Thursday May 4 Ag News

Vet med students raise money for ranchers affected by wildfires

Recent wildfires across Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas have devastated the ranching industry. The fires have destroyed millions of acres of grassland, and left thousands of cattle dead. Now, students in the Large Animal Veterinary Medical Club at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are lending their support to those affected by the wildfires.

The club acted quickly after learning of the wildfires, and organized a fundraiser selling “Vet Med” hats. During the course of the 11-day fundraiser the club sold 366 hats, raising over $4,000 for wildfire victims.

“We saw a lot of news coverage about the wildfires and we thought it was important to help out,” said Rachael Granville of Springfield, a student in the university’s Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine. “Someday those ranchers are going to be our clients so we care about them and want them to be successful.”

The club sold hats to students, faculty and staff in Nebraska, and their PPVM partners at Iowa State University. In addition, the club extended the fundraiser to vet med schools in the states affected by the wildfires: Colorado State University, Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University and Texas A&M University. The University of Illinois and Mississippi State University also contributed to the fundraiser.

According to club president Kara Sutphen, funds raised by the club will be given to the Working Ranch Cowboys Association. The association has established a wildfire relief fund to provide financial assistance to working ranchers and cowboys suffering significant hardships due to the wildfires.

“We feel that donating the funds we raise to the Working Ranch Cowboys Association is better than us trying to buy supplies and send it to the affected areas because these people are going to need financial assistance for a long time. The association has historically done a lot of crisis relief, and they have operations set up for people to apply for the funds,” Sutphen said.

The club is currently contacting several state veterinary medical associations to see if they will match the funds raised so far.

The Large Animal Club is a club for PPVM students at the university. The club organizes meetings and wet labs to expose students to a variety of topics focused on large-animal medicine. Additionally, the club awards scholarships to three PPVM students annually.



Animal science department appoints two new student ambassadors

The animal science department at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has appointed two new student ambassadors for the 2017-2018 academic year.

After in-depth interviews with department faculty and senior ambassadors, two students were selected out of a pool of seven applicants:
-    Lexi Ostrand of Pender, a sophomore animal science major
-    Hannah Esch of Unadilla, a freshman animal science major

The two new ambassadors will serve alongside current second-year ambassadors:
-    David Schuler of Bridgeport, a junior animal science major
-    Amanda Lambrecht of Kennard, a junior animal science major

The ambassadors will interact with prospective animal science students by visiting high schools and attending various university admissions events. In addition to attending and supporting university events, each ambassador will also take on the responsibility of planning one recruitment activity per year. One example is the Animal Science Experience.

The Animal Science Experience is an event where high school and transfer students visit East Campus for a day and see it through the eyes of a current college student. These students get an overview of the animal science department, participate in an actual animal science class, eat lunch at the Nebraska East Union and participate in fun activities such as a tour of Memorial Stadium.

“It’s a good opportunity for them to get to East Campus and actually see what life is like here in the department and as a college student,” said Alli Raymond, animal science admissions coordinator. “Through planning and participating in these activities, the student ambassadors benefit not only the university, but themselves as well.”

The Animal Science Student Ambassador program, started in 1999, selects two animal science majors as ambassadors to promote the animal science program each year. Students receive a $2,000 scholarship ($500 each semester) and serve for two years supporting the animal science department’s recruitment efforts.



Rep. Bacon Votes 'Yes' on AHCA

Today, Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) joined colleagues in the House to pass the American Health Care Act (AHCA), giving individuals and states more control over health care policies allowing for patient-centered health care and removing federal bureaucrats from the decision process.

“Today I joined my colleagues on a rescue mission to save health care for Nebraskans because people were being burdened with skyrocketing premiums, unaffordable deductibles, and lack of choice. Premiums had risen by up to 51% for many Nebraskans and our state is down to two health insurance providers in the marketplace.

This landmark legislation ensures that Americans will have control over their health care policies while maintaining coverage for those with pre-existing conditions. Several layers of legislation, including the McArthur and Upton Amendments, will make sure that people cannot be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition. These amendments also provide security for families and individuals that their health care premiums will be affordable.

I am disappointed in those who are spreading lies about the coverage under the AHCA: that it strips pre-existing coverage and veteran tax credits. Quite frankly, they are causing undue fear in many Americans. It’s irresponsible and I plan on spending the next week correcting those reckless falsehoods.”



Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding U.S. House Passage of American Health Care Act

“We are very supportive of the U.S. House of Representatives’ action today to pass the American Health Care Act. Nebraska Farm Bureau has, and continues to support efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare. While not perfect, passage of this bill starts us down the road to improve and lower costs in the individual health insurance markets by reintroducing marketplace fundamentals back into the health insurance industry.”

“Farm and ranch families participate heavily in the individual health insurance marketplace and Obamacare exchanges. Their participation in those markets is far greater than that of the general population who largely get their health insurance policies from their employer-sponsored plans. Farmers, ranchers, and other self-employed individuals are disproportionately bearing the extraordinarily high premium costs and out of pocket health expenses resulting from Obamacare.”

“A recent survey of our members found that twenty-five percent of farmers and ranchers who purchase insurance from either the health insurance exchanges or the individual marketplace paid more than $1,500 per month in premiums. In comparison, only four percent of those getting their health insurance from an employer exceed the $1,500 per month premium threshold. It is clear farmers, ranchers, and the self-employed are paying the price of an insurance marketplace that is in shambles. Legislation to pull back from the mandates, red tape, and regulations enacted through Obamacare is long overdue.”

“Our current health insurance system is on the brink of a crisis. We hope the Senate acts on this legislation quickly and that necessary improvements can be made. It is critical that farmers, ranchers, the self-employed, and those who live in rural areas where premiums are often much higher than in urban areas, no longer struggle under the ever-increasing costs and regulatory burdens of Obamacare.”

“We thank Congressman Fortenberry, Congressman Bacon, and Congressman Smith for their votes in support of this measure.”



Your Corn, Your Ethanol: E15 Blended Gasoline Now Available at Select A-Stop Pumps

Aurora Cooperative is pleased to announce that starting today our A-Stop pumps at Aurora West, Grand Island and York will now be providing E15 blended gasoline. E15 is a higher-octane blend consisting of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline. The ethanol being used for the E15 blend will be coming directly from PAL (Pacific Aurora, LLC), an ethanol plant in Aurora.

“We are excited to offer locally produced ethanol made from locally grown corn and offer that for consumption in our local communities,” said Chris Decker, COO at Aurora Cooperative. “E15 will allow consumers to use clean-burning, environmentally-friendly gasoline and will also help pump revenue back into your local communities by utilizing local farmers’ corn for your local ethanol use.”

E15 has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use in all passenger vehicles model year 2001 or newer. Flex-fuel vehicles capable of operating on blends up to E85 (85 percent ethanol) can also use E15 regardless of model year. According to the Nebraska Corn Board’s ethanol facts, the approved group of vehicles for E15 includes more than 80 percent of the cars, trucks and SUVs on the road today.

“It’s encouraging to see the growth in availability and usage of higher blends of ethanol,” said Tim Sheer, Nebraska Corn Board director and farmer from St. Paul. “Ethanol is a win for the consumer, a win for the environment and a win for Nebraska agriculture. I look forward to fueling my vehicles with clean-burning ethanol as these A-Stop locations.”

According to Growth Energy, a full move to E15 will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an additional 8 million tons per year – the equivalent of taking more than 1.35 million vehicles off the road. Growth Energy is an organization representing producers and supporters of ethanol who feed the world and fuel America in ways that achieve energy independence, improve economic well-being and create a healthier environment for all Americans.

Aurora Cooperative believes in putting its owners’ equity to work for your farm, your families, your communities and now your ethanol.



 Vomitoxin Found across the Corn Belt

High levels of deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin commonly known as vomitoxin, are being found in grain across the Corn Belt, including eastern Iowa. Contaminated corn is an issue especially in dried distillers grains and solubles (DDGS), according to Erin Bowers, mycotoxin sampling and analysis specialist with Iowa State University.

DDGS, commonly used in animals feed, is a by-product of ethanol production. Mycotoxins tend to concentrate in this by-product at three times the levels found in the original grain.

“This is problematic because we have a huge swine industry in Iowa, and swine are very sensitive to DON,” said Bowers. “When you feed DDGS contaminated at even 3 parts-per-million to swine in addition with other contaminated grains, you’re going to start seeing health and productivity issues.”

DON is produced by molds of the genus Fusarium, most commonly Fusarium graminearum. According to the Food and Drug Administration, advisory levels for livestock consumption of DON are as follows:
-    5 ppm DON on grains and grain by-products destined for swine with recommendation that these ingredients not exceed 20 percent of their diet.
-    For chickens, 10 ppm DON on grains and grain by-products with recommendation that these ingredients not exceed 50 percent of the diet.
-    10 ppm DON on grains and grain by-products (on an 88 percent dry matter basis) destined for ruminating beef and feedlot cattle older than 4 months and 5 ppm DON for ruminating dairy cattle older than four months.
-    5 ppm DON on grains and grain by-products destined for all other animals with the added recommendation that these ingredients not exceed 40 percent of their diet.

“In the eastern corn belt right now, we are seeing base corn levels around 1 part-per-million,” said Bowers. “As soon as you make DDGS out of them, you start pushing the boundaries of some feeding limits. Grain receiving locations should be testing for these levels or at least be aware that we are seeing higher levels this year. Having a good strategy for managing their grain supply and marketing it appropriately can increase its safe use.”

There are solutions to utilizing DON contaminated grain. Beef cattle are much more tolerant of this mycotoxin, and can be fed higher levels of contamination without seeing negative health or productivity effects. DON also can be blended, but steps should be taken to carefully and representatively test blended grain.

The Iowa Grain Quality Initiative has developed a set of online learning modules to help producers learn about mycotoxin sampling and handling. The Iowa Grain Quality Mycotoxin Development Module (CROP 3083F) and Iowa Grain Quality Best Practices in Handling and Testing Module (CROP 3083G) were produced in cooperation with the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative and Crop Advisor Institute.



EPA Sends WOTUS Repeal Rule to White House

The Environmental Protection Agency sent a proposal to repeal the controversial Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule to the White House for interagency review—the first step in President Trump’s plan to undo and replace the rule. A spokesman confirmed the rule is being reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). The rule would formally put back in place the 1986 guidance that has governed the federal government’s Clean Water Act determinations.

The WOTUS rule is currently still on hold by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals pending a decision as to the venue for the legal challenge from the states. After the White House review, the rule will be officially published, triggering a public comment period. In the meantime, the EPA is working on a new rule to define the scope of federal water protections.



Secretary Perdue Announces Arrival of First Shipments of U.S. Beef to Brazil

Secretary Sonny Perdue announced today that the first shipment of fresh U.S. beef has arrived in Brazil following a 13-year hiatus.  The entrance of American beef into the Brazilian market ushers in promising long-term economic opportunity for U.S. beef producers. 

“With Brazil’s large market reopened to the United States, U.S. beef exports are poised for new growth. I look forward to Brazilians getting the opportunity to eat delicious American beef, because once they taste it, they’ll want more of it.” said Secretary Perdue.

Brazil closed its market to imports of U.S. fresh beef in 2003 over concerns about bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).  Since then, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have worked continuously with Brazilian officials to regain market access.

Additionally, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has provided documentation and information on the U.S. food safety requirements and standards for beef.  Following numerous technical discussions and meetings, Brazil officially reopened the market on August 1, 2016 based on the United States’ classification by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as a negligible risk country for BSE.



Ag Secretary Perdue Pledges USDA Support in Face of Heartland Flooding

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today pledged the full resources and support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in response to severe flooding occurring in many states across the center of the country.  Representatives of relevant USDA agencies, including the Farm Service Agency, the Office of Rural Development, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, will be on the ground gathering information and assisting members of the agriculture community with their needs as they prepare to assess the damage.

Secretary Perdue issued the following statement:

“The people of the American agriculture community are made of hardy stock and can withstand their fair share of hardship, but just the same, they should know that their USDA stands with them during this natural calamity.  We have seen levee breaks and flooding in the wake of storms, some of which have caused the loss of life, and USDA is ready to assist in any way we can.  We have USDA employees in every county in this nation, and our people will be visible as they work to support people battling the flooding.  As always, our thoughts and prayers are with our agriculture community, but our resources will be with them too.”



Update on FY 2017 Omnibus Appropriations Bill Deal
NAWG newsletter

On April 30, 2017, Congressional leaders reached an agreement to fund the government through the remainder of FY 2017 (through September 30, 2017).  The agreement includes $20.877 billion in discretionary spending for USDA, which is below the FY 2016 enacted level of $21.75 billion.

It also includes an increase of $1.6 billion in farm operating and ownership loan levels from the FY2016 levels to help meet the growing demand for those programs. For agricultural research, the bill cites a $25 million increase for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) competitive grants program, and it maintains level funding of $243.701 million for the Hatch Act formula fund program for the land grants and of $300 million for the Smith-Lever Extension program.  Included is also report language indicating increases in funding for small grains genomic and the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative - a $1 million increase for the Small Grains Genomic Initiative and a $2 million increase for the Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative, no doubt a result of NAWG's and NWIC's advocacy efforts.

The bill includes a $5 million pilot program for the Agriculture Risk Coverage County program for the 2016 crop year to address disparities in yields between comparable counties in a state.  This pilot program would set up an alternate calculation method with FSA employees in the state having some flexibility if there is insufficient NASS data in a county or if the available NASS data is significantly disparate. McGovern-Dole Food for Education program would be funded at $201.6 million, which is level with FY 2016.  The Food for Peace program would be funded at $1.6 million, which is $112 million below the FY 2016 level, and included a onetime increase of $134 million to address famine crises around the world. There is $3 million included for the FDA and USDA to promote the acceptance of biotechnology through consumer outreach on “agricultural biotechnology and biotechnology-derived food products and animal feed.” For conservation, the overall Conservation Operations account is funded at $864.474 million.  The Watershed Rehabilitation program is limited to $9 million and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is limited to $1.35 billion (which is a reduction from the $1.65 billion provided in the Farm Bill for FY 2017).  The bill also includes $4 million for the Water Bank program.

The bill was approved by the House of Representatives on Wednesday on a 309-118 vote and the Senate voted on Thursday to adopt the measure on a 79-18 vote.  It now heads to President Trump for his signature.



Growth Energy praises introduction of Clean Energy for America Act

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement on the reintroduction of the Clean Energy for America Act by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR). The legislation would consolidate and extend tax incentives for renewable fuels.

“We thank Sen. Wyden for his efforts to provide long-term tax certainty to advanced and cellulosic biofuels,” Skor said.

“Corn ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent, and under this legislation, credits are based on greenhouse gas reductions and are technology neutral. The bill also recognizes increased payments for improved emissions reductions and has a less complicated formula that does not discriminate against ethanol fuels.

“Ethanol is an advanced biofuel that Americans use every day, and it is moving our nation forward. Policies like those proposed in this legislation will pave the way for the continued growth of this clean-burning, environmentally friendly biofuel.”



Growth Energy, RFA, USGC submit comments in response to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s paper on clean fuel standard

Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) joined the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) in submitting comments in response to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Discussion Paper on a Federal Clean Fuel Standard (CFS).

Representatives of the three organizations just completed a visit to Canada to discuss that country's newest environmental initiative with regulators and industry and share details of the U.S. experience with its Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).

The U.S. and Canadian renewable fuels industries have much in common. Ethanol production in both countries is largely from corn and uses similar processing technologies, technology mixes and coproduct streams. Additionally, both have shown dramatic improvements in their respective greenhouse gas (GHG) profiles over the past decade with further improvements expected in the years ahead.

The U.S. and Canada also benefit from free trade preferences under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which has paved the way for significant bilateral trade between Canada and the U.S.

“We support the Canadian government’s plan to implement a Clean Fuel Standard as the best way to help meet the transportation sector’s needs with lower GHG intensive fuels. Increased ethanol utilization will reduce GHG emissions, improve air quality, and provide a renewable source of octane for Canadian fuel consumers at a competitive price,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.

“A strong Clean Fuel Standard should build on the success of Canada’s Renewable Fuel Regulations, which have helped clean the air, boost local economies, reduce the reliance on petroleum imports and lower the price of gasoline for consumers. But it needs to be done right, based on sound science and consumer choice. We are optimistic Canada’s effort will be successful and we look forward to remaining trading partners on the cleanest, highest octane source of fuel in the world,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen.

“The U.S. ethanol industry applauds Canada’s desire to reduce the carbon intensity of its transportation fuel market, and we see our northern neighbor as a strong partner in renewable fuels expansion," said Tom Sleight, president and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council. "Our product is an important supplement to Canada’s own domestic production and should Canada boost its use of ethanol, our industry stands ready to ensure that the supplies Canada needs are available.”



Growth Energy, RFA, USGC Commend Brazilian Government for Postponing Ethanol Tariff Proposal

On Wednesday, the Executive Management Committee of CAMEX, Brazil’s Chamber of Foreign Trade, decided to postpone a decision by the Chamber on whether to impose significant tariffs on U.S. ethanol imports. The Executive Committee’s decision delays CAMEX’s consideration until June, to allow for the proposal to be evaluated by another CAMEX subgroup, GTAT-TEC, the Technical Group on Temporary Alterations to the Common Foreign Tariff of Mercosur. The following is a joint statement from the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy and the U.S. Grains Council:

“We commend the Executive Committee of CAMEX (GECEX) for deciding to postpone the chamber’s proceedings on the recent proposal from Brazilian sugarcane and ethanol producer associations to reinstate an ethanol import tariff in Brazil. This is a critically important issue that will impact Brazilian consumers and commodity markets across the globe. It demands very thoughtful consideration.

“We strongly believe that re-imposing an import tariff on U.S. ethanol would only lead to increased fuel prices, and endanger the positive and hard-won cooperative trade relationship between our two countries concerning the production, use and global trade in ethanol.

“We look forward to continuing our dialogue with government officials and stakeholders in Brazil, in hopes of encouraging our friends from the South to not turn their back on the progress our two countries have made in building a trade relationship that encourages industry growth, expands markets and provides low-cost fuel to consumers in Brazil and the U.S.”




 Land O’Lakes, Inc. reports results for first quarter 2017

Land O’Lakes, Inc. today reported quarterly net sales of $3.7 billion and net earnings of $110 million in the first quarter ending March 31, 2017, compared with 2016 first quarter net sales of $3.6 billion and net earnings of $104 million.

The strong first quarter earnings come on the heels of a record year in 2016 when the company reported $320 million in net earnings on $13.2 billion in sales.

“Overall first quarter performance for 2017 continues the trend of year-over-year growth for our organization despite increased complexity and headwinds across the marketplace,” said Land O’Lakes, Inc. President and CEO Chris Policinski. “Our growing focus spans our farm-to-fork view of the marketplace as we continue to invest in value-added innovation in all four of our business units: Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Purina Feed, WinField United Crop Inputs and Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN.”

During the first quarter, Land O’Lakes announced the acquisition of Vermont Creamery announced to accelerate growth in its important Dairy Foods business with trusted brands and innovative products. The company also last month its increasing commitment to achieve meaningful goals in and to shape the future of environmental sustainability across the agricultural value chain. The announcement was made in partnership with other suppliers of Walmart.

First-quarter earnings benefited from strong performance in Dairy Foods, Animal Feed and Crop Inputs. Earnings in Dairy Foods, which includes the company's LAND O LAKES brand, were driven by strong volumes in Foodservice and improved margins in retail-branded products. Increased earnings in Crop Inputs, which includes WinField United, resulted from higher margins driven by vendor rebates. Earnings across the Animal Feed portfolio remained strong due to a continued product mix shift to valued added products.



USDA Dairy Products March 2017 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.06 billion pounds, 3.3 percent above March 2016 and 12.7 percent above February 2017.  Italian type cheese production totaled 469 million pounds, 2.2 percent above March 2016 and 15.2 percent above February 2017.  American type cheese production totaled 416 million pounds, 3.5 percent above March 2016 and 11.2 percent above February 2017.  Butter production was 176 million pounds, 0.3 percent above March 2016 and 9.0 percent above February 2017.

Dry milk powders (comparisons with March 2016)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 160 million pounds, down 7.2 percent.
Skim milk powders - 52.7 million pounds, up 30.0 percent.

Whey products (comparisons with March 2016)
Dry whey, total - 88.0 million pounds, up 6.4 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 97.6 million pounds, up 5.1 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 42.0 million pounds, up 0.5 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons with March 2016)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 74.7 million gallons, up 2.6 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 41.1 million gallons, up 1.0 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 3.41 million gallons, down 8.4 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 7.28 million gallons, up 1.0 percent.



NMPF Urges Dairy Imitators to Comply with Food Labeling Standards

America’s dairy farmers have a clear message for plant-based food companies that have been meeting in California this week to assess the consistency of the labeling of their products: Dairy imitators must start complying with federal regulations that require foods such as milk, cheese, ice cream and yogurt to be made from real milk.

“At a time when consumers want real food, this ‘fake food’ movement has gone in the opposite direction, flaunting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards that define milk as the product of cows, not heavily processed and unrecognizable plant sources,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “These companies are also aware that playing fast and loose with labeling regulations is a potential legal liability and a source of confusion in the marketplace.”

Members of the Plant Based Foods Association are meeting this week in San Francisco to review the potential compliance challenges their products may have with FDA’s existing standards of identity.

NMPF’s Mulhern said that standards of identity exist for a range of foods, not just in the dairy category.

“You can’t take powdered sugar, mix it with water, add orange flavorings and color, and call it orange juice. The FDA standard of identity for ‘orange juice’ prohibits labeling beverages that are only orange in color as ‘orange juice.’ But this is the misleading practice that occurs when nuts and grains are mixed together with whiteners and sugars and marketed as ‘milk.’ FDA’s failure to do its job on food standards means it’s time for Congress intervene,” he said.

NMPF continues to build support for legislation called the DAIRY PRIDE Act (DPA), which would ensure food labels are policed by regulators. The measure, introduced earlier this year in both the House and Senate, prompts FDA to implement its long-standing regulation specifying that milk and similar dairy foods must come from an animal source. Properly enforcing labeling standards “ultimately benefits the manufacturers of plant products as much as it helps dairy farmers,” Mulhern said, by establishing a predictable regulatory environment in the marketplace.

Mulhern said terms such as “almondmilk” and “soy milk” are not found on plant beverages sold in the European Union, the United Kingdom and Canada. Other nations have food labeling standards similar to those in the United States, but their governments “actually enforce those regulations, unlike FDA,” he said. “The United States has been lax, but that doesn’t mean such violations will go unnoticed indefinitely, either by regulators or those misappropriating dairy terms.”

Mulhern said the DAIRY PRIDE Act continues to attract support. The Senate version has the following sponsors: Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Angus King (I-ME) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), the leading Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee. The House version’s supporters include: Reps. Peter Welch (D-VT), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Sean Duffy (R-WI), Joe Courtney (D-CT), David Valadao (R-CA), Susan DelBene (D-WA), Collin Peterson (D-MN), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Ron Kind (D-WI), Thomas Rooney (R-FL), James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), Richard Nolan (D-MN) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY).



NMPF, USDEC Organize Dairy Fly-In on Capitol Hill to Build Support for Trade with Canada, Mexico

U.S. dairy leaders from across the country visited Washington, D.C., this week to urge Congress and Trump Administration officials to hold Canada accountable for its trade violations and hasten the repeal of Canada’s controversial new dairy pricing system.

During a fly-in rally organized Tuesday and Wednesday by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), more than 40 farmers and dairy company executives fanned out on Capitol Hill to discuss the importance of trade across North America. The group emphasized that trade opportunities both north and south of the U.S. are crucial to America’s dairy sector. In addition to speaking to elected officials, the members of the dairy coalition also met with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Acting U.S. Trade Representative Stephen Vaughn and White House agriculture advisor Ray Starling.

“Canada’s new Class 7 milk pricing scheme unfairly undercuts U.S. dairy exports to Canada and around the world.  This is an economic dagger pointed at every farmer in the United States, not just those from a few states,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of NMPF.  “We also were clear that the income of thousands of dairy farmers depends on the valuable partnership that we have with Mexico, our largest export market.”

NMPF and USDEC member cooperative and company leaders explained to lawmakers how they have lost sales to Canada and expressed fears of the consequences of Canada dumping its milk excess onto global markets at prices far below their domestic price – in violation of Canada’s trade agreement concessions.

Dairy leaders emphasized that U.S. dairy exports create jobs across the nation, and distributed fact sheets quantifying the economic impact nationally and state-by-state.

USDEC Senior Vice President Jaime Castaneda said that U.S. dairy groups “have repeatedly stressed that trade has become an integral part of the U.S. dairy industry and we must expand markets and fight to keep those that we have today. We should hold countries accountable when they break the rules.”

NMPF Board member Leroy Plagerman, a farmer from Lynden, Washington, and member of Darigold, said that farmers in his region “are the closest to growing Asian export markets and we rely heavily on our ability to reach those customers – and so we feel very threatened by what Canada is doing.”

Whittemore, Michigan, farmer Rod Daniels, representing the Michigan Milk Producers Association said that “Michigan is producing more milk and we need more export markets. Canada’s repeated efforts to bend or break the trade rules to which it has agreed, makes things worse for dairy farmers in Michigan and across the country. Canada should know that we will continue to sound the alarm about the new pricing policy.”

Legislators and dairy industry members also discussed the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Lake Mills, Wisconsin, dairy farmer Charles Untz, representing Dairy Farmers of America, said that as negotiations over the pact continue, “it is critical to preserve the strong and stable trade relationship the U.S. dairy industry enjoys with Mexico. Wisconsin’s dairy sector, like so much of the rest of the country’s, needs to continue building on our export business and Mexico is a big part of that equation.”

Twenty-seven dairy representatives from outside D.C. attended meetings with various members of the House and Senate, including House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), along with the Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees, the House Ways and Means Committee, and the Senate Finance Committee. In addition to NMPF and USDEC, executives from the International Dairy Foods Association and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture also participated in the meetings.