DairyBusiness

An (almost) daily recap of dairy information:

April 24, 2009

DFA issues early patronage checks totaling $11.4 million

Beginning this week, 12,312 Dairy Farmers of America members who marketed their milk through DFA in 2008 will receive a an early cash patronage payment equal to 3¢/cwt. A total of $11.4 million is being paid to DFA members. A remaining allocation for 2008 patronage will be paid to members by Sept. 15. The amount of patronage each year is based on the amount of milk each member markets through the cooperative. 

For more information, visit http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?p=2554.

Minnesota dairy profitability committee reappointed

Minnesota ag commissioner Gene Hugoson reappointed the 14-member Dairy Profitability Committee, saying the committee’s work is vital to finding ways to strengthen the dairy industry.  Since being formed in 2007, the committee has been examining emerging issues within the dairy industry and providing the Commissioner with recommendations to increase dairy profitability and improve the industry’s competitiveness. For more information, visit http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?p=2556.

New product: Pfizer offers single-dose pinkeye protection

Pfizer Animal Health has made vaccination against pinkeye caused by Moraxella bovisan easy one-step process. SolidBac® Pinkeye IR/PR® aids in the prevention and control of pinkeye (infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis) by administering both the initial and booster doses at the same time with a unique delivery system. For more information, visit http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?p=2560.

The week’s markets

CME cheddar blocks closed Friday at $1.18/lb., up a penny on the week, but 74.5¢/lb. less than a year ago. Barrels closed at $1.1075, down 0.25¢/lb. on the week and 77.25¢/lb. less than a year ago.

CME butter strengthened, likely due to weather-inspired ice cream demand, closing Friday at $1.2225/lb., up 2¢ on the week, but still 19¢ less than a year ago. 

Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk inched up 1.5¢, to 86.5¢/lb. Extra Grade NFDM remained at 85¢/lb.

CBOT corn futures were down, but soybeans and soy meal futures were up again. 

For today’s market activities on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Chicago Board of Trade, visit http://www.dairybusiness.com/dairybusiness_markets.php. 

Monday on DairyLine

California dairy producer and Dairy Management Inc. board member Kimberly Clauss discusses the concept of sustainability in Monday’s “DMI Update.” Clauss said sustainability is something dairy farmers practice in their everyday life: economically, socially and environmentally. Read more details or listen to the conversation with DairyLine’s Lee Mielke at www.dairyline.com.

For a sample copy of Dairy Profit Weekly, or subscription information, visit www.dairyprofit.com or phone: 800-334-1904, ext. 244.

Dave Natzke, Editor