Processors

In 2011, CWT has assisted members in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 35,774 metric tons (78.9 million pounds) to 23 countries on four continents.

A civil lawsuit claims the nation’s milk producers, including Arden Hills-based Land O’Lakes Inc., conspired to thin cowherds and raise prices.The federal lawsuit filed last month in Northern California says members of the National Milk Producers Federation financed a “herd retirement” program that removed more than 500,000 dairy cows from production between 2003 and 2010.

Dairy producers would be able to choose between signing up for Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) payments or subsidized Livestock Gross Margin-Dairy insurance at the $1.50 deductible level for not more than 3 million lb. of milk each year.

Casey’s Dairy Advancement Act would not include any supply or growth management component, but would continue the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program or allow dairy producers to enroll in the Livestock Gross Margin-Dairy program.

CWT has accepted 10 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell Cheddar cheese to customers in Asia, North Africa and the Middle East.

The International Dairy Foods Association commends legislation that would allow for the implementation of the pending free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama.

TV and print campaign educates consumers about the negative economic impact of the Federal Milk Marketing Order system.

The U.S. has made the wrong products, used the wrong specifications, had weak or no customer relationships, and has been an inconsistent supplier.

Dean Foods won the award for implementing innovative products, initiating management programs and developing long-term sustainability technologies.

Melrose Dairy Proteins LLC, a cheese and whey protein concentrate plant in Melrose, Minn., uses 3.5 million pounds of milk each day.

Dairy processor Gossner Foods celebrated its most recent contract to supply milk to the U.S. military in Afghanistan while also paying tribute to a former employee killed this summer in an Afghan fire fight.

On its 10th anniversary, the dairy giant reports that record financial performance and record milk production will result in $10.6 billion in milk payments and dividends.

In 2011, CWT has assisted members in exporting Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 32,785 metric tons to 20 countries on four continents.

Congressman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) believes sign-up for the program will be similar to the 70% sign-up for the Cooperatives Working Together program

The practical impact of the proposal is that all U.S. dairy farms will eventually have to meet the 400,000 SCC limit, regardless of where they ship their milk.

Northwest Dairy Association (NDA), a dairyfarmer-owned cooperative, and Darigold, Inc., its wholly owned milk processing subsidiary, recently pledged support for the draft dairy reform legislation released by House Agriculture Committee ranking democratic member Collin Peterson (D-MN) earlier this summer. Peterson, who plans to introduce the legislation this fall, will be joined by Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID) as a co-sponsor. The proposal is based on Foundation for the Future (FFTF), a comprehensive dairy reform proposal authored by dairy leaders across the country."Our decision to support the Peterson/Simpson proposal is not one taken lightly,” according to Jim Werkhoven, Chairman of the Northwest Dairy Association and Darigold boards of directors and a dairyfarmer in Monroe, Washington. “We began our evaluation of the proposal more than a year ago, by presenting it to the membership at our annual meeting. Since then, we have discussed the plan in many forums, including area producer meetings. There is an industry consensus building around Foundation for the Future that promises improved economic stability for dairyfarmers and ensures food security for the nation.”

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 17 requests for export assistance from Darigold, Dairy Farmers of America, Foremost Farms and United Dairymen of Arizona.

The awards will recognize dairy farms, businesses and collaborative partnerships for efforts that deliver outstanding economic, environmental and/or social benefits.

The fat-free TruMoo milk that will be offered in schools contains just 130 calories per serving and only 10 grams of added sugar. That meets the industry target of good tasting flavored milks that contain no more than 150 calories and less than 25 grams of added sugar per 8 oz. serving.

LOL chairman Pete Kappelman: "[The proposal] has the potential to dramatically improve the traditional approach to dairy policy...”

Milk haulers still have not been able to reach at least four dairy farms in Vermont because of washed out roads and bridges due to Hurricane Irene.

With roads and bridges washed out, milk haulers have had to go to smaller sized trucks that can navigate seasonal roads and even farm and field lanes.

The website, www.StopSupplyManagement.com, explains John Pagel’s opposition to the supply management portion of Foundation for the Future

Hurricane hits New England dairies hardest; Mid-Atlantic dairies, processing plants lose power but escape with minimal damage.

The net effect in producer pay prices will be zero, claims the California Milk Producers Council.

That’s hampering not only milk pick-ups off farms but moving milk to processing facilities in the major metropolitan areas of New York City and New England.

TruMoo milk contains just 40 more calories than plain white milk per serving and is made without high fructose corn syrup.

CWT has accepted seven requests for export assistance from Darigold and Dairy Farmers of America to sell Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

Three major construction phases due to be completed by fall 2012 will allow FDA to enhance both efficiency and quality

Rabobank research shows California dairies, processors uniquely positioned to capitalize on growing global demand.