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South Woodstock -- Vermont FarmsteadCheese Co. started producing cheese only in January and didn’t begin distributing until June, but it’s already struggling to keep up with customers’ requests.

The miniature donkeys that graze at the Mount Laurel homestead of U.S. Rep. Jon Runyan became political fodder as soon as the former Eagles tackle announced his candidacy in 2009. Under a New Jersey law designed to protect farmers from soaring property taxes, Runyan receives a 98 percent tax break on most of his land because he keeps donkeys and sells firewood. Democrats attacked Runyan, whose median net worth is estimated at $7 million, for taking advantage of a farm program to avoid paying the full tax rate on 20 of his 23 acres. Two years later, tax breaks for the wealthy are drawing even sharper criticism as Congress fights over how to spur the sluggish economy and manage the country’s debt.

The Milk Import Tariff Equity Act would simply ensure that milk protein concentrates are regulated at the same level as other dairy products.

Cow numbers are up 91,000 head from a year ago (1%) but down 1,000 head from October.

Completed applications are due July 15, 2012.

November 2011 budgets show that tiestall barns producing 20,000 lb. of milk per cow were losing $1.81/cwt. when all costs were included.

Doug and his family built a 1957 14-cow herd into RuAnn Dairy, Maddox Dairy, and Golden Genes, all world-recognized Holstein entities.

Dairy Council of California is helping turn back a tide that threatens to sweep flavored milk out of California school meal programs.

Glanbia Foods of Idaho sees increased sales of the cheese to Mexico, which buys 20% of U.S. cheese.

Funding is available right now to help producers address on-farm energy use and increase efficiency.