DairyBusiness

An (almost) daily recap of dairy information:

Oct. 7, 2009

Alltech Global Dairy 500: Wrap p

Day 3 of Alltech’s 2009 Global Dairy 500 conference concluded with a look at the future of dairy farming worldwide, focusing on economic, regulatory and environmental issues. Alltech founder and CEO Pearse Lyons said farmers will have to take an integrated approach, including cow management and nutrition; methods to address capturing methane and shrinking dairy’s carbon footprint; and  milk marketing and consumer education. Alltech Global Dairy 500 was held Oct. 4-7, in Lexington, Ky. For more information, visit http://www.alltech.com/globaldairy500/default.htm.

AWMP seeks class price hearing

The Alliance of Western Milk Producers petitioned the California Department of Food and Agriculture, asking for an emergency hearing to consider increasing the state milk marketing order’s Class 1 price by 50¢/cwt., and Class 2 and 3 prices by 26¢/cwt., the amount they were reduced last October. The petition notes California plant capacity is no longer an issue, since milk production in the state has declined for 11 consecutive months, and that the state’s dairy farmers continue to suffer from low milk prices and higher feed costs, driving many of them out of business.

Wednesday’s markets

CME cash dairy product prices on Wednesday:

Cheddar blocks – up 0.75¢, to $1.46/lb.

Cheddar barrels – unchanged $1.43/lb.

Butter – unchanged, at $1.2350/lb.

Extra Grade nonfat dry milk – up 2¢, to $1.18/lb.

Grade A nonfat dry milk – up 2¢, to $1.22/lb.

Dairy Profit Weekly’s editor was in an airplane Wednesday afternoon and unable to access Class III milk, corn, soybean and soybean meal futures at the close of trading. For today’s market activities on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Chicago Board of Trade, visit http://www.dairybusiness.com/dairybusiness_markets.php.

Thursday on DairyLine Radio

The $350 million in financial relief lawmakers crafted for dairy farmers is tied up by a procedural maneuver by California Sen. Barbara Boxer, who requested a “hold” until it is determined how the funds will be distributed to dairy farmers, according to National Milk Producers Federation’s Chris Galen. At issue, the ratio between direct payments to producers vs. dairy product purchases. Boxer represents California producers, who tend to have larger dairy herds. Galen also reminded dairy farmers they have until Oct. 15 to elect to submit a bid in the latest Cooperatives Working Together  herd retirement program. For more details, and to listen to the conversation with DairyLine’s Lee Mielke, visit 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