WUD challenges FDA on misuse of the name 'yogurt'

Feb. 12, 2013

Western United Dairymen has called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take immediate action to stop the misuse of the name "yogurt" in the labeling of certain products. WUD said its board of directors had recently learned that "soy yogurt" is being marketed alongside true dairy yogurt in the refrigerated dairy cases at local supermarkets. "These products were being displayed in a fashion so as to mislead and confuse consumers as it is labeled as a 'soy milk' based product," said WUD in its complaint filed with the FDA on February 6. • To download a copy of the FDA complaint letter, please click here. WUD has previously registered complaints regarding the misuse of the name "milk" in the labeling of soy beverages. For whatever reason, the FDA has refused to enforce the standard of identity for milk leading to a multitude of non-milk "milks" being sold and the diminution of the standard of identity. WUD reminded the FDA that any product that uses the term "milk" as part of the name on its label must conform to the federal standard of identity described as "the lacteal secretion, practically free from colostrum obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy cows." Said WUD, "The regulation is clear and does not equivocate: Milk does not come from beans, rice, nuts or anything else–it comes from cows." By using words such as "soy milk" and "yogurt" in the labeling of this soy-based product, "consumers are doubtlessly misled to believe that it is a product comparable to the nutritional profile and benefits of milk," noted WUD. "The soy product industry's blatant misuse of the term 'milk' and 'yogurt' as part of a coordinated marketing scheme to deceive consumers must be stopped," said WUD. "The explicit strategy identified herein and being employed by the soy industry is an attempt to fraudulently lure customers to their product as a substitute for wholesome, nutritious milk."

Cold and Snowy Winter Days

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

Last week was cold and snowy here in Northeast Ohio. It snowed for six days in a row and the temperatures, with wind chill, reached below zero. The good thing about where we live is the weather can change frequently. Last week we had below zero temps and today we're experiencing a high of 60 degrees. To see more photos, Click here

 Tipton identifies keys to unlocking dairy's potential

International Dairy Foods Association | Updated: 01/28/2013

In her keynote speech today at Dairy Forum 2013, Connie Tipton, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, said the dairy industry stands on the verge of a new era filled with enormous opportunity and unlimited potential. Saying that future success hinges on all stakeholders taking steps together, Tipton called for industry collaboration on renewed efforts to phase out federal milk pricing regulations and new legislation that would change the federal standards of identity for dairy products. Tipton addressed a record crowd of more than 900 dairy producers, processors, suppliers and other industry participants gathered at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes this week for the 28th annual Dairy Forum. Tipton opened with a look at the current state of politics in Washington, D.C. and its expected effect on dairy. While noting that Greek yogurt made a welcome debut on the menu for the inauguration day luncheon on Capitol Hill, Tipton warned that changes in the administration's policy direction are unlikely. She told attendees to expect more regulations for the food industry, more rules for school meals, more labeling requirements and possibly restrictions on marketing to children. Calling innovation the industry's lifeblood, Tipton reviewed current consumer trends that will offer new opportunities for innovation in dairy products and processes. Read More

 Weaker dairy trade dents exports

JAMES WEIR
Stuff.co.nz
1-29-2013

Dairy product exports took a tumble in the December quarter, with volumes down 15 per cent and values for milk powder, butter and cheese exports falling 12 per cent, in a downturn from a strong September quarter. Dairy is New Zealand's top export commodity group. The drop in dairy exports led to an overall 3.3 per cent drop in the value of all export in the December quarter, seasonally adjusted. The fall in the last three months of the year almost reversed the gain of 4.4 per cent in the September quarter, according to Statistics NZ figures just out. "Seasonally adjusted dairy exports led the fall in exports in the December 2012 quarter," industry and labour statistics manager Louise Holmes-Oliver said. Read More

US milk production - 2012 in the rear view mirror

by Dr Jon Hauser 22. DEC 2012

This article is a short version of Dr Hauser's review of US milk production in 2012.

It is now six months since I threw out the challenge to the USDA to take a second look at their milk production forecasts for 2012. On the back of a bull run of production growth in the early part of the year, the June forecast for the full year was increased to 202 billion pounds, a 3% increase over the previous year.

Drought and rising feed prices seemed to go unnoticed back in June, let alone the savage impact this was having on milk producer margins. It didn't take long before someone took a look out the window and the forecasters have been backpedaling ever since. We are not quite there yet but I thought I would take a look at what actually happened and have one last shot at pinning the tail on the US milk production donkey.

At least somebody is paying attention

As we are fond of saying here at Xcheque the best place to start with an economic forecast is to follow the money … and that is exactly what US farmers did in response to the margin squeeze between high feed prices and an inadequate milk price.

Xcheque's seasonally adjusted milk production shows that the peak of production for 2012 was in March. This was the culmination of a 9 month bull run of dairy production in the US and elsewhere. Quite frankly the global dairy industry got a little carried away. An additional 7 billion litres of milk was pumped onto world markets in the preceding 12 months. This was 2 - 3 times the "normal" level of global dairy growth.

The economic equation that US dairy farmers faced in April 2012 is shown in Figure 1. Milk prices had fallen from the giddy heights of 2011 and drought loomed large on the horizon. In the second quarter of 2012 a combination of lower milk price and rising feed price drove the margin above feed price back to $5 / cwt. The futures market was suggesting even more pain on the way.

Not surprisingly the brakes were applied, and very quickly. Milk production per cow was cut immediately and the culling of cows started in earnest. Production was decreased to below the long term trend line and held at that level until the market responded with increased milk prices. With margins now at reasonable levels milk production has recovered coming back onto the long tern trend. Our updated analysis shows that the futures traders have regained confidence in supply and are again searching for a Class III milk price of $18 - $19 / cwt. This corresponds to a farmer margin over feed cost at about $6 / cwt. The smart money will however be very short (if you are a farmer). It would be very timely to remind the market how easy it is to apply the milk production / cow feed brake.

Forecast shmorecast
The USDA's progressive forecast during the course of 2012 started at 198.5 billion pounds and 1.15% YOY growth. This was progressively increased to 202.2 billion (3.0%) and then cut back to a low point of 199.6 billion (1.7%). The forecast in December was slightly above this. That is a big variation in a short time with drought being too convenient as an excuse for the movement.

Xcheque is prepared to credit farmers with a better understanding of the economics of supply and demand. There is only a week to go in 2012 and we are looking for a final number just over 200 billion pounds (2.0%). The USDA remains steadfast at 199.7 billion pounds. Call me strange if you like but the email from the USDA in January is more eagerly anticipated that what might be in the Christmas stocking.

 Membership vote establishes FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ed Peck, Filament Marketing LLC;
edpeck@filamentmarketing.com; 608.310.5335 x22

Merger of Family Dairies USA, Manitowoc Milk Producers Cooperative and Milwaukee Cooperative Milk Producers approved by members.

Madison, Wis. [December 18, 2012] – Members of Family Dairies USA, Manitowoc Milk Producers Cooperative and Milwaukee Cooperative Milk Producers successfully voted today to merge the three cooperatives, creating the largest dairy marketing cooperative in the Midwest. The new, combined cooperative, known as FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, will begin business function as a unified entity on January 1, 2013.

Votes on the historic merger were counted today during a pair of special meetings at the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point, Wis. and the Milwaukee Cooperative Milk Producers office in Brookfield, Wis. The membership vote follows a unanimous board vote to recommend the unified merger for the membership and several information-sharing opportunities this fall.

“Today, our members made history,” says Dennis Donohue, general manager of Manitowoc Milk Producers Cooperative. “This membership vote to merge the three cooperatives affirms our members’ goals for industry success through collaboration. Collectively, the strength of our three organizations becomes one unified and powerful voice.”

“This is an exciting moment for our members,” says David Cooper, general manager of Family Dairies USA. “This membership vote is the first step in achieving benefits in efficiency and a stronger voice for our members.”

“We are excited for the future of FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative,” adds Jim Bird, general manager of Milwaukee Cooperative Milk Producers. “Under this new cooperative, our members will see benefits in brand value and marketing opportunities. This vote is a win for our members and the dairy industry.”

Under FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, the combined member representation will be divided into a total of nine districts, based on membership within each district. The current directors from each of the three cooperatives will transition into the new organization, helping ensure consistency in leadership and membership voice. Dennis Donohue will assume the role of general manager of FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative. David Cooper and Jim Bird will assume the roles of assistant general manager and director of lab services and special projects, respectively.

Family Dairies USA Milk Program and the Fox Valley Quality Control Laboratory will continue to operate as subsidiaries of the new cooperative.

Details on FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative will be distributed to all cooperative members through upcoming correspondence.

Family Dairies USA, based in Madison, Wis., is a grassroots, non-partisan, regional dairy co-op organization dedicated to bring fairness and equity to its family farm members in dairy policy matters and to provide excellence in dairy marketing services at reasonable prices. Family Dairies represents approximately 2,300 farms.
Manitowoc Milk Producers Cooperative, based in Manitowoc, Wis., was established in 1933 and represents more than 2,650 farms. The cooperative provides required Federal Milk Marketing Order services to members and is co-owner of a milk quality testing laboratory for components, cultures and somatic cell counts.
Milwaukee Cooperative Milk Producers, based in Brookfield, Wis., represents approximately 500 farms, providing insurance alternatives to dairy producers. Together with Manitowoc Milk Producers Cooperative, they co-own Fox Valley Quality Control Laboratory in Neenah, Wis. The cooperative was established in 1916.
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National Dairy Month in Spotlight  

A local TV station in Arizona talks to a local dairy producer about National Dairy month and the health benefits of having dairy in your diet.

   U.S. Defends Safety of Nation's Beef

U.S. officials offered new reassurances that the nation's beef-production system was safe after Indonesia on Thursday suspended imports of American beef following the first reported case of mad-cow disease in the U.S. in six years. Tuesday's announcement of the discovery of mad-cow disease in a California dairy cow—the fourth reported U.S. case ever—ignited fresh debate over the U.S. government's testing regime for the disease, formally known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Officials say the system is targeted and effective, and that the diseased cow was never a danger to the food supply, but some consumer advocates say testing is inadequate. 
 April 26, 2012 The Wall Street Journal
Click here to view U.S. Defends Safety of Nation's Beef

   PETA plans protest over mad cow find

It didn't take long for the folks at People for the Ethnical Treatment of Animals to jump in on the recent discovery of mad cow disease in a Tulare County dairy cow. PETA is taking issue with the treatment of animals on California dairies, saying the conditions are a health hazard to cows and humans. Naturally, the state's dairy industry vehemently disputes that, saying their cows are well-cared for. Still, PETA is planning to post a billboard near the Hanford plant where the diseased cow's carcass is being held. The billboard depicts a cow half-sunk in manure-laden mud next to the words "Real Milk' Comes From Real Sick Cows. Go Vegan." 

 April 26, 2012 Fresno Bee news blog
Click here to view PETA plans protest over mad cow find

   Frequently Asked Questions about BSE

The USDA has a website that addresses frequently asked questions about Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). Click here to visit the website. The most up-to-date information on BSE can be found at the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website. 
Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions about BSE

  Holstein with mad cow disease was lame, lying down

The California dairy cow found to have mad cow disease was very old for a milk producer and had been euthanized after it became lame and started lying down, federal officials revealed in their latest update on the discovery. The 10-year-old dairy cow, only the fourth ever discovered in the United States, was found as part of an Agriculture Department program that tests about 40,000 cows a year for the fatal brain disease. It was unable to stand before it was killed and sent to a rendering plant's Hanford, Calif. transfer station. It was one of dozens that underwent random testing at the transfer site, and the positive results have set off a federal investigation into the source of the disease.
April 27, 2012 Associated Press

Click to viewHolstein with mad cow disease was lame, lying down

Vilsack defends testing regime in light of BSE case

The federal system for detecting diseases in cows worked well this week, but a new animal tracing program set to be unveiled soon will make the system even better. That was the message from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Thursday in response to a reporter's question as to whether the government should ramp up its inspections of animals. The USDA tests about 40,000 cows a year for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, which is fatal to cows and can cause a fatal human brain disease in people who eat tainted beef. Some have called the USDA's testing inadequate in light of this week's report that BSE, or mad cow disease, was found in a central California dairy cow. Vilsack said the 40,000 inspections done annually are based on an international standard.
April 27, 2012 Capital Press

Click to view Vilsack defends testing regime in light of BSE case

Blessing of Hope recives 1500 gallons of milk from the National Dairy Producers Organization

Blessings of Hope is the food ministry extension to Light of Hope Ministries. We have access to huge amounts of food that is donated for the purpose of feeding people in need. This is food that would otherwise be wasted.

Farmers Fight - Stand Up

Farmers Fight is a student-led initiative to reconnect American society to the world of agriculture. Beginning with university students, Farmers Fight encourages consumers to ask where their food comes from, and give students, faculty, public officials, and farmers and ranchers an opportunity to become "agvocates" for the agriculture community.

Remembering a Legacy of Leadership, Mr. Doug Maddox

A tribute to the man who infused the dairy industry with optimism, adventure, innovation and courage. With over 50 years of service to the industry, Doug Maddox passed away after a massive heart attack last Monday.  He led an incredible career that began with a single calf on his family’s farm in Laton, Calif.; a career that came to an abrupt end and caught the entire industry off guard on Dec. 19, 2011.

Click to view The Legacy of Mr. Doug Maddox

The Dairy Dollar

The busy dairy dollar - - Consider the economic impact that dairy farmers create with their products. In Wisconsin, that impact is huge. The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board has released a video that tells the story of a dollar bill as it moves through the economy.  “The ‘Dairy Dollar’ video helps illustrate how something as simple as buying a piece of cheese or a gallon of milk impacts not only the dairy industry, but local Wisconsin businesses and communities,” says Patrick Geoghegan, senior vice president of corporate communications for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Feb. 13, 2012 Dairy Herd Network.

Notes from the Editor - Holy Cow

Someone else has actually looked at the current situation for Dairy Producers and has made a meaningful recommendation. May we extend our thanks and congratulations to Mr. John Kaczor. A gutsy call, but the right call. Lets hope someone will listen. (From John Kaczor of the Milk Producers Council, February 10, 2012.

Click to view Notes from the Editor - Holy Cow

Developing New Markets; Good for Producers:Bad for Producers?

Dairy Product Exports in 2011 Among Best Ever: (by J. Kaczor)

Click to view Developing New Makrets

February Dairy Perspective: Dairy producers gear up with a new management team, a new plan, and much needed tools and resources

To beat the Kobayashi Maru (no-win) scenario, Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise finally had to change the rules of the game. Dairy producers are left with no other alternative but to do likewise.

Click to view February Dairy Perspecitive from the Agribusiness Dairyman magazine

Detailed Summery: The Dairy Security Act of 2011

Nearly three years ago the dairy industry was devastated by the combination of declining milk prices and escalating input costs. The dairy safety net did not work in 2009 and it won't work if similar events occur now.

Click to view S.1640
Click to view S.1682
Click to view Detailed Summery

Dairy bill introduced in congress A call to action for dairy farmers!!

For the U.S. dairy farmer, the foreseeable future is a scary sight. Corn, alfalfa and other feed commodities are continuing at record or near-record highs. As you can see from the dairy commodity report below, milk prices are already on the decline.

Click to view

Letter to House Representative Collin Peterson and 4 Proposed amendments to the National Dairy Policy Proposal

First of all, thank you for your time and effort working to improve national dairy policy. The attached document outlines four proposed amendments to the discussion draft you and Mr. Simpson are working to move forward.

Click to view

We Cannot Afford to Revisit 2009

A growing list of key market indicators, including slowing to stagnant global demand, rising cheese inventories, rising production levels in New Zealand and Australia; forecasted domestic production increases fueled by increased cow counts as well as per cow increases for the remainder of 2011 and 2012. These factors measured against historic cycle forecasting done by Purdue University are signaling a critical drop in prices paid to producers for their milk.


Click to view