Dairy’s Bright Spots
Rendell Tullar
Orford, N.H.
Tullando Farm, a cowherd of 550 registered Holsteins in the Connecticut River Valley, is heading toward a robotic milking future.
The dairy industry, like any other, is always going to be trying to create new ways to sell our product. We are fortunate enough to have a product that is very versatile.
As demands change, the industry needs to stay competitive. Trends that seem to be dominating the market in the last several years are healthy eating and products packaged for on-the-go eating.
With more people seeking healthy alternatives to their favorite foods, the dairy industry has been able to offer low-fat and non-fat products to meet the demands. Milk products are also being offered in smaller portions, which can be great for convenience and for kids.
Yogurt seems to be a top seller. With all the different sizes of packaging and the many flavors, and with Greek yogurt becoming a big percentage of sales in the yogurt market, it has increased the use of milk. This, combined with the cheese market which has been growing for years, has created a bright spot for the dairy industry.
Ice cream continues to be in high demand. With the development of so many endless varieties, it should never go out of style.
The local market has created a different demand for the industry. People want to know where the food they are eating comes from and how it is raised. Through Farmers Markets and at farm stores, these demands are being expanded.
We have been a member of the Dairylea Co-op for many years. Dairylea did not own a processing plant or a product line. Our milk goes to a Hood plant where it is bottled and sold locally. Dairylea has recently joined Dairy Farmers of America. This should give the Dairylea members access to markets that we have not had in the past.
As a Dairylea member, I have been a delegate to the New England Dairy Promotion Board for many years. The New England Milk Promotion is a very enthusiastic and aggressive team.
They do a terrific job promoting dairy with their many programs. The work they do in schools educating children about drinking milk to stay healthy and the "Fuel Up to Play 60" campaign has been a huge success.
I feel the recent milk price success is due in a large part to our expanded export market. Our milk dollars spent on these foreign markets have been successful, and we need to continue to look at new ideas to meet these countries’ needs.
Tullar’s recent prices
Milk
$25.50 (3.88 bf, 3.01 prt)
Cull cows
$90/cwt.
Springing heifers
$1,600-$2,000/head
Dry Alfalfa hay
$360/ton
Corn
$212/ton
Soy Plus
$600/ton