareholders, the payment limit for the entity is $500,000 if at least two members contribute at least 400 hours of active personal labor or active personal management, or combination thereof, with respect to the operation of the corporate entity; and
• With three such shareholders, the limit is $750,000 if at least three members contribute at least 400 hours of active personal labor or active personal management, or combination thereof, with respect to the operation of the corporate entity.

Does money I’ve received this year through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and/or the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program count against the payment limits in the CFAP program?

No. Small Business Administration’s loan programs, including the PPP and EIDL program, are separate from USDA’s coronavirus payments. Farmers can apply for financial assistance through both agencies, and assistance received from one agency should not affect assistance received from the other.

Are there special provisions for seasonal producers or organic producers?

There are no special provisions for seasonal dairy producers or organic dairy producers under the current program.

How do I apply?

A CFAP Payment Calculator is available to assist with applications. This Excel workbook allows you to enter information specific to your operation to determine estimated payments and populate the application form. Producers interested in filling out the application manually can also download the application form, AD-3114.

Producers self-certify when they apply for CFAP, and documentation is not submitted with the application. But you may be asked for additional documentation to support your certification of eligible commodities, so you should retain the documentation used to complete your application.

FSA staff at local USDA Service Centers will work with farmers to file applications. Applications may be submitted via mail, fax, hand delivery, or via electronic means. Please call your office prior to sending applications electronically. Visit www.farmers.gov/cfap for more information. Applications will be accepted through August 28, 2020.

When should I expect to receive my payment?

To ensure the availability of funding throughout the application period, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment, up to the payment limit, upon approval of the application. The remaining portion will be paid at a later date as funds remain available.

Should I expect any additional aid in the coming months?

Congress is considering additional legislation to respond to the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The House-passed HEROES Act includes a number of beneficial provisions for dairy farmers, including additional direct payments, and we anticipate that the Senate will begin work on a bill in the coming weeks. NMPF will keep dairy farmers updated about any subsequent aid made available.

Dairy farmers and their allies are encouraged to spend a few minutes customizing our call-to-action letter urging Congress to prioritize dairy assistance in its next coronavirus assistance package.

Visit www.farmers.gov/cfap for additional information about CFAP and www.nmpf.org/coronavirus for a full listing of coronavirus resources for dairy farmers and co-ops. Please email info@nmpf.org with questions or comments about CFAP and how it is being administered in your local office.

Lactanet Canada and Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) today announced that DairyTrace, the much-anticipated national dairy cattle traceability program will become a reality in the fall of 2020, providing a single, common framework for dairy farmers to track animal identity and movements. The announcement follows a separate, related communication from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) last week, recognizing Lactanet Canada as the national administrator responsible for dairy bovine animals under Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations.

“Providing protection and peace of mind to consumers is vital, and when it is fully implemented, DairyTrace will provide a high-quality, national dairy cattle traceability system that takes our industry’s efforts to the next level,” says Gert Schrijver, dairy producer and Chairman of Lactanet’s DairyTrace Advisory Committee.  “The launch of DairyTrace will be a pivotal milestone for dairy producers, as it will provide the data management infrastructure needed to provide – for the first time – a true, pan-Canadian picture of the movements of dairy cattle.”

DairyTrace takes advantage of existing structures, systems and solutions within the Canadian dairy cattle sector, which has the significant benefits of efficiency, cost effectiveness and timely implementation towards the targeted timeline as defined with proAction®.

Under federal regulations and/or proAction® requirements, everyone who owns or has the possession, care or control of dairy cattle must report animal identity, movement, location, and custodianship information. Lactanet and DFC have been working collaboratively since 2016 towards the common vision of a national dairy cattle traceability program. By harmonizing data under a common, national framework, DairyTrace will promote information sharing and potentially add value to research and genetics initiatives, all while aligning with the traceability module of DFC’s proAction® program.

DairyTrace will be managed by Lactanet’s Board of Directors, with input and collaboration from DFC. DairyTrace takes advantage of existing structures, systems and solutions within the Canadian dairy cattle sector, including partnerships with Agri-Traçabilité Québec (ATQ) and Holstein Canada, which provides benefits in terms of efficiency, cost effectiveness and timely implementation:

• ATQ has expertly led the livestock traceability program in Québec for over 18 years. ATQ will be hosting, supporting, and transferring data to the DairyTrace system and will continue to provide its well-established services to Québec producers via SimpliTRACE.
• Outside Québec, dairy producers will continue to purchase dairy bovine tags via the National Livestock Identification for Dairy (NLID) program, which will now be dovetailed alongside DairyTrace customer services. Both will be offered from Holstein Canada.

Lactanet and DFC acknowledge and express appreciation to CFIA, as well as for the financial support provided by Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada through its Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) program.

About Lactanet Canada   www.lactanet.ca

Lactanet is the leading dairy herd improvement organization responsible for milk recording, genetic evaluations and knowledge transfer. As a farmer-run organization serving nearly 10,000 Canadian dairy producers, Lactanet provides the dairy industry with products and services to help manage their dairy operation for maximum efficiency and profitability.

About Dairy Farmers of Canada   www.dairyfarmersofcanada.ca

Dairy Farmers of Canada is the national policy, lobbying and promotional organization representing Canadian dairy producers. DFC strives to create stable conditions for the dairy sector in our country. It also seeks to maintain policies that promote the sustainability of Canadian dairy production and promote dairy products and their health benefits.

Due to our ongoing concern regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the excitement of The Royal will have to wait for another year. The Royal’s Board of Directors today made the heart-wrenching but unanimous decision to cancel the 2020 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, originally scheduled for November 6th to 15th at Exhibition Place, Toronto. This treasured annual tradition will return better than ever in 2021.

“Over the past several months, we’ve all experienced an unprecedented disruption to our daily lives and are redefining how we live, work and play. Ultimately, our decision is grounded in our commitment to help ensure the health and well-being of our community at large,” stated Charlie Johnstone, Chief Executive Officer at The Royal. “Our primary responsibility remains rooted in serving our community and protecting the integrity and welfare of all. We understand and appreciate the time, effort and financial commitment required to compete and exhibit at The Royal and did not make this decision without very careful consideration.”

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the largest combined indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition in the world. Each fall, The Royal brings together hundreds of competitors, thousands of animals and hundreds of thousands of guests to celebrate the best in agriculture, local food, and equestrian competition. During its storied history, The Royal has been cancelled on only one other occasion, during World War II. At that time, the stalls within the historic Royal Horse Palace were transformed into Army Barracks to house soldiers preparing to be deployed to join our Canadian and Allied troops fighting in Europe. Today, The Royal once again stands in support of its community, first and foremost.

“During these uncertain times, we’re heartened by the resilience of farmers, the ingenuity of entrepreneurs, and the abundance of care shown towards family, friends and animals,” concluded Johnstone. “As we lead up to our 100th Anniversary celebrations in 2022, we take comfort knowing that the 2021 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair will be, as always, an outstanding experience for all those who compete, exhibit and attend.”

In additional to The Royal’s Agricultural Food Competitions, which will still take place in 2020, virtual programming designed to engage, educate and motivate is currently being explored for this Fall. More details regarding this exciting initiative will be released soon. In the meantime, all Canadians are encouraged to continue supporting Canadian farmers, producers and local retailers. 

Together we will get through this, and “Bring the Country to the City” next November 5th to 14th, 2021.

A Chippewa County woman has been crowned as Wisconsin’s 73rd Alice in Dairyland. Julia Nunes, 23, from Tilden was selected for the title Saturday night during a Facebook Live event from Walworth County.

“I will strive to be the role model that Alice in Dairyland was for me growing up,” Nunes said after being chosen. “As Alice, I will explore Wisconsin’s agriculture and share my discoveries and knowledge gained with consumers and producers throughout the state.”

Nunes grew up on her family’s registered Holstein dairy farm, where she was involved in the Junior Holstein Association and 4-H. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where she earned a bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Communication & Marketing, and Animal Science, with minors in Agricultural & Food Business Management, and Horticulture. For the past year, Julia has been employed at Kinni Hemp Company in River Falls.

Other finalists in the running during the competition were Rachel Gerbitz, Milton; Erica Helmer, Plymouth; Stephanie Hoff, Thorp; Kaitlin Konder, Glenwood City; and Grace Schroeder, Cashton.

Serving as judges this year were Beth Schaefer, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin; Jackie Fett, Ginseng Board of Wisconsin; and Mark Rhoda-Reis, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. Walworth County Fair Board President Bill Thompson served as the master of ceremonies.

Meanwhile, this year’s Alice, Abigail Martin, said the COVID-19 pandemic may have changed the way she did her job during the latter part of her year, but it didn’t change her objective.

“March 18th… when this date arrived, I arrived in a new territory–the Alice working from home territory,” Martin said in her retiring address. “I had to transition from life on the road to life at the kitchen table, but the importance of telling agriculture’s story was greater than ever.”

And before giving up her title, Abigail presented the 2020 Friend of Alice Award to Nodji Van Wychen of Wetherby Cranberry Company in Warrens.

Julia officially begins her duties as Alice on July 6. Until then, Martin will continue to handle the program’s responsibilities as her successor goes through a brief training process.

Alice in Dairyland is a full-time public relations professional employed by the state’s division of agricultural development. Each year, she travels more than 40,000 miles throughout the state, promoting Wisconsin products to audiences of all ages and types.

Next year, the Alice in Dairyland finals returns to Walworth County for traditional in-person activities in May 2021. Dane County will hold the 75th annual competition in the Madison area a year later. And Dunn County is already in line as the 2023 host.

Source: wisconsinagconnection.com

The 2020 Keystone International Livestock Exposition  (KILE) has been canceled to mitigate the risk of COVID-19. KILE was originally scheduled to run September 25 – October 4, 2020 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center.

“Although this news comes with a great disappointment, this is the right thing to do for the health and safety of our agriculture community,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “We care about the exhibitors that work hard year-round while looking forward to the show. Nothing can come in comparison to the health and wellbeing of our youth and the public at large.”

The KILE Executive Board understands the responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all exhibitors, spectators and volunteers, while also adhering to the standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

“For the past 64 years, KILE has become one of the premier shows on the East Coast. We take pride in the experience that we offer to exhibitors,” said Pennsylvania Farm Show Competitive Events Manager Harrison Frantz. “The decision to cancel KILE this year was not taken lightly, and our hearts are heavy.”

The KILE Executive Board is looking to the future and planning for next year’s Keystone International Livestock Exposition set to be held on October 1 – October 10, 2021.

For questions or concerns please contact the KILE Office at kile@pa.gov. More information on KILE can be found at keystoneinternational.pa.gov/Show.

–Shannon Powers, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

The Erie County Agricultural Society is proud to announce the newly established North American Open Dairy Cattle Show this October on the Fairgrounds in Hamburg, NY. The event will begin on October 13th and run through October 18th , with scheduled show dates running from October 16-18. It will be open to exhibitors from both the United States and Canada.

Jessica Underberg, the CEO of the Erie County Agricultural Society said, “shows such as this are very important to the dairy industry.” According to Ms. Underberg, “Cattle show rings across the country have gone dark over the last few months as a result of COVID-19. With a deep-rooted commitment to agriculture and recognizing the fact that dairy is New York’s #1 agriculture commodity, we are optimistically planning the North American Open Dairy Cattle Show.” She added, “this show directly aligns with our Mission Statement and is a natural fit for the staff that come from backgrounds in the dairy and livestock industries.”

Alicia Lamb of Oakfield Corners Dairy stated, “The cancellation of multiple national level shows in 2020 has eroded the market value of our elite show type cattle, and the ability to exhibit at the North American Open Dairy Cattle Show will help to increase that value as we move into 2021 and beyond.” She also said, “creating an outlet for marketing and exhibiting provides cattle exhibitors a ray of optimism in a year that has been riddled with so much negativity. As breeders and exhibitors, we enjoy showing and competing against the highest quality cattle in the world, and this show opens that door.”

The necessary health guidelines outlined at the time of the event by New York State, Erie County and the Center for Disease Control will be followed.

Breed shows offered will be Red & Whites, Milking Shorthorns, Guernsey, Brown Swiss, Ayrshire, Jersey and Holstein. Entries will be accepted beginning August 1, 2020. For more information visit www.the-fairgrounds.com/NorthAmericanOpenDairyCattleShow or follow North American Open Dairy Cattle Show on Facebook. Call 716-649-3900 for more information.