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The dairy industry is tough enough, what with regulated prices, inconsistent with inflation, and tight regulations that threaten to get even tighter. Now that recession has caused prices to tank (yet not costs) and demand to weaken, many dairy farmers are reconsidering their business model. Getting out of the dairy industry is just as tough as staying in. Prices for dairy cows have dropped and the appeal of a dairy operation, well, it’s just not there.
The message from the USDA, however, is a good one. Dairy farmers are about to get a healthy dose of relief thanks to the government agency. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced recently a revenue increase for dairy farmers that would fill their pockets with $243 million, thanks to an amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill, which increased the budget of the Farm Service Agency.
Between now and October 2009, price increases across the board will go a long way to alleviating the strain on dairy farmers to keep their businesses running at any kind of profit. Increases announced were as follows: nonfat dry milk – 92 cents per pound (from 80 cents); cheddar blocks – $1.31 per pound (from ($1.13); cheddar barrels, $1.28 per pound (from $1.10).
Moreover, the USDA is reactivating its Dairy Export Incentive Program, intended to assist U.S.-based dairy exporters in meeting global pricing demands.
This comes at a time when farmers are facing increased feed costs and decreased market pricing. Government programs such as the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) do help to stave off some market losses, but often the changes do not reflect the true picture of what dairy farmers are facing.
If you’re dairy operation isn’t netting the intended results, or if you simply want to explore ways to increase your business success, consider having a risk assessment done, including a look at your operations and your insurance coverage. It’s a good way to identify any areas of improvement, which in this market is never a bad idea.
Watch the video related to dairy farms
In 1941 a young immigrant from Germany, named Bill Straus, started a small dairy farm along the shores of Tomales Bay, CA with only 23 cows. Today, the Straus Family Creamery name has grown to include organic milk, yogurt, ice cream and butter. The family remains involved in the everyday business and is committed to environmental stewardship. To find out more go to www.strausfamilycreamery.com … straus family creamery greenhouse gases dairy cows environment organic milk yogurt ice cream butter …
Help answer the question about dairy farms
how common are dairy farms and hatcheries where animals do not end up being killed?I know that this is so for some religious communities, and also of a no. of US companies, but what about in the UK/Europe?
By "end up being killed," I mean killed at birth (male chicks, bull calves), sent for veal slaughter, or shot when no longer lactating.
I imagine this is only the case on small, independent farms. However, I have noticed a lot of farms and sanctuaries for "rescued" farm animals.
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ha! i helped make this video
yes you can
Runoff from dairy farms not only includes bacteria from cow droppings but can also include items such as phosphates and other minerals that can have negative effects.
As far as how it effects the water, the cow droppings can carry e-coli bacteria (which will cause severe intestinal problems in humans), the phosphates/misc minerals can incourage growth of water organisms that will choke out the waters natural oxegen content.
Those are the 2 main big issues w/dairy farm runoff.
They either become the main ingredient in veal parmigiana or left to grow to replace the aging stud bulls. They usually have a half dozen or so bulls for mating, the rest are sold off for veal or beef.
You will probably never find a place that breeds animals for food but doesn't get rid of the unnecessary waste (i.e. male chicks being killed, male calves going into veal production.) It's not cost effective & there's no space for the ever-growing population of animals. If you find farm sanctuaries, they aren't going to breed animals. They're too busy rescuing the overabundance that already exists.
If you want kinder (but obviously not cruelty free) farms, find a local one at http://www.eatwellguide.org. I don't feel the need to eat animals, but my carnivorous pets do, so I try to mesh that with my beliefs as well as I can and get their food from a local certified humanely raised & handled, pasture-raising farm.
There is no real humane dairy farm. Every dairy farm always has to separate the baby from the mom so that the baby doesn't drink the milk that so many humans drink, which is sad enough. And after their separated the girl babies always leave their moms to become a slave just like them, and i think there isn't any dairy farms that don't sell the baby boys to be killed for meat.
If you want to, its really easy to just switch to rice or almond or soy milk. And those are much healthier than cows milk with all its chemicals, too much protein and not enough calcium compared to the vegan milks. Just try it, its easier than you think.
Farming is a business. Just like any business it has to make a profit. The only way to make a profit is to run the farm businesslike.
Dairy cows are NOT maltreated or malnourished. Quite the opposite in fact. A healthy, well looked after cow will produce lots of milk. Any maltreated animal will soon stop milking. It is in the interests of the farmer to make sure his animals are well looked after.
No Idea.
The majority of dairy farm owners do not mistreat or neglect their cows. They are the main source of income and if they are not healthy, they lose money. Now I'm sure there are people out there that do mistreat or neglect their cows, but not all. I wouldn't mind sitting outside all day, just munching or laying around at my leisure, having someone bring my meals to me. Sounds like the good life to me.
Guernsey farms is a great one.
http://www.guernseyfarmsdairy.com/index.htm
Calders is also a really good one
http://www.calderdairy.com/