Since announcing its Farm to Fork Strategy, the European Commission has been striving to reform animal welfare regulations. However, some Member States have implemented their own national policies, such as the culling of male chicks after birth, resulting in an unequal degree of animal welfare among the Member States. In response, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) surveyed 8,000 individuals in eight countries to assess consumer demand for enhanced animal welfare rules in meat and fish. Initial data indicate that customers desire improved animal welfare and corresponding labeling, but are they ready to pay for it?

Almost 90% of consumers in the EU favor new legislation to enhance the wellbeing of farmed animals, such as increasing living space and prohibiting cage systems. Consumers also want to learn more about how farmed animals are raised and want reliable labeling. 72% of respondents wanted the method of production marking to be applied to items other than eggs.

Consumers also have poor faith in firms’ promises about animal welfare, with 84% responding adversely to ‘welfare-washing’, in which operators pretend to have greater animal welfare standards than they really do. Three out of four customers want to know more about how animals were grown for items like meat and dairy because they believe they don’t know enough. Industry should consider hard before indulging in ‘animal welfare-washing’, since it might permanently damage their companies’ image.

In actuality, upgrading animal welfare standards is not inexpensive, thus the issue becomes: who should pay for it? 74% of poll respondents felt the EU should assist farmers with funding to adopt better welfare criteria. BEUC emphasized that the EU and national governments must guarantee that the costs of this transformation are appropriately distributed throughout the value chain and not borne only by consumers.

Cell-cultivated meat, a lab-grown protein with animal byproducts but no murdered animals, is now the industry standard. In 2013, Dutch scientist Mark Post from Maastricht University in the Netherlands created the first lab-grown beef product for human consumption. Today, over 150 firms worldwide offer cell-cultured beef, including 43 in the United States. However, the product is now prohibited in the Netherlands and Europe, with only the United States, Singapore, and a few other countries permitting cell-cultured beef sales to the public.

The USDA permits fake meat to be labeled as “cell cultured meat” or “cell cultivated meat.” Sandra Eskin, Deputy Undersecretary for Food Safety, said new federal labeling guidelines will be issued shortly, and many states are also developing laws for how lab-grown meats may be tagged and marketed in their territories. Some corporations want to utilize only “cultivated” meat, while others choose “fake meat,” “imitation meat,” “clean meat,” “manufactured meat,” and “cell-based meat.”

The Fair Foods Act, proposed in Congress earlier this year, would require stronger labeling for grown meat. Madeline Cohen, a senior regulatory attorney at The Good Food Institute, feels that the cultured meat sector should be allowed to use common phrases that customers like as long as they are true and not deceptive. Labels should also inform customers about the advantages of cell-cultured meat and how to utilize it. As regulatory agencies explore labeling requirements, she feels it is critical to maintain a fair playing field and prevent the government from selecting winners and losers in the marketplace.

Consumer Reports’ Director of Food Policy, Brian Roholm, feels that labeling should be straightforward. While eliminating the word “cell” may go too far, he is OK with the phrase “cell cultivated meat.” He is concerned, however, that labels may exclude critical manufacturing process information for customers. For example, when cultured cell chicken is formed, chicken cell lines are immersed in a medium containing fetal bovine serum. An anti-clumping substance, previously authorized by the FDA as a stool softener, is added. Some goods may also include components from cattle and pigs.

Despite enormous expenditures in cell-cultured meat, the business is unlikely to compete with conventional agriculture in the next decades. The method of producing lab-grown meat is continually evolving, and even with advancements, no one has worked out how to disseminate produced meat on a significant scale.

RaboResearch announces the release of the North American Agribusiness Review, an assessment of market conditions and developments in North American agribusiness. The report’s main highlights are summarized here. Click here to see the whole report.

December milk production declined 0.3%, marking the sixth straight month of lower year-over-year output.

The decrease was caused by fewer cows and a modest yield gain of 0.1%.

consistent with current trends. Less milk was projected in recent months, since on-farm margins remained low until the end of the year. Total 2023 output increased little from the previous year and remained constant on a percentage basis.

Cow numbers fell by 1,000 this month, as herd size continued to shrink. However, November’s head count was reduced down by 2,000, resulting in a 3,000-cow reduction from report to report. It dipped to 9.357 million head, its lowest level since December 2019. The herd is 39,000 head less than a year earlier, and it is down 87,000 head from its latest high in March.

Milk per cow increased by 0.1% in December, after two consecutive months of decline. Yield increased by just 0.1% each year, far lower than the long-term average of 1% growth.

Total cheese output increased by 0.9% in December, the third straight year-on-year increase and the biggest since January 2023. Output in 2023 increased by 0.3% compared to 2022. While the last three months of the year were strong, cheese output decreased in five separate months last year. Total cheese stockpiles increased slightly in December, up 6 million pounds, or 0.4%, from November, marking the first monthly gain since August.

Butter output increased by 4.4% in December, the most since July and a reversal of November’s 3.3% decline. Output is increasing seasonally as milk output and cream availability rises during the spring flush. All areas rose year on year, although the west had the greatest growth, rising 7.7%.

However, December butter stockpiles declined by 13.1 million pounds, or 6.2%, reaching their lowest level since December 2021. It was the highest December inventory decline in 20 years, another optimistic data point that should keep the butter price sustained this year as supply stays limited.

Combined nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder production declined 15.9% year on year in December, marking the sixth consecutive month of declining output. Stocks fell for the ninth straight month. At 203.3 million pounds, stockpiles were at their lowest level since November 2015.

Total exports ended 2023 in a similar pattern to the previous year, with volumes falling short of the record levels reached in 2022. Total dairy exports fell 5% year on year in December, while exports for the calendar year 2023 fell 7%. Only WPC80 and lactose shipments increased in 2023, with all other dairy products losing ground compared to 2022. Cheese exports ended the year on a high note, rising 4% in November and 1% in December, although the increases were mostly driven by sustained strong shipments to Mexico.

The year-on-year dairy consumer price index decreased for the fourth consecutive month in December, with dairy product price deflation looming as milk prices fall into 2023.

The All-American Dairy Show announced judges for the 2024 All-American and Premier National Junior.  The show will be held September 14-18, 2024 in Harrisburg, PA.

Sean Johnson
AADS Ayrshire

Jake Hushon
AADS Brown Swiss & PNJS Milking Shorthorn

Brian Schnebley
AADS Guernsey & PNJS Ayrshire

Ryan Krohlow
AADS Holstein & PNJS Guernsey

Alan Kruse
AADS Associate Holstein

Terri Packard
AADS Jersey and PNJS Red & White

Phil Topp
AADS Milking Shorthorn & PNJS Holstein

Steve Wagner
AADS Red & White and PNJS Jersey

The school cafeteria experience has altered dramatically in recent years, with a 14 million meal difference between breakfast and lunch. This is owing to the abundance of beverage alternatives available, which has influenced milk intake. Milk accounts for just 3.5% of the 3,500 weekly beverage products sold each shop, whereas other drinks such as soda, juice, tea, and bottled water have lost market share over the previous three decades.

To remain relevant with children, the National Dairy Council has teamed with Chartwells K12, an organization that provides over 2 million meals each day in over 7,000 school districts. Chartwells seeks to help kids leave cafeterias happier and healthier by providing nutritious dishes, including dairy. The relationship is consistent with the checkoff approach, which aims to improve the school milk experience, modernize nutrition instruction, and increase student access to breakfast.

Last year, the first solid evidence that giving kids what they want was smoothies. According to Technomic, Gen Z prefers fruit smoothies above energy drinks, flavored water, juices, and soft drinks. A pilot test in 130 Chartwells schools across 15 states resulted in higher milk and yogurt consumption rates. Chartwells began offering its smoothie program to all of its districts at the start of the school year, and the response has been great.

Furthermore, study revealed a considerable interest in hot chocolate milk, a dairy-friendly category with a worldwide market value of $3.8 billion in 2022 and projected to expand to $5.77 billion by 2030. A new trial with 58 schools in which genuine chocolate milk with the same 13 vital nutrients as white milk is served hot with toppings like cinnamon and peppermint has received a positive response, with children loving it to the last drop.

The concept of selling specialized drinks with dairy appeals to today’s evolving customer, and it is an excellent method to attract more children to the category and cafeteria. The checkoff demonstrates the importance of staying current and aligning with trends that are important to children. This is due to creative ideas and excellent partners such as Chartwells.

Danone is divesting its Russian company, which has been controlled by the Russian government agency Rosimushestvo since July 2023. Vamin Tatarstan, a Russian corporation, is preparing to purchase Danone’s Russia division for 17.7 billion roubles (US$186 million). Danone will get 10 billion roubles (US$105 million) for its shares, with the remainder used to settle debt inside the Russian company. Danone took a significant write-down of around €700 million (US$757 million) on its Russian business after the seizure by Russian authorities. According to the Danone press office, Danone has retained legal ownership of the assets since the seizure, but the business has lost managerial control and will deconsolidate its EDP Russia subsidiaries beginning in July 2023. According to a source in the Russian dairy business, the government agency has been nominated as an intermediate stakeholder in Danone assets, thus the sale is still legally conceivable. There may be numerous choices for selling: fully to a specialist player like Vamin or in pieces. Moscow requires at least a 50% discount on all overseas agreements once the Russian government’s chosen advisors evaluate the firm. Danone has promised to offer assistance until the end of July next year to enable the continued operation of its former Russian company.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the launch of the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for 2024, which will provide risk management to dairy farmers. Producers may join from February 28 to April 29, 2024, with payments beginning as early as March 4. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) changed DMC rules to extend calendar-year coverage retroactively to January 1, 2024. Eligible dairy enterprises may make a one-time change to their existing production history by merging supplementary and DMC production data. Producers may choose several levels of coverage, including a free option at the catastrophic $4 margin level. Although the program is optional, participating dairy producers will receive more than $1.2 billion in payouts by 2023.

Checkoff-founded GENYOUth teamed with the Dairy Council of Nevada, the NFL and other partners to increase access to and participation in healthy school meals by providing grants for Grab and Go school meal equipment packages, including milk coolers and mobile meal carts, for 73 high-need Nevada schools. 

Before each Super Bowl, state and regional checkoff teams collaborate with GENYOUth and purpose-minded partners on GENYOUth’s Super School Meals community initiative to improve the student health and wellness experience, including increased dairy consumption. This year’s program focused on Super Bowl host market Las Vegas and throughout Nevada.

The culmination of Super School Meals was celebrated during an event on Feb. 8 at West Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas, where 150 students joined former NFL players, Clark County School District officials and various community leaders.

“Dairy farmers in Nevada and throughout the nation are committed year-round to the health and well-being of our nation’s children,” said Tammy Baker, general manager of the Dairy Council of Nevada. “We are proud to partner with GENYOUth and others on Super School Meals to grow school meal participation and to provide equitable access to nutritious dairy products.”

The effort is expected to benefit 40,000 students by increasing access to nearly 11 million school meals.

“One in five children in Nevada is food insecure, and over 30 million students nationwide rely on school meals for a significant portion of their daily nutrition,” said GENYOUth CEO Ann Marie Krautheim, who is also a registered dietitian. “Often, school meals may be the only healthy nutrition a student receives on some days.

“Grab and Go meal equipment is critical to increasing meal access and participation, especially for school breakfast. Super School Meals is fostering nutrition security among Nevada youth. I am grateful to our committed partners for stepping up to help tackle youth food insecurity in Nevada.”

GENYOUth, supported by several sponsors, continued its efforts to help end student hunger with the Taste of the NFL, the Super Bowl’s largest philanthropic event. Net proceeds from the Feb. 10 event will benefit schools in Nevada and the nation.

For information on GENYOUth and Super School Meals, visit www.GENOUthNow.org. To learn more about the dairy checkoff, visit www.usdairy.com.

Authorities in the United States are looking into a multi-state E. coli incident after ten individuals in four states fell sick. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined that ten bacterial samples matched on a national database, indicating that they were likely infected from the same source. Six of the eight patients contacted by state and local public health authorities said that they had ingested raw cheddar cheese manufactured by Raw Farm LLC before to falling sick. The FDA and CDC contacted the manufacturer due to fears that the cheese may have been the cause of the sickness.

The CDC noted that although just 10 individuals have been connected to the epidemic so far, the total number of impacted customers might be significantly higher since most people who get unwell recover without medical attention. Four of the ten persons related to the epidemic, four of whom were hospitalized, reported severe stomach pains, diarrhea, and vomiting. Without therapy, recovery takes 5 to 7 days, although some patients have renal difficulties and need to be hospitalized. Raw Farm has recalled various goods, including Raw Farm-branded cheddar, and has recommended customers not to consume any Raw Farm-branded raw cheddar cheese, to discard or return previously bought items, and to sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the cheese.

As customers grow more conscious of a product’s carbon impact, dairy producers are shifting their attention to more sustainable techniques. This shift in emphasis is motivated by changes in consumer expectations and the need for dairy supply chain partners to collaborate more closely along the path from farm to fridge. Dairy processors, such as Agropur, are attempting to make dairy farms more sustainable by acting as intermediaries between farmers and manufacturers.

Customers are asking processors for more information about a farm’s carbon impact and how to reduce it. Major food producers are worried about the quantity of carbon emitted into the environment, which is a question that their customers are asking. Farmers are engaged in sustainability, and when consumers inquire about programs to promote sustainability, the discourse has been positive.

Large food producers aim to profit from farmers’ carbon credits, turning to processors such as Agropur and Valley Queen for assistance. Companies have roadmaps for where they want to go with their carbon footprint and ask Agropur to assist farmers in meeting various emissions reduction objectives via customized programs. Valley Queen, in conjunction with Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, undertook a pilot study on two dairy farms to assess a crop’s carbon impact from seed planting to milk delivery at the processing facility. Many dairy farms are already in the carbon business, utilizing a biodigester to transfer biogas to a pipeline and then selling the credits.

The USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture revealed a drop in farm numbers, rising costs, and an aging average American farmer. However, the report highlighted the dairy industry’s consolidation, with 24,082 farms reporting off-farm milk sales in 2022, a 38.7% decrease from 39,303 in 2017. According to the census, approximately 65% of U.S. dairy cows are now found on operations with more than 1,000 head, a 10% increase from 2017. Furthermore, 6.5% of cows were found on operations with fewer than 100 head in 2022, a decrease from 12.7% in 2017.

Milk production is stable to slightly higher in most parts of the country, with mild winter weather promoting seasonal growth in milk volumes. However, numerous market stakeholders report that output is lower than last year due to producer exits and reductions over the last 12 months. In the Central region, spot milk availability is much lower than it was in 2023, with prices ranging from $10 to $2 under Class. Cheesemakers have expressed a desire to increase processing to build inventories ahead of the spring holidays, but labor disputes at some plants have resulted in slower production schedules. Retail demand varies across the country, with some regions performing better than others.

The spot Cheddar block market did not acknowledge it as prices eroded during the second half of the week. Blocks finished the week at $1.48/lb., down 9¢ from last Friday as 16 loads traded hands. Meanwhile, barrel prices rose steadily, reaching a new high for the year at $1.6075/lb. This week’s cheese market dynamics have pushed the inverted block barrel spread to 12.75¢, the highest gap since June 2023.

The whey market has been subdued in recent days, with the CME spot dry whey market ending Friday’s trade unchanged at 53¢ per pound. Slower-than-expected cheese production has reduced the whey stream, tightening the whey market at the edges. Class IV markets moved in opposite directions this week, with butter gaining ground and nonfat dry milk (NDM) losing ground. The spot butter market gained traction this week, with prices reaching $2.75/lb. on Friday, up 6¢ from the previous week.

Feed and grain markets continued to fall this week, as agricultural economists and stakeholders gathered for the USDA’s annual Outlook Forum. Plentiful supply expectations and healthy inventory levels pushed grain markets lower, which will be good news for dairy producers looking for additional feed cost savings. On Friday, MAR23 corn settled at $4.165/bu., down 14¢ from Monday, and MAR23 soybean meal took a more modest dip to $345.60/ton.

Original Report At: https://www.jacoby.com/market-report/usda-unveils-2022-agriculture-census-findings/

Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), released the following statement today on the U.S. agricultural export data for calendar year 2023 released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“The 2023 agricultural export data released today by USDA is a mixed bag for U.S. dairy. While U.S. agriculture is experiencing a trade imbalance, U.S. dairy is pleased to be an outlier enjoying a sizeable trade surplus. However, total U.S. dairy export value fell by $1.5 billion while volume declined by 7% in 2023, underscoring a clear need for U.S. trade officials to focus on creating new, preferential market opportunities for American producers and food exporters while holding trade partners accountable to rules and agreements. For example, exports to Canada are nowhere close to the projections promised U.S. dairy in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement due to consistent barriers erected by the Government of Canada that prevent American exporters from filling their tariff quotas. Further, demand remains soft in key markets such as China and Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, illustrating the need for a strategic approach to trade with markets in the Asia Pacific region. Overall, U.S. dairy exports performed better than most other commodities, but we are not meeting our capabilities. U.S. dairy boasts the lowest carbon intensity footprint globally, remains competitively priced and sets quality standards worldwide. However, the lack of export opportunities hampers our ability to leverage these strengths.

“U.S. dairy relies on export growth to capture the growing productivity of U.S. dairy farmers. Without exports, we risk stagnation, jeopardizing investments, jobs, and future competitiveness in the global marketplace. IDFA urges members of Congress and the Administration to come together on a realistic trade agenda that prioritizes preferential access for U.S. dairy exports.”  

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The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3.2 million jobs that generate $49 billion in direct wages and $794 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced new dairy and poultry regulations during a speech at the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) conference. The regulations seek to establish transparency and accountability throughout the dairy supply chain by prohibiting contract changes without agreement and addressing issues of exclusivity and notice periods. They plan to introduce clearer pricing terms and a system for farmers to verify variable price calculations.

The legislation will include an enforcement mechanism, with the secretary of state empowered to impose significant financial penalties on those who violate the rules. The news follows more than a decade of campaigning by the NFU and other UK farming unions to expose unfair practices and abuses of power in the dairy supply chain.

Proposals for the new legislation were submitted last summer, while details about the enforcement mechanism were still being worked out. NFU diary chair Michael Oakes explained that farmers should understand what influences their prices, and that there were no non-exclusive contracts in the UK dairy supply chain at the time. Similar contract regulations for the pig sector will be introduced later in 2024.

Sunak announced grants totaling approximately £427 million for farmers, including £220 million for technology and productivity programs that provide access to new equipment such as automation gear to reduce reliance on foreign workers. Increases in management payments for the Sustainable Farming Incentive were also announced.

Finally, at the next Farm to Fork Summit in the spring, the UK government plans to release an annual food security index that will capture and highlight key data required to monitor current levels of food security.

The owner of a dairy company that caused a Listeria outbreak in Austria faces more than a year in prison. The head of Käserei Gloggnitz was sentenced to 13 months in prison this week. According to media reports, the 39-year-old was charged with several counts but denied the allegations, and the verdict was not final.

A Listeria outbreak from 2020 to 2022 resulted in ten cases and at least three deaths.

Käserei Gloggnitz experienced financial difficulties in 2022, prompting the opening of insolvency proceedings, and the plant was ordered to be closed in 2023.

Additional allegations will be heard in mid-March at the Regional Court of Wiener Neustadt, where several other witnesses will be questioned.

In a January 2023 audit, DG Sante reviewed a file from the dairy plant linked to the outbreak. Käserei Gloggnitz had a poor compliance record, and an inspection in 2020 revealed several significant flaws. An inspection one year later yielded equally serious results.

However, those findings did not result in increased inspection frequency or enforcement until an epidemiological link between infections and the company was established in the autumn of 2022, when authorities ordered that production be halted.

There were six women and three men aged 29 to 82, as well as a newborn baby. The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) confirmed that illnesses occurred in Vienna.

Käserei Gloggnitz recalled all kajmak, drinking yogurt, and cream cheese products in September 2022 due to a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Cajmak is a type of cheese.

Officials discovered Listeria that matched the outbreak strain in three environmental samples collected from the company in Lower Austria. The outbreak strain was also found in the food it produced.

The American dairy sector is facing a scarcity of replacement heifers, which is the technique of crossbreeding dairy cows with beef cattle to produce progeny for both milk and meat. This approach has gained favor among dairy producers looking to diversify their income sources, but it may have unexpected effects, such as the depletion of replacement heifers in the dairy herd.

A 1,000-cow dairy that produces crossbred bull calves can expect to earn about $100,000 more in 2024 than it would sell Holstein bull calves. High beef calf prices are sending a clear signal to the dairy industry to make more beef calves and fewer dairy heifers.

For six consecutive years, dairy heifer inventories have declined. The USDA cut its previous estimate for the number of dairy heifers available on January 1, 2023, to 8.3% fewer than it had at the start of 2022. On January 1, 2023, there were 4.059 million dairy heifers, the smallest heifer inventory in 20 years. The USDA also slashed its estimate of heifers expected to calve and enter the milk-cow herd in 2023, with 7% fewer heifers ready to enter the milk herd at the start of last year. Mature heifer inventories are also expected to decline 1% this year.

Dairy herd expansion is unlikely to accelerate owing to high demand for young animals and a dairy heifer shortage. For at least 18 months, the cattle industry will be without young animals. High beef calf prices are driving the dairy industry to produce more beef calves and fewer dairy heifers.

Addressing the heifer deficit in the American dairy sector requires a diversified strategy. While beef-on-dairy may increase variety and profitability, dairy producers must carefully evaluate the long-term effects on herd genetics and sustainability. Collaboration among dairy farmers, breed organizations, and industry stakeholders is critical in developing policies that balance the need for milk and meat production while guaranteeing the dairy sector’s sustainability for future generations.

Dairy leaders are pushing for dairy farmers in the United States as the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) hearings continue. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) takes a broader strategy, covering all aspects of the sector while revising Class I differentials and making concessions. Mike Brown, chief economist for the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), feels that the dairy business has fundamentally altered since 2008, and that present FMMO pricing formulae need to be updated to reflect new market dynamics.

The USDA is reviewing almost 12,000 pages of testimony as it develops its proposal for FMMO modernization. Peter Vitaliano, NMPF’s vice president for economic strategy and market research, claimed that neither party will receive all they want, but the end outcome will be a market improvement over what we now have. Greg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, said that the current formula has cost dairy farmers around 1.2 billion dollars and should be restored back to the original ‘higher-of’ system, which suited farmers best.

Stakeholders submitted fourteen suggestions to USDA for review, 21 of which were selected for inclusion in the hearing process. Two IDFA proposals have been included in the hearing process: one requesting that USDA update make allowances, which are woefully out of date after nearly 20 years of rising manufacturing costs, and a second proposal on Class I milk pricing, which puts more dollars in dairy farmers’ pockets than they would receive under the ‘higher of’ mover while allowing dairy processors to effectively manage price risk.

The following stages involve interested parties submitting a correction by 4:30 ET on April 1. The USDA is anticipated to release a proposed judgment by June 30.

Remilk, an Israeli business, has been given authorization to sell its animal-free milk protein to dairy enterprises and other food companies in Canada. This allows them to market their version of the BLG (β-Lactoglobulin) protein, which is the major whey protein in cow’s milk. Health Canada assessed that the BLG protein generated by Remilk poses no more danger to human health than the whey protein from cow’s milk presently available on the Canadian market and has the same nutritional value.

The decision opens the door for a more resilient and environmentally conscious future, establishing a precedent for innovation in Canada’s approach to feeding its rising population. The US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) sent identical ‘no questions’ letters to Remilk and Perfect Day in 2020 and 2023, respectively. The market for animal-free milk manufacturing has grown in recent years, with Nestle teaming with Perfect Day in late 2022 to test product acceptance in experimental regions. Perfect Day reported in January 2024 that it had secured US$90 million in expansion investment, while France-based Bon Vivant disclosed an additional US$15.9 million in fundraising in October 2023.

In Canada’s conventional dairy sector, monthly milk sales by Canadian farmers have increased from the low 600,000 liter level in 2015 to the high 700,000 range by 2023. The Canadian government has announced an investment of up to $89 million in 49 projects around the country to minimize the effects of international trade agreements. Milk pasteurisers, ultrafiltration systems, and packaging robots are some project examples.

Following recent demonstrations, the French government announced steps to make farmers’ life easier, including increased compensation for cattle producers stricken by Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease (EHD). On February 5, the Ministry of Agriculture issued directives enabling farmers to obtain compensation equal to 90% of the value of their livestock. They may also apply for comparable compensation for veterinarian fees, pre-transportation, and other examinations. The Department of Agriculture has set aside €50 million for losses incurred by farmers and livestock merchants as a result of temporary prohibitions on live cattle export to Spain and Italy.

Despite the sluggish spread of EHD in France, the number of affected farms is approaching 4,000. Since the discovery of the first infected animals in September of last year, 3,812 fresh instances have been reported, with 20 locations afflicted. The bulk of these instances are in the south-west of the nation, along the border with Spain, which has also seen an EHP outbreak. The preventive zones surrounding affected farms now stretch as far north as Normandy, along the Channel, and east to the Indre area. The Department of Agriculture in Paris is continuing doing research on afflicted farms to determine the death rate and other aspects of the EHD pandemic.

A congressman from New York is inquiring about the status of the promised aid for storm-affected dairy producers and cooperatives.

During a hearing before the House Ag Committee on Wednesday, Republican Nick Langworthy informed Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack that winter storm Elliot devastated the northeast in December 2022, leading to the shutdown of dairy facilities and the massive disposal of milk. To make matters worse, farmers in my region had to deal with the unpleasant truth that their milk couldn’t be collected or delivered.

Although Langworthy expressed gratitude for the USDA’s Milk Loss Program, he expressed curiosity about the timing of payment for cooperative losses and asked the Secretary to clarify this matter. Our farmers have been waiting for payment for about fifteen months, and it’s outrageous. I find it very distressing that there has been absolutely no contact with farmers and that we have not received any compensation for the losses incurred by the cooperative.

Vilsack said that he is unaware of the current situation with the Milk Loss Program cooperative payments.

Hybrid dairy is a new sector in the dairy business that mixes plant-based components with dairy to provide customers with new options, outstanding flavor, and good nutrition. According to market research company Mintel, there is significant interest in this area, with surveys done by Mintel in collaboration with Kantar or Dynata during 2022-23 revealing items that look interesting to a large number of customers. In France, 42% of respondents agreed that products that combine a dairy alternative as a main ingredient with dairy would be appealing, while in the Republic of Ireland, 56% of cheese users said they would be interested in trying hybrid cheese, and 26% in Thailand said they would be interested in trying hybrid yogurt.

The potential arises because consumers are increasingly identifying as flexitarians, which means they want to eat more plant-based meals while limiting their consumption of animal products. This is referred to as ‘flexi-dairy-anism’ by Mintel, which means drinking both dairy and plant-based milk. In the United States, 47% of survey participants had not yet tasted non-dairy milk, but in the United Kingdom, 80% of respondents reported drinking both plant-based and dairy milk in the three months before April 2023.

However, consumers are hesitant to entirely eliminate dairy for a variety of reasons, including intolerance, a desire to eat and drink healthier goods, a conviction that non-dairy is better for the environment, and a desire to consume more plant-based meals. To appeal to flexitarian dairy customers, businesses could make current hybrid goods more ‘actively relevant’ to them by stressing both dairy and plant-based components.

Hybrid dairy may also be positioned as an economical alternative to plant-based milk for a group of customers known as “reluctant dairy lovers.” Adding plant-based components to dairy products may help retain fiber-conscious customers, since 65% of Polish consumers believe yoghurts and yoghurt drinks with extra fiber would be desirable. Finally, businesses should emphasize the flavor and enjoyment that plant-based products can provide, as many customers express a desire to move to more non-dairy choices.

U.S. exports of agricultural and related products reached a value of $191 billion in 2023, down 10% from 2022’s record as both commodity prices and shipment volumes declined.

That marks a three-year low though is similar to the 2021 levels, and it reflects competition from key suppliers, particularly when it comes to satisfying Chinese demand.

Data published by the U.S. Census Bureau on Wednesday shows exports of bulk commodities, which include top-grossing items like soybeans, corn, wheat and cotton, hit a 10-year low by volume in 2023. That volume was down 17% from 2022, the largest year-on-year tumble since 1985.

Last year’s U.S. bulk commodity exports were still a 10-year low even when subtracting China’s portion, though the annual decline shrinks to 10%, the same as in 2022, China excluded. These declines were driven by high prices and a supply increase in rival exporting countries.

Top exporter Brazil is a prime example as its combined corn and soy shipments in 2023 totaled nearly 158 million metric tons, some 29% higher than 2022’s record. U.S. corn-plus-soy exports last year totaled 94 million tons, down 18% on the year to a four-year low.

This uncomfortable predicament for U.S. exporters was emphasized in December as China was the destination for 38% of the cargoes, down from the month’s three-year average of 59%. Outside of the 2018 trade war, that was China’s lowest share of December U.S. soybean shipments since 2002.

Despite the decline in the farm sector, all U.S. exports, including goods and services, rose 1% in 2023 to a new record of $3.05 trillion. However, that annual growth rate is slim compared with 18% and 19% observed in 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Agriculture and related products accounted for 6.2% of all U.S. exports last year, a four-year low and down from shares above 7% in the previous three years.

DECREASES AND INCREASES

By value, last year’s U.S. bulk commodity exports declined 22% from 2022’s high. The average export cost of U.S. soybeans in 2023 fell 5% on the year and the corn cost eased 10%, though both were still higher than in 2021.

U.S. wheat export prices were down 16% last year and cotton prices fell 19%, and those combined with large annual volume declines. U.S. cotton shipments fell 18% on the year to a seven-year low, and wheat shipments were the lightest since 1971, down 13% on the year.

U.S. soybean oil exports in 2023 plunged 76% on the year as the focus increasingly shifts toward domestic use, and the volume was by far the smallest in records back to 1967. Beef and beef product exports slipped 12% from 2022’s high, hitting a three-year low due to a pullback from Asian buyers.

Not everything was grim for U.S. ag exports last year as soybean meal shipments reached a record 14.1 million tons, some 10% above the prior high set in 2018. Both years featured big crop losses in top meal exporter Argentina, and better 2024 harvest prospects mean the U.S. meal boost may have been temporary.

Pork and pork product exports rose 8% by volume in 2023 though stayed below the strong Chinese demand years of 2020 and 2021. A bump in domestic corn processing allowed U.S. ethanol exports last year to rise 9% to a four-year high.

BY COUNTRY

By value, Canada, China and Mexico accounted for about half of all U.S. agricultural and related exports in 2023, with Canada slightly edging China for the first time in four years.

Mexico claimed a record 15.6% share of last year’s U.S. ag exports, up from the prior high of 13.9% in 2022. Canada accounted for 17.3% of the total U.S. value, its highest since 2006.

China’s portion dropped to a four-year low of 16.6% from a record 19.2% in 2022, and China’s 2023 share was similar to those observed in 2014 and 2016, for example.

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Jessica Simpson has received fire for uploading an Instagram commercial in favor of the “Got Milk?” campaign, in which she holds a glass of milk and stares into the camera. Some followers heavily criticized Simpson,  claiming that milk is the worst beverage people can consume, many also came to her aid and proclaimed the many benefits of drinking milk. This response followed Hailey Bieber’s criticism in May for donning a “Got Milk?” T-shirt on Instagram. Milk products have recently received a lot of criticism, whether conventional dairy products or plant-based alternatives. Dunkin Donuts is facing a $5 million class-action lawsuit for charging more for non-dairy milks, while oat milk is also under criticism for allegedly causing blood sugar surges.

Dairy milk is becoming less popular in the United States, with Generation Z purchasing 20% less milk than the national average by 2022. 

There are several reasons for the decline in milk consumption in recent years:

1. Lifestyle Changes: Shifts in lifestyle patterns, such as increased urbanization and busier schedules, have led to changes in dietary habits. Convenience foods and beverages are often favored over traditional options like milk.
2. Health Concerns: Some individuals are opting for alternative beverages due to health concerns related to lactose intolerance, milk allergies, or perceived negative health effects associated with dairy consumption, such as concerns about saturated fat content.
3. Dietary Preferences: With the rise of veganism and vegetarianism, many people are choosing plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for ethical, environmental, or health reasons.
4. Marketing and Perception: The dairy industry has faced challenges in marketing milk as a healthy and desirable beverage. Criticism of certain dairy farming practices, concerns about hormones and antibiotics in milk, and competing marketing efforts by plant-based milk producers have all contributed to changing perceptions of milk.
5. Environmental Concerns: Some consumers are choosing plant-based milk alternatives due to environmental concerns associated with dairy farming, such as greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and land degradation.
6. Availability and Diversity: The increased availability and diversity of plant-based milk alternatives in supermarkets and coffee shops have made it easier for consumers to explore non-dairy options.
7. Cultural Shifts: In some cultures, traditional milk consumption patterns are evolving as younger generations adopt different dietary preferences influenced by global trends and cultural exchanges.

Drinking milk has several potential health benefits:

1. Nutrient-rich: Milk is a good source of essential nutrients such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins D and B12, and riboflavin.
2. Bone health: Calcium and vitamin D found in milk are crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially as you age.
3. Muscle growth and repair: The protein in milk contains all essential amino acids, making it a high-quality source of protein that supports muscle growth and repair.
4. Hydration: Milk is a liquid, so it helps to keep you hydrated, especially when consumed along with water.
5. Weight management: Some research suggests that consuming dairy products, including milk, as part of a balanced diet may aid in weight management and reduce the risk of obesity.
6. Heart health: While there’s some debate, certain components in milk, such as potassium and magnesium, may contribute to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.

While dairy milk offers various nutritional benefits and culinary advantages, it’s important to recognize that dietary preferences and choices can vary widely among individuals.

Hopes of quickly detecting bovine tuberculosis in British cow herds have been raised by the revelation that the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test would now be used to a broader variety of post-mortem test samples.

The statement follows a year of testing by the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to help in the quick identification of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), the bacterium that causes tuberculosis.

Beginning this week (February 14), the APHA will extend the use of PCR testing in England, Scotland, and Wales to cover acceptable post-mortem tissue samples gathered from three areas:

Cattle positive for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) include direct contacts (DCs), private or obligatory slaughter, and inconclusive reactors (IRs).

The existing technique of evaluating tissue samples, microbiological culture, will now be limited to particular PCR test-positive samples, either to enhance illness studies by getting Whole Genome Sequencing information or if a valid PCR result is not obtained.
“…a significant step”

Farmers have applauded the news. According to Tom Bradshaw, NFU deputy president, the extension of PCR testing is a crucial move that the union has long advocated. “Swift disclosure of test results will help to alleviate the intense pressure on farmers during a TB breakdown and may offer additional certainty to how that breakdown will be managed,” he went on to say.

Although microbiological culture is considered the gold standard of testing, it normally takes 6-22 weeks to receive a response, and utilizing PCR might aid in the quick resolution of a suspected tuberculosis breakdown. M. bovis should be detected more rapidly in post-mortem samples.

The strategy and methods for dealing with a TB breakdown will remain unchanged.

The United States Department of Agriculture anticipates a $43.1 billion loss in net agricultural revenue in 2024 compared to 2023, the greatest year-over-year drop in history. smaller commodity prices, smaller direct government payments, and greater manufacturing costs all contribute to the reduction. Commodity prices are predicted to fall by $21.2 billion between 2023 and 2024, with lower agricultural and animal product sales for maize, soybeans, eggs, turkeys, cattle, and milk.

The American Farm Bureau Federation’s president, Zippy Duvall, is urging Congress to prioritize lowering farmer expenses and adopting a new farm bill. High inflation raises the cost of producing food, reducing the revenue that farm families depend on to pay bills, educate their children, and reinvest in the community. The previous farm bill approved in 2018 expired at the end of the year, but due to upheaval in the United States House of Representatives, it was prolonged another year, which proponents argue does not account for significant developments in the sector over the last five years.

There are differing views on whether Congress will be able to pass the farm bill this year, and the fact that it is an election year doesn’t help. AJ Wormuth, proprietor of Half Full Dairy in Central New York, said that everything is up except milk costs. Inflation has increased the cost of almost everything, including all of our inputs. Feed is down little, but everything else is taking up the tiny amount of savings. Almost every week, we get a letter from one of our suppliers stating that they must increase pricing.”

According to the USDA research, overall production expenditures are expected to rise by 3.8% in 2024, with labor accounting for the majority of the increase (7.5%). Additional increases include 12% for marketing, storage, and transportation, as well as 7.2% for pesticide costs. High freight prices and global trade route interruptions are driving up shipping costs, while interest payments are putting a pressure on profits for highly leveraged farmers with floating-rate loans.

In New York, the labor problem is of special importance since the state changed the overtime threshold, requiring employers to pay workers extra rates over 56 hours rather than 60 hours and then submit for a state tax credit. Farmers should carefully assess their risk of exposure and seek guidance in selecting risk management techniques that are appropriate for their business.

The 2024 Midwest Regional Dairy Challenge, hosted by University of Wisconsin-Madisonconcluded February 9th in Green Bay, WI. The event saw significant participation with 120 students from 17 schools, along with coaches and volunteers, gathering in downtown Green Bay. The students arrived and were able to attend educational sessions focusing on financials, automatic milking systems, and technology on farms.The students met their mentor and teammates over dinner and brief team building activities. Shortly after dinner they received farm information and began to analyze in preparation for their farm visit and future presentation.

On the second day, students visited one of three farms—Tauchen Harmony Valley Inc. of Bonduel, Diederich Farm LLC of Hobart, or Libertyland Farms of Valders. Accompanied by industry mentors, students assessed different aspects of each dairy farm, including calf care, parlor management, transition pens, and feed management. They also conducted interviews with the producers to gain insights into farm management practices and goals. In the afternoon, students used the data collected during the farm visits and interviews to develop their presentations. Following the submission of their presentation, they, along with sponsors and volunteers, enjoyed tours, tailgate games, and dinner at Lambeau Field.

The final day of the contest saw judge panels evaluating each team’s 20-minute presentations, which highlighted the strengths and areas of improvement for their respective farm. Additionally, there were educational sessions, including a Dairy Challenge alumni panel. Students networked with alumni and sponsors throughout the day. The event concluded with the presentation of student awards, marking the end of the successful 2024 Midwest Regional Dairy Challenge.

The judges awarded the following teams with the first and second place ranking on each farm among the 24 total teams participating.

The European Union (EU) is under fire for its climate policy after farmer demonstrations throughout the continent. The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, intends to abandon a proposal to halve pesticide usage and exclude the agriculture sector from a stringent deadline for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040. Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski said that, although the EU should cut pesticide usage, farmers should not be forced to do so. He urged increasing financial incentives to encourage greener activities.

The EU aspires to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. However, Wojciechowski warned that these modifications might jeopardize such lofty goals, since agricultural realities must be addressed. The farmers’ question is expected to dominate the electoral competition ahead of the European Parliament 2024 elections, with the next political cycle (2024-29) likely to be less green, potentially jeopardizing the implementation of the green new deal and slowing down its subsequent chapters, such as the extension of sustainability requirements to agriculture.

Farmers are at the center of one of the EU’s most significant and historical pieces of legislation: the Common Agricultural Policy, which gives 55 billion euros ($59.3 billion) in annual subsidies to the industry. The farmer demonstrations have even spread over the English Channel to the United Kingdom, where British farmers are denouncing international food imports in Dover.

Finally, the EU’s climate policies are being reconsidered as farmer protests spread throughout Europe. The EU’s emphasis on environmental objectives, as well as the need for further financial assistance, are contributing to rising tensions among farmers.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Association of Canada’s Board of Directors has announced Cyrus Cooper’s appointment as CEO of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, starting immediately.

Cyrus has more than 20 years of expertise in the hotel and higher education industries in Canada. He formerly served as Director of Operations at Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality, The Granite Club, and Pusateri’s Fine Foods. He is presently a lecturer at Centennial College’s School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts, where he directs the Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Management post-graduate program. He graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Ted Rogers School of Management with a B.Com. and an MBA.

Cooper is described as ‘a seasoned leader, whose characteristic drive, ambition, and emphasis on service, team development, and leadership has been his distinguishing feature of his.’ Cooper is also an active community member, serving on committees for organizations such as Toronto Metropolitan University and Trillium Health Partners. He lives in Mississauga with his wife and two boys.

Cooper succeeds Charlie Johnstone, who left in July 2023 after heading The Royal since 2015.

The 102nd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair will take place at Exhibition Place in Toronto from November 1–10, 2024.

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Animal Science recently named Doug Westendorp of Westvale-View Dairy in Nashville as the recipient of the 2024 Dairy Farm of the Year.

Since 1958, this recognition has been awarded to dairy farmers who exhibit outstanding management of their dairy operation and leadership within the Michigan dairy industry and their surrounding communities. The Dairy Farm of the Year Award is the highest honor given by the Department of Animal Science to individuals within the dairy industry.

“Doug Westendorp’s dedication to quality and efficiency and his innovative approach have made Westvale-View Dairy and MOO-ville Creamery the success they are today,” said Cathy Ernst, chair of the Animal Science department. “We especially appreciate Doug’s support of our undergraduate and 4-H dairy programs, and his willingness to host students at their farm. We are excited to recognize Doug Westendorp of Westvale-View Dairy as the 2024 Dairy Farm of the Year.”

Established in 1992, Westvale-View Dairy is a family-run operation based in Nashville, Mich. The operation, spanning 1000 acres and overseen by Doug and Louisa Westendorp, began with a foundation of only 50 milk cows. Westvale-View has grown significantly over the years and now milks approximately 240 Holsteins, with a herd average production of over 100 lbs. of milk per cow per day. They also manage an additional 250 youngstock and implant 150 embryos yearly.  

In 2005, the Westendorps expanded their business by opening MOO-ville Creamery, located adjacent to Westvale-View and offering homemade ice cream and dairy products, a gift shop and farm tours. The creamery business has now expanded to include four retail locations, with additional products located in over 140 retail stores and 50 ice cream shops. The dairy’s operations evolved again in 2012 with a new milk barn and the incorporation of four Lely milking robots, increasing automation and allowing for more flexibility to expand the business. In 2020, Westvale-View upgraded to Lely Astronaut A5 robots, capitalizing on the latest robotic milking technology and showcasing the dairy’s passion for innovation. 

According to his colleagues, MOO-ville was Doug’s ultimate dream, and the combined success of the dairy and creamery is a testament to his hard work and passion for furthering the dairy industry. Doug helms both Westvale-View and MOO-ville Creamery and is known for continually improving processes and increasing efficiency, demonstrating what can be accomplished through dedication and a forward-thinking mindset.  

Doug works closely with Louisa and his children, many of whom play active roles in the growth and success of the family business. Their oldest son Carlyle works in day-to-day management of the crops and together with Eric in herd management. Troy and Levi split their time between the farm and the creamery, with Troy managing the ice cream production and calves and Levi focusing on other milk products. Tina manages employees and product sales for several of MOO-ville’s retail locations. Brittany’s contributions to the family and community are presently in her role as an adoptive and foster parent. She still enjoys selecting and organizing the show string with Levi at the MSU dairy shows.

Doug gives back to the dairy community by sharing his knowledge and contributing his time, including his service as a member of the Advisory Committee for Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA). His work has earned numerous accolades, such as Westvale-View’s first place win in the BMR Corn Silage Division in 2020’s World Forage Analysis Superbowl. Doug also received the Michigan Holstein Association’s (MHA) Master Breeder Award in 2018, the highest honor given to Holstein breeders in the state. In 2009, Westvale-View received a gold award in the National Dairy Quality Awards (NDQA), a program highlighting dairy producers who prioritize producing milk of the highest quality. Over 200 operations were nominated for the NDQA in 2009. Doug’s early career achievements were also honored in 1996 when he received the Outstanding Young Famer award from MMPA. 

“As an educator, I value Doug’s support of educational programs, from opening the farm’s doors to program participants to serving as a guide to other farmers who want to learn more about their model,” said Martin J. Mangual, an Extension Dairy Educator. “The disposition to educate is one of the many attributes that make this farm deserving of this award.”

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

The European Council on Foreign Relations believes that the next European Parliament will be more right-wing than ever, with anti-European populist parties likely to win nine member states and finish second or third in another nine. By June 2024, lawmakers from outside the three main centrist groupings will occupy over half of the EU parliamentary seats, with a populist right combination having the potential to form a majority. This might result in considerable changes to EU policy, notably on environmental matters.

Recent national elections in Europe have shown signs of a long-term shift from centrist-left to right-wing politics, with voters in Slovakia and the Netherlands electing right-wing candidates last autumn. In the United States, Democratic Party President Joe Biden is more likely to compete against Donald Trump, the Republican Party’s most probable nominee for the 2024 presidential election. Farmer demonstrations have energized conservative politicians on both sides of the Atlantic.

Dr. Joseph Glauber, a senior research scholar at the International Food Policy Research Institute, noted that, although there were some country-specific variations, some elements were consistent across the board. He said that grain and oilseed prices have dropped significantly over the previous 18 months, causing farmers’ cash revenues to fall, raising worries in the United States and Europe. Furthermore, since the conflict with Russia began, nations bordering Ukraine have seen a surge in goods entering their markets, forcing them to compete with Ukrainian grain and other agricultural items for storage.

The war also caused an increase in energy prices and input expenses, which were felt across Europe, but less so in the United States. These increases in input costs reduced margins, and when profit margins fall, farmers search for a variety of reasons to blame, causing widespread dissatisfaction. Furthermore, pressure to address environmental sustainability has resulted in a number of farmer demonstrations, mainly in Northern Europe, particularly the Netherlands, where there is concern that greenhouse rules would have a detrimental effect.

European farmers have been more vociferous in voicing their unhappiness than their American counterparts, albeit this might be due to regional differences. The US Department of Agriculture predicts that farmer income would decline by more than a quarter in 2024 compared to 2023, more than 40% below the record high in 2022 but just under 2% below the 20-year average. The predicted drop-off is mostly due to decreased cash revenues, but it also includes greater production expenditures and lower direct government payments, notably lower supplementary and ad hoc disaster relief.

US farmer earnings remain quite solid, with predictions indicating that agricultural revenue in the United States would fall dramatically from the previous year. However, farmers face other challenges, including input costs, environmental laws, and protectionist inclinations when people look at decreased prices and blame imports from other countries.

Farmers have tremendous power over politicians as a result of the worldwide emphasis on food security and increased recognition of agriculture’s involvement in climate change. The issue is whether politicians will reconsider the regulatory side of things, modify present policy courses, or pay farmers. The US government has taken a different approach in terms of giving farmer subsidies to incentivise beneficial environmental behaviors, which has been criticized for being ineffectual, costly, and delivering significantly less effects than a regulated framework.

The current discussion in international organizations is about repurposing domestic assistance and redirecting it away from trade-distorting policies and toward more environmentally friendly ways. In the United States, there is more debate about increasing assistance rather than repurposing it. Many of the farmers who get these subsidies are Republicans, and opinions on this vary by area. Southern US farmers, for the most part, have desired greater support prices, and if it means losing the climate-smart programs, they are OK with it. Other regions of the nation, notably cattle farmers, have profited significantly from climate-smart support.

Dairy producers also confront regional variances of opinion. They go through cost cycles, with high feed expenditures in 2022 because to very high maize and soybean prices. For them, it all comes down to their feed expenses and dairy prices. Many dairy producers consider climate-smart projects as potentially beneficial.

Glauber is concerned about the future of protectionist global politics. What would happen to several markets if protectionist measures were implemented suddenly? European manufacturers would suffer if international leaders suddenly decided to become more protectionist. Donald Trump has pursued a strongly protectionist agenda throughout his first term, even proposing across-the-board taxes on imports and 60% tariffs on China.

Rizo-López Foods, a California cheese and dairy firm, is recalling more than 60 items owing to a listeria epidemic that has killed two individuals and affected dozens more. The epidemic was discovered over a decade ago, in June 2014, and at least 26 individuals in 11 states have been infected. The CDC and FDA renewed their inquiry last month when Hawaii authorities discovered listeria in a sample of Rizo Brothers Aged Cotija, resulting in a restricted recall on January 11. The recalled items include cheese, yogurt, and sour cream marketed under different brand names.

The goods were available at approximately 600 Walmart shops in 12 states, 28 Sam’s Club locations in six states, and deli counters at El Super, Cardenas Market, Northgate Gonzalez, Superior Groceries, El Rancho, Vallarta, Food City, La Michoacana, and Numero Uno Markets. Consumers are warned to destroy the recalled items and clean any surfaces or containers that come into contact with them. Listeria is more likely to infect pregnant women, infants, persons over the age of 65, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of infection usually appear within two weeks after ingesting infected food and might include fever, muscular pains, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, disorientation, loss of balance, and convulsions.

Farmers’ demonstrations in the European Union have escalated, with hundreds of farmers blocking major routes in France and Belgium with more than 1,300 tractors outside the European Parliament in Brussels. The French government had earlier warned farmers that any disturbance at Rungis would be a red line, and hundreds of riot police were stationed there. Farmers in Brussels tossed eggs at Parliament buildings and started many fires around the area. Slurry and farmyard manure were also applied to several of the European Parliament buildings in France and Belgium.

Farmers are outraged that the European Commission continues to reduce financial assistance for agriculture under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which is intended to shield farmers against declining prices and cheap imports. They are also witnessing an increase in environmental restrictions, which they claim will be hard to comply while producing food for a rapidly rising global population. The European Green Deal, which seeks to make Europe carbon-neutral by 2050, and the nature restoration legislation, meant to “improve biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems” are important points of dispute for farmers.

Under pressure, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said that a proposal to reduce administrative costs will be submitted at an upcoming EU ministerial meeting. According to Janusz Wojciechowski, EU Commissioner for Agriculture, this temporary exception achieves a compromise between the need to help farmers in the near term and the need to maintain the climate, soil health, and biodiversity over time.

The situation is now heated in several member states, with farmers flocking to the streets as the viability of European family farming as we know it is under threat. Focus will now be on the politicians as the European Parliament elections are scheduled for June of this year. MEPs are afraid that far-right groups, which are drawing more farmers, may acquire electoral support.

After six months of evidence and cross-examination, the public hearing for the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) ended on January 30. It will be a while before the FMMO is updated, since the hearing addressed 21 suggestions filed by business organizations. Online access to the hearing record is required so that groups and people may study it and provide feedback on how to improve it. After the hearing, interested parties may submit briefs in response to the USDA’s recommendation. The agency will next hold a comment and exception period. The changes will be put into action after they are approved.

To protect dairy farmers from additional losses during the remaining FMMO rulemaking process, the American Farm Bureau Federation filed an emergency petition with USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack at the end of the hearing, asking for a final decision to speed up the implementation of the “higher of” Class I mover formula. Since the new formula was put into place after the 2018 Farm Bill, farmers have lost $1.2 billion, and they are poised to lose much more money in the next months. In their recommendation that was sent to USDA before the hearing, NMPF prioritized making changes to the Class I mover.

Farmers and groups representing the dairy sector will now have to wait for the USDA to respond to their request. Unfortunately, dairy farmers’ payments have been cut with no signs of relief in sight due to the current Class I tariff, which was an unintentional legislative error.

Ron Sersland, President and CEO of International Protein Sires (IPS), died in a sad vehicle accident on Monday, February 5. Please remember his family, particularly his loving wife Nelly and his beautiful daughter Bailey, in your thoughts and prayers.
The IPS office, like so many others, is devastated by this tragic loss. The Bullvine expresses its sympathies to the Sersland family. When appropriate, we will provide further information on funeral arrangements and services.