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poster@nmpf.org [7]. A copy of the poster can also be viewed at www.nmpf.org [8].
This animal handling guidelines poster is part of a series of programs and measures supported by the dairy industry to highlight the important of conscientious care of cattle. Other programs include the Dairy Quality Assurance Center’s “Caring for Dairy Animals” guide [8], which NMPF has also distributed to cooperatives and producers.
Click here for NMPF’s complete joint news release. [8]
announced an industry-wide commitment and action plan [8] to reduce fluid milk's carbon footprint while increasing business value, from farm to consumer.
The action plan is an outcome of the industry's first Sustainability Summit for U.S. Dairy, an unprecedented gathering of 250 leaders representing producers, processors, non-governmental organizations, university researchers and government agencies that was held in Rogers, Ark., June 16 to June 19. The plan focuses on operational efficiencies and innovations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring financial viability and industry growth.
"Sustainability is a challenge that requires industry-wide solutions, and our efforts establish a new standard for industry collaboration," said Thomas Gallagher, chief executive officer of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), the nonprofit organization that manages the national dairy checkoff program on behalf of America's dairy producers. "Decision makers from across the dairy value chain are working together to commit to concrete, innovative solutions. This will ensure an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable industry."
Summit attendees recommended a number of actions, including to:
- Reduce energy use in the milk supply chain by developing technologies for next generation milk processing on the farm and in the plant.
- Establish a mechanism to optimize returns to the dairy industry from a carbon credit trading system that encourages the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency for dairy farmers and processors through financially viable best management practices and tools that calculate individual farm energy and alternative energy opportunities.
- Supply green power to communities by expanding the use of methane digesters.
- Stimulate development of low-cost, low-carbon, consumer-acceptable packaging.
- Reduce cooling costs and emissions associated with refrigeration by expanding economically feasible, environmentally responsible and consumer-accepted dairy products.
The Sustainability Summit, held in conjunction with the University of Arkansas' Applied Sustainability Center, was the first major step in a comprehensive dairy industry-wide initiative bringing together producers, processors, and others to identify and address sustainability opportunities. Leading the initiative along with DMI are the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF).
"Sustainability practices have long been part of common practices on dairy farms, from recycling water and manure to crop technologies that improve soil and prevent erosion," said Jerry Kozak, NMPF's chief executive officer. "In an era of record high energy prices and a changing global climate, we must do more. It makes economic sense to find ways to conserve energy and reduce production costs, while recognizing that a growing number of consumers care deeply about the health and environmental impact of the products they buy."
NMPF will continue to monitor the climate change legislation. Although the Senate failed to move any legislation this year, the dairy industry will make sure that the best possible outcome is realized when the legislation is discussed in the future.
summary [8] of Farm Bill issues affecting the dairy industry.
visit their website [9].
WTO Meeting to Again Tackle Global Trade Issues
A World Trade Organization ministerial meeting has been scheduled to be held the week of July 21st in Geneva. At this multi-national meeting, countries will aim to bridge their remaining differences in order to reach a WTO agreement on agriculture, market access for industrial products, and numerous other outstanding issues.
This ministerial will be a crucial in determining whether or not a new global trade agreement can be reached in the short-term. NMPF representatives plan to attend this important session in order to underscore the importance of a balanced agreement for our industry.
available online [10].
NMPF website [10].
Successful Board Meeting Ushers In Busy Summer for Dairy
The NMPF Board of Directors concluded a busy summer meeting last month as they addressed important issues affecting dairy producers.
Aside from discussing higher input costs, sustainability, current and future legislation, and animal welfare initiatives, the meeting also highlighted a visit from Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Virginia) as he presented the guest speech during the NMPF Political Action Committee Breakfast. Since he serves as the Ranking Republican on the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Goodlatte is familiar with current issues involving the dairy industry.
Cooperatives Working Together Committee Votes to Renew CWT Program for 2009
As members of Cooperatives Working Together gathered together as part of the NMPF board meeting, the committee overseeing the management of CWT cast a unanimous vote to allow the program to continue through 2009.
Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF, commented: "In this season of important votes, CWT has won reelection in a landslide, as its members have decided that our industry is better of with this program."
Two New Board Representatives Welcomed to NMPF
Pat Schroeder of Swiss Valley Farms is a producer who is replacing Don Peterson on the NMPF Board. Schroeder is a second generation dairy farmer who milks 125 cows (100 Holsteins and 25 Jerseys). He and his wife, Karen, farm on 600 acres and grow corn and beans. The Schroeders have three children: one works on the farm, and the other two are in college. They reside in Lancaster, Wisconsin.
George Mertens of Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. is a member of DFA's Executive Committee. He also is chairman of the Western Area Council. Mertens serves on DFA's International Dairy Trade Policy, Compensation, and DEPAC committees and is chairman of the Fluid Marketing and Public Policy Committee. He is a former member of the National Commission on Dairy Policy, and a former president of the California Dairy Campaign, Sonoma County Farm Bureau, and Associated Dairymen. In the late 1980s, Mertens chaired the Sonoma County Planning Commission and chaired its general plan update. He milks 650 to 700 cows with his two sons and was named Sonoma County Dairyman of the Year in 1977. The family farms 1,100 acres of silage and hay. Mertens and his wife, Marilyn, live in Sonoma, California.
Young Cooperators Make Productive Visit to Nation's Capital
Fifty-five Young Cooperators attended the largest-ever NMPF Legislative and Policy Forum held in conjunction with the June board meeting. YCs from 18 different states participated in sessions about dairy legislatives issues. They also visited their Senators and Representatives offices. In addition, they also attended the NMPF board meeting, the congressional reception and the group had the opportunity to have a tour of DC at night or attend a Washington Nationals game.
"This meeting presents an excellent opportunity for the next generation of dairy leaders to get a taste for the policy side of the dairy business," Jerry Kozak said. "The continued growth of the program demonstrates more than ever the importance of today's and tomorrow's leaders participating in dairy policy on the local, state, and national level."
visit their website [11].
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