Campaign Begins to Name Animated Figure

Arlington, VA – In its ongoing effort to revitalize and build awareness of the dairy industry’s iconic REAL® Seal, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is introducing a cartoon character modeled after the logo.

“The REAL® Seal has been around for nearly 40 years,” said Jim Mulhern, Chief Operating Officer of NMPF. “This character is intended to bring the importance of looking for REAL® dairy products and foods made with REAL® dairy products to life.”

The first order of business will be naming the character, according to Mulhern, who said a name will be chosen through an on-line challenge.

“We want kids to learn how to differentiate real dairy products and foods made with real American dairy products from the vegetable- and nut-based pretenders,” said Mulhern. “To highlight this important distinction, we are launching a campaign to name the character.”

Names may be submitted through the REAL® Seal website: www.realseal.com. All entries must be received by August 31, 2013.  The top three names entered will be posted in September on the REAL® Seal Facebook page (www.facebook.com/realsealdairy) and subject to a vote. The name with the most votes will be declared the winner.

“We’re really excited about this approach to helping kids and parents learn to look for REAL® dairy products and foods containing REAL® dairy products,” said Mulhern. A cartoon featuring the character is already featured on the homepage of the REAL® Seal website.

The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF’s 30 cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of more than 32,000 dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.

From Jerry Kozak, President and CEO, NMPF:

“The decision to adopt the Goodlatte-Scott (G-S) amendment as part of the House’s farm bill is a disappointment to America’s dairy farmers who recognize this amendment for what it is: an effort to ensure that dairy processors get a government-insured supply of cheap milk. But the House vote against final passage of the farm bill makes the G-S vote a hollow victory for its proponents.

“We always knew we faced a difficult challenge in the more urban and suburban-oriented House, especially with House Speaker John Boehner personally committed to defeating the Dairy Security Act. But we’re hopeful that the House and Senate will eventually find a way to write a compromise farm bill. When they do, we believe the agriculture conferees who develop that final bill will understand the importance of the more balanced approach to dairy policy contained in the Senate-passed farm bill.

“The House rejection of its Agriculture Committee’s dairy proposal, which included margin insurance plus market stabilization, is a fiscally reckless vote, with negative implications for the dairy producer sector, but also for the entire farm bill. By eliminating the market stabilization component, the Goodlatte-Scott amendment removed the cost control mechanism from this measure, greatly increasing government and taxpayer cost exposure.”

The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF’s 30 cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of more than 32,000 dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.

ARLINGTON, VA – The National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) Board of Directors last week approved a resolution in opposition to any Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement that does not provide for significantly increased access to the Canadian dairy market. As part of that resolution, NMPF’s Board also urged the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to negotiate an agreement with Canada that eliminates barriers to trade and provides for mutually open dairy markets.

“From the outset, NMPF has applauded the inclusion of Canada in the TPP dialogue, given the significant export opportunities that Canada offers to our industry,” said Jim Mulhern, Chief Operating Officer of NMPF. “As the U.S. prepares to intensify market access discussions with TPP partners in its effort to bring the talks to a close, NMPF believes it is important to underscore the necessity of opening the Canadian dairy market as part of this agreement.”

Dairy trade was essentially excluded from the 1988 U.S.-Canada trade agreement (later folded into the North American Free Trade Agreement). Even though Canada is the second-largest export market for U.S. dairy products (mostly imported under a re-export program), the potential for additional sales there is far greater than what is currently allowed under the restrictive tariff system that Canada uses to protect its market.

“TPP presents a critical opportunity for us to finally liberalize U.S.-Canada dairy trade – an issue that has taken on increasing importance in light of the robust efforts by Canada to impede even the limited access currently available to U.S. dairy exporters,” said Mulhern.

NMPF supports the TPP negotiations, and “hopes that the final agreement will result in one that provides net benefits to U.S. dairy producers. Opening the Canadian dairy market is a linchpin to achieving that result,” Mulhern said.

The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF’s 30 cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of more than 32,000 dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.

Chief Operating Officer to Assume New Role Next Year; Kozak to Continue to Lead CWT Efforts

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) announced today that Chief Operating Officer Jim Mulhern will take over as President & Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2014. Mulhern has been appointed by the NMPF Board of Directors to fill the position held by Jerry Kozak since 1997. Earlier this year, Kozak had informed the Board of his desire to retire on December 31, 2013.

“We are very excited to have such a knowledgeable and capable leader at the head of our team in the coming years. The importance of experience cannot be underestimated in a complex industry like ours,” said NMPF Chairman Randy Mooney, a dairy producer from Rogersville, MO.

“Jim’s impressive and extensive track record working on dairy issues made him the ideal choice to be the next President and CEO of NMPF.”

Mulhern joined NMPF in January 2013, and since that time has managed the communications, government relations, and membership functions of the organization. His appointment as COO marked a return to NMPF; he had directed the organization’s government relations program earlier in his career.

A Wisconsin native, Mulhern came to Washington, DC, to work on Capitol Hill in 1983. Following his service at NMPF in the mid-1980s, he returned to Capitol Hill to serve as Chief of Staff for Wisconsin Sen. Herb Kohl. Mulhern also worked in senior management positions for Fleishman-Hillard, the Fratelli Group and Watson/Mulhern LLC. During this period, he maintained a close relationship with the dairy industry and NMPF by working as a consultant on numerous projects.

“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to lead a membership organization that has meant so much to me throughout my career. I look forward to building further upon the relationships and successes of the past, but with a clear focus on addressing the challenges to dairy farming’s future,” said Mulhern.

The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF’s 30 cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of more than 32,000 dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The members of Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) today endorsed a larger investment in the farmer-funded self-help program, voting to enhance the membership requirement from 2¢ per hundredweight to 4¢ per hundredweight, effective July 1, 2013, and running through December 31, 2015.

The additional investment will cover the large increase in CWT member requests for export assistance in 2013, driven by increased demand in world dairy markets for U.S. American-type cheeses, butter, whole milk powder, and anhydrous milkfat.

“Because of increased activity in 2013, the members decided to enhance CWT’s revenue base in order to continue to successfully compete in world markets this year, and into the future,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), which manages CWT.

“As it starts its 11th the year of operation, CWT remains the best self-help tool for the nation’s dairy producers. Through today’s decision, the members of CWT are recognizing how important CWT remains in help our farmers build access to the fastest-growing markets for their milk, which are overseas,” said Kozak.

Since the start of 2011, the CWT Export Assistance program has helped member cooperatives   sell 257.7 million pounds of American-type cheeses and 111.5 million pounds of butter to 39 countries on six continents.

“With the export market growing at a rate five to eight times faster than the U.S. market, the vote by CWT’s member cooperatives today will ensure the U.S. is a consistent and competitive supplier of dairy products in the world’s growing dairy markets,” said Kozak.

The Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) Export Assistance program is funded by voluntary contributions from dairy cooperatives and individual dairy farmers. The money raised by their investment is being used to strengthen and stabilize the dairy farmers’ milk prices and margins. For more information about CWT, visit www.cwt.coop.

From Jerry Kozak, President and CEO, NMPF:

“We commend the Senate for deciding today to limit debate on its immigration reform measure, which demonstrates that they want to move forward and get a bill passed by July 4th. America’s farmers need action on the immigration issue. Thanks to the vote on cloture Tuesday, the chances are much better now that it will get resolved.

“National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) has made fixing the broken immigration system one of its highest priorities during the past decade. Previous attempts at creating a comprehensive solution have failed. And although we are still weeks away from passing immigration reform in 2013, today’s vote sends a strong signals that a critical mass of the Senate also believes that immigration reform is key national priority.

“The Senate bill contains an entirely new visa program for dairy farm workers, one that NMPF has helped to shape. This new approach is better for employers, better for employees, better for law enforcement, better for the economy….it’s better for America.”

The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF’s 30 cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of more than 32,000 dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.

Dairy Security Act Key Feature of New Measure

For the second time in a year, the Senate has approved a comprehensive farm bill containing the dairy policy reforms backed by the National Milk Producers Federation. The Senate passed the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013 by a vote of 66-27 Monday evening.

The measure contains the Dairy Security Act backed by NMPF and its farmer members, which creates a more effective safety net for dairy producers.

“On this strong bi-partisan vote, the Senate has again shown its determination to put politics aside, and work to implement new and better policies for America, including the country’s dairy farmers,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF. “NMPF appreciates the determination of the leaders of the Senate, and in particular, the leaders of the Agriculture Committee, Sens. Stabenow and Cochran, for shepherding this historic legislation through the Senate.”

The bill is similar to the farm bill approved last June 21st by the Senate, especially where dairy policy is concerned. The Dairy Security Act in the measure establishes a voluntary margin insurance program, allowing farmers to better manage the twin risks of milk price and feed cost volatility. The measure also features a market stabilization program to improve the cost-effectiveness of the program, helping farmers and taxpayers alike. The bill’s dairy title eliminates the MILC, price support, and dairy export incentive programs.

Demonstrating the strong momentum behind the Dairy Security Act there was no effort to significantly alter the dairy title during Senate consideration of the bill, Kozak said.

“We are very pleased at the progress made during this vital step in the Farm Bill process, but we also know that much work lies ahead,” he added. “We encourage the House of Representatives to also support its Agriculture Committee-passed bill, and reject any dairy processor-backed amendment to undermine the bill’s effectiveness by removing the market stabilization program. Prompt action in the House is necessary so that farmers won’t spend the last half of this year like they spent 2012: expecting a harvest that never materializes.”

The House of Representatives is expected to begin floor consideration of its farm bill next week.

The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF’s 30 cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of more than 32,000 dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.

From Jerry Kozak, President and CEO, NMPF:

“The nation’s dairy farmers thank Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval for vetoing a state bill that would have permitted raw milk to be distributed statewide, and in so doing, siding with health experts who recognize the potential danger to consumers of raw milk.

“Thursday’s announcement by Sandoval cited the ‘significant public health risks’ represented by consuming raw milk, resulting in his veto of Assembly Bill 209.

“Gambling with the health of one’s family shouldn’t be one of Nevada’s hallmarks, and we appreciate Gov. Sandoval heeding that message.

“While 20 states prohibit the sale of raw milk to consumers, several states have loosened, or have considered loosening, restrictions on the sale of unpasteurized dairy products in recent years – despite the number of illnesses that have continued to be linked to the product.

“We urge other states considering similar legislation to look to the exemplary leadership demonstrated by Sandoval.”

The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF’s 30 cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of more than 32,000 dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.

From Jerry Kozak, President and CEO, NMPF:

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) claims that “the current Farm Bill includes a new intrusive program that would significantly increase the cost of milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products.” The truth is that this program would not increase the cost of any dairy product.

While IDFA picks a single month to assert that the Dairy Security Act (DSA) “would have raised milk prices by about 32 cents a gallon in September 2012,” the study shows that DSA, in fact, would have resulted in lower milk prices than the actual prices 37 out of 48 months and lower prices than the Goodlatte-Scott in 36 out of 48 months. IDFA bases its claim on a recent study of the impact of the DSA and the Goodlatte-Scott amendment, which shows that the DSA would have increased farm milk prices by an average of just one-half cent (0.5¢) per gallon during the period 2009-2012, while the Goodlatte-Scott amendment decreases farm milk prices by one and a half cents per gallon (1.5¢), compared with actual prices during that period.

The responsible conclusion from the facts discussed above is that the very temporary increases in the farm milk price that might occur under the DSA program would not result in any discernible change in the cost of milk and dairy products to consumers or to government food assistance programs that use milk.

IDFA is simply being deceptive in an attempt to alarm consumer groups about a dairy program that would benefit dairy farmers, but not affect consumers.

The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF’s 30 cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of more than 32,000 dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.

From Jerry Kozak, President and CEO, NMPF:

“The Senate deserves the sincere thanks of dairy farmers nationwide for its overwhelming majority vote today to end debate on the 2013 Farm Bill. The decision to invoke cloture clears the way for approval of a much-needed reform of the federal dairy program when the Senate votes on final passage of the Farm Bill expected early next week.

“Dairy farmers have been waiting two years for Congress to approve the new dairy program. Thanks to today’s vote, they can look forward to the end of price supports and other Depression-era programs and the launch of a new plan that will insure them against losses when profit margins shrink to dangerous levels. This fight is not over, but a brighter future is in sight.”

The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF’s 30 cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of more than 32,000 dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.

From Jerry Kozak, President and CEO, NMPF:

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) said today that a House Judiciary Committee vote requiring the Farm Bill’s dairy reform program to go through regular government rulemaking was a reasonable compromise to get the reform program approved.

“This is the latest attempt at compromise by Congressman Goodlatte on a program that has been approved twice by the House Agriculture Committee and that dairy farmers overwhelmingly support,” said NMPF President and CEO Jerry Kozak.

“It’s time to end the divisiveness and approve reform of the federal dairy program,” Kozak added. “For that reason, we see today’s vote, which appears to accept that the Dairy Security Act  (DSA) will become law, as a good compromise.”

Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) tried unsuccessfully to modify the DSA in the Agriculture Committee both this year and in 2012. That amendment would have eliminated the program’s market stabilization provisions, which give farmers the option of temporarily scaling back their milk production or contributing a portion of their milk check to purchase dairy products to feed the needy in order to bring supplies more in line with demand.

“Having lost in the Agriculture Committee, Chairman Goodlatte brought up a new amendment in the committee he chairs,” said Kozak. It calls for interim federal rules for the market stabilization aspects of the DSA nine months after enactment and final regulations in 21 months.

“While this is not the approach we chose, we see it as acceptable,” said Kozak. “The important thing is to get dairy reform enacted for the nation’s milk producers. If it requires this amendment to do that, we can live with that.”

The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF’s 30 cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of more than 32,000 dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.

From Jerry Kozak, President and CEO, NMPF:

“Milk producers need the 2013 Farm Bill enacted as soon as possible. For that reason, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today joined 22 dairy organizations, along with more than 100 other farm and commodity groups around the country, in asking the Senate to cut off debate and pass the long-overdue bill on Monday.

“Farmers have now been waiting two years to know the details of the federal dairy safety net. They need this information to make business decisions. Along with the rest of American agriculture, milk producers nationwide urge the Senate—in the strongest possible terms—to vote for cloture on the farm bill Thursday.”

The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF’s 30 cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of more than 32,000 dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.