Digest Highlights

Dairy drought areas expand

The estimate of overall U.S. dairy cows located in “drought areas” increased during May, according to the USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board. About 25% of the nation’s milk cows were located in areas experiencing drought at the beginning of June (Figure 1), a 6% increase compared to a month earlier.

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Dave Natzke
Editor / Progressive Dairy

Over the previous month, drought areas maintained their hold in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and Kansas, while expanding in New Mexico and Texas. In addition, new drought areas emerged in North Dakota and central and northern Minnesota.

The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor overlays areas experiencing drought with maps of major production areas for hay, alfalfa hay, corn, soybeans and other crops. At 21%, alfalfa-producing areas affected by drought increased 8% from a month earlier.

May Class III and Class IV prices lower

May Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) Class III and Class IV milk prices fell further following sharp declines in April.

At $12.14 per hundredweight (cwt), the May 2020 Class III milk price was down 93 cents from April 2020 and $4.24 less than May 2019. It’s the lowest since May 2016.

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The May 2020 Class IV milk price fell 73 cents from April to $10.67 per cwt. It’s down $5.62 from May 2019 and the lowest since 2009.

Letter defends animal agriculture safety, value

Leading academics across four continents have joined U.S., Canadian and international organizations representing millions of farmers, producers and veterinarians to sign an open letter pushing back against misinformation around animal agriculture during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those signing the letter – including the Animal Agriculture Alliance, World Veterinary Association and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) – clarified that domestic livestock production is safe and has not played a role in the spread of COVID-19, despite recent unfounded claims.

The letter calls for governments and authorities to reassure consumers around the safety of meat, milk, eggs and fish while also working with farmers and veterinarians to share lessons and expertise around animal health. It has been signed by more than 65 farmer groups, producer associations, veterinarians and researchers.

‘Climate solutions’ bill would help ag producers tap into carbon credit market

A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate would to help agricultural producers tap into the carbon credit market when adopting greenhouse gas reduction practices. The Growing Climate Solutions Act was introduced by Sens. Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island).

The proposal creates a Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Certification Program within the USDA. The program would provide information and certify technical advisers and protocol verifiers who could help private landowners generate carbon credits through a variety of ag and forestry practices.

As part of the program, a USDA-administered website would list information and resources for producers and foresters who are interested in participating in carbon markets. The program would be shaped by an advisory council composed of agriculture experts, scientists, producers and others.

Finally, the bill instructs the USDA to produce a policy development report to Congress that identifies barriers to carbon credit market entry, challenges raised by farmers and forest landowners, market performance and suggestions on where the USDA can make a positive contribution to the further adoption of voluntary carbon sequestration practices in agriculture and forestry.

The bill has the support of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), American Farm Bureau Federation and more than 40 other farm groups, environmental organizations and Fortune 500 companies.

Jim Mulhern, NMPF president and CEO, noted that carbon markets will play an important role in the dairy sector’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, an industrywide effort that will require public policy support.

“Dairy farmers are environmental stewards who value proactive approaches to sustainability, and this legislation will provide a welcome boost to their efforts,” he said.

Holstein Association USA virtual meeting is June 25

Holstein Association USA Inc. will host a virtual member update meeting on June 25, 1 p.m. (Eastern time). The virtual format replaces the traditional annual meeting, postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting will feature the president’s address, CEO’s state of the association address and the 2019 financial report.

Details on how to register for the webinar will be posted on the organization’s website.

Progressive Dairy COVID-19 resources

Progressive Dairy frequently provides updates on COVID-19 news and resources on a special webpage.

Updates for June 3 include a look at a bill signed into law that amends several provisions in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a summary of a podcast on how COVID-19 has changed the ways producers and lenders communicate and complete financial transactions, and more.

There’s also information on event changes and cancellations; a list of recent dairy organization podcasts related to COVID-19; a comprehensive list of other state, regional and national resources; and helpful articles previously appearing on the Progressive Dairy website.  end mark

Dave Natzke