Kddcnewsletterseptoct2017small by cbrown1248

KENTUCKY

September - October 2017 w w w. k y d a i r y. o r g

Milk Matters

Supported by

Opportunities and Challenges for Today’s Dairy Industry Find out more on page 6 Are You and the Cows Ready for Winter? Find out more on page 10

The Goodlette Guestworker Act Support Letter Find out more on page 14

Industry Proposes Changing How Fluid Milk is Priced Farm Journal’s MILK By Jim Dickrell

he dairy industry is proposing changing how fluid milk is priced, moving away from the controversial “high of” calculation to one that is more straight forward. In turn, the proposal would make managing risk for both farmers and fluid milk users somewhat easier. The change will be proposed in the next farm bill. In the current Class I mover formula, the “higher of ” the Class III or Class IV price is used to determine Class I. This ensures that fluid milk is priced so that it is always the most attractive home for milk as processors of all stripes compete for it. Since 2001, this “higher of ” provision has added 43¢/cwt to the Class I value. But the “higher of ” formula creates a number of problems for both farmers and fluid milk users in hedging risk because there is no direct hedge for fluid milk, says John Newton, Director, Market Intelligence for the American Farm Bureau Federation. To hedge risk, farmers and processors must either take out Class III or IV futures contracts, but if they pick wrong, they are subject to huge basis risk. Between 2001 and 2017, the basis risk to cross hedge Class I on the

Class III market averaged 47¢/cwt, but ranged from a low of -78¢ to a high of $4.64. The cross hedge to Class IV averaged 90¢ and ranged from -77¢ to $6.68. So, the dairy industry is now proposing that minimum Class I prices be set by a simple average of Class III and IV plus 74¢. “The 74¢ addition to the simple average is in lieu of the ‘higher of ’ mechanism,” says Newton. Using the 50/50 Class III/IV mechanism will allow farmers and fluid milk users to better hedge risk. “The average basis would drop to 2¢, and from 2001 to 2017 would have ranged from -77¢ to $1.03/cwt,” says Newton. “That leaves some risk in the market, but is a substantial improvement over the existing cross-hedging approach.” That would allow major milk retailers such as McDonald’s and Starbucks to hedge their input costs and provide more price stability for customers. “This would [also] reduce the risk of servicing school milk contracts currently held by the milk processors,” says Newton. Having less risk means processors might also be willing to innovate more and come up with unique milk- and milk-based products. “All of these benefits would ultimately help reverse the much longer trend plaguing the dairy industry: Declining per capita consumption of beverage milk products,” says Newton.

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55 gal dip

275 gal dip

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Item #

Product

Gal

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881144001 Lactisan Winter

881144275 Lactisan Winter

275

1289002

Triumph™ Adverse Weather Dip

1289001

Triumph Adverse Weather Dip

1289275

Triumph Adverse Weather Dip

275

88267301

Calf Coat Regular

88267302

Calf Coat Small

For more information, contact your participating DeLaval dealer.

Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

270-576-7001 Call Dave at 270-331-5982 For participating dealers only. No rain checks. Returns of qualifying purchases will result in charges for calf coats previously delivered pursuant to this promotion. DeLaval reserves the right to modify or discontinue this promotion at any time. This promotion is not valid and cannot be combined with any other promotion, discount, coupon, offer, prior purchases, exchange or refund, and it cannot be transferred. No product or cash substitutions. This promotion is valid only while supplies last. www.delaval.com

March-April 2017 • KDDC • PageThe2manufacturer reserves the right to make design changes. LIT#34014v3-0917. Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1296. www.delaval.com.

KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

2017 KDDC Board of Directors & Staff

President’s Corner Richard Sparrow

Executive Committee

he Kentucky State Fair and Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles recognized the outstanding achievement of the Joe Colson family during the 2017 Brown Swiss Dairy Show.

Joe Colson established his registered Brown Swiss in 1947 on his dairy near Corinth. In 1957, Joe’s oldest son Wayne exhibited his 4H project heifer and she was made Junior Champion at the State Fair. This began a legacy of success unequalled by any family in Kentucky in any dairy breed. Members of the Joe Colson family have exhibited over 750 head of registered Brown Swiss during 58 years at the Kentucky State Fair. They won 26 Grand Champion Cow

herd. Wayne and Dwight started Pine Meadow Farm near Hebron. Paul built Colson Hope Farm near Cynthiana. Dean maintained the Alpine Hills dairy near Crittenden. Arnold started Sycamore Knoll Farm at the original dairy near Corinth. Each son’s family continued to show Brown Swiss cattle at the State Fair until the present day; a true legacy of success. I believe the greatest element of showing dairy cattle is families

President: Richard Sparrow Vice President: Charles Townsend, DVM Sec./Treasurer: Tom Hastings EC Member: Tony Cowherd EC Member: Freeman Brundige EC Past President: Bob Klingenfus

Board of Directors District 1: Freeman Brundige 731.446.6248 District 2: Josh Duvall 270.535.6533 District 3: Don Kinslow 270.646.0086 District 4: William Crist Sr. 270.590.3185 District 5: Tony Compton 270.378.0525 District 6: Mark Williams 270.427.0796 District 7: Greg Goode 606.303.2150 District 8: Jerry Gentry 606-875-2526 District 9: Dwight Leslie 859.588.3441 District 10: Richard Sparrow 502.370.6730 District 11: Stewart Jones 270.402.4805 District 12: Larry Embry 270.259.6903 Equipment: Tony Cowherd 270.469.0398 Milk Haulers: Alan Wilson 606.875.7281 Genetics: Dan Johnson 502.905.8221 Feed: Tom Hastings 270.748.9652 Nutrition: Dr. Ron Wendlandt 502.839.4222 Dairy Co-op: Justin Olson 765.499.4817 Veterinary: Dr. Charles Townsend 270.726.4041 Finance: Michael Smith 859.619.4995 Former Pres.: Bob Klingenfus 502.817.3165

Employee & Consultants

awards, and were Premier Breeder of the Brown Swiss show 27 times. Enough blue ribbons to stretch all the way from the fairgrounds in Louisville down I-71 to the present Colson dairy in Crittenden. Over this 58 year time period, each of Joe Colson’s sons branched out and established their own Brown Swiss

working together. Mothers and fathers helping sons and daughters, and grandparents passing the experience to grandchildren. The Joe Colson family has exemplified this trait for almost sixty years, and I hope the 4th generation of Colsons can keep their impressive family tradition going.

Executive Director: Maury Cox 859.516.1129 DC-Central: Beth Cox 859.516.1619 • 270-469-4278 DC-Western: Dave Roberts 859.516.1409 DC-Southern: Meredith Scales 859.516.1966 DC -Northern: Jennifer Hickerson 859.516.2458

KDDC 176 Pasadena Drive Lexington, KY 40503 www.kydairy.org KY Milk Matters produced by Carey Brown

September - October 2017 • KDDC • Page 3

KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

Executive Director Comments Maury Cox 2017 Kentucky Milk Quality Conference

he milk and dairy industry is made up of many organizations, government agencies and associations that make it what it is. Each plays an important and necessary role in making sure the consumer has a nutritious, delicious and safe product on the dairy shelves every day. Recently the Kentucky Milk Safety Branch of the KY Department of Public Health hosted the Kentucky Milk Quality Conference in Western KY. This is the sixth year the conference has been held. The three day event draws many sectors of the industry together, including regulators, marketers, processors, milk haulers, educators, equipment suppliers and dairy producers. The significant aspect of this conference is very seldom do all these groups meet in one forum but Lewis Ramsey, Milk Safety, Branch Manager and his crew do an excellent job of pulling it all together. This is not your typical dairy farmer meeting with a range of topics from new federal regulatory rules to how to do a better job

Immune Stimulants Yeast Mos Probiotics Prebiotics Ionophores Vitamins Feed

Additives Minerals

Chelates Buffers Extracts Essential Oils Enzymes Anions

of on-farm milk sampling. This year, “Artisan Cheese Making” was a featured topic and KY’s artisan cheese makers and those interested in becoming involved in the business were invited. Those that make and sell cheese were asked to bring some samplings as well. Chef Steve Connell, Lake Barkley Lodge Resort was asked to sample and give recommendations on how he might use the different cheeses in a dish. It was excellent planning to have Chef Connell on the program as the last speaker for the day. Most everyone adjourned the meeting ready to go eat! The second night of the event provides a banquet and award ceremony from the Kentucky State Fair Dairy Products Competition. Awards were sponsored by Dairy Products Association of KY. Everyone enjoys good cheddar cheese and chocolate milk, but these awards recognize the best of the best, judged by professional dairy product judges. It is fun to see the winners display as much pride in their products as a 4-H or FFA kid winning a blue ribbon. The KY Milk Safety Branch plays a key role in making sure KY’s dairy farms, milk haulers and processing plants are operating as specified by the FDA, Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, the national standard for milk sanitation. They also have done an excellent job of bringing together people in the industry for a common goal providing safe, wholesome milk and dairy products for consumers.

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September - October 2017 • KDDC • Page 4

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KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

Opportunities and Challenges for Today’s Dairy Industry By Donna M. Amaral-Phillips UK Dairy Nutritionist

or years, my husband and I have subscribed to the Wall Street Journal, a business oriented publication, that not only reports on the financial markets, but has a multitude of articles explaining changes and challenges of different industries and the impact they have on the overall financial market. Based on the contents of these articles, we have had many discussions at the dinner table over how changes in one company impact others and how other industries and companies change in response. One example is the recent purchase of Whole Foods by Amazon and the resulting drop not only in pricing in this food chain, but also the home delivery of food items—a new market for Amazon. The more interesting component is how another major food chain is changing its marketing and pricing strategy as a consequence. In addition, other

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articles have discussed how ones buying power influences long term buying habits where brand loyalty no longer exists and major suppliers of products can no longer dictate price or shelfing space. Essentially, consumers (end-users) and industries using these products are driving changes and not the industries themselves. So what does this have to do with the dairy industry, especially at the farm and producer level. The dairy industry, more than ever, is market driven and more importantly, consumer driven or at least the markets and/or food company’s perception of customer values and beliefs. Global markets directly influence not only pricing, but also packaging and quality standards. One of the best examples relates to expected cell counts for tanker loads of milk. In order to sell dairy products in the EU marketplace, cell counts must be below 400,000, less than the regulatory limit of 750,000. Many processors have lowered this expectation, illustrating how the marketplace drives expectations for the industry down to the farm level. Today with social media, beliefs and perceptions throughout the world influence US customers and more importantly, those who source and market dairy products. Consumers want to understand how their food is produced and pictures and experiences visiting livestock farms leave impressions and form their viewpoints and expectations. Examples which quickly come to mind include cage-free layers and use of gestation stalls in the swine industry. Management practices and our understanding of why certain practices are important continue to evolve at a very fast pace. More emphasis is placed now on harvesting high quality forages and nutrition programs for not only the milking herd, but as importantly, dry cows, calves and heifers. Management practices prior to heifers/cows entering the milking string greatly impact production and health after calving. Prevention of not only clinical, but also subclinical (no visible symptoms) diseases or metabolic disorders, such as ketosis or hypocalcemia (milk fever), is paramount. Enhanced cow comfort through more comfortable resting areas, better cow-time management (i.e. less time in the holding pen), and reductions in heat stress (i.e. through barn design, use of fans and sprinklers at lower environmental temperatures) has allowed cows to better milk to their genetic potential. However, the general skill set needed to manage a dairy has not changed, how this skill set is implemented and used has changed though. Excellent managers still need a strong business mindset where they maximize income, efficiently use assets, and contain costs, but are not afraid to spend money to return additional net income. Dairy managers must manage people first then the cows. Labor management has become more challenging as employees come from diverse cultural backgrounds, expect more flexible hours and time off, or are not willing to complete certain tasks. Other local industries have capitalized on providing these benefits, making labor even more scarce. Even when managing

KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

family labor, both challenges and rewards can exist. Beginning and continual training of labor is needed. Many employees do not come with equipment operation or cow experience and must be trained. Continual training allows employees and young family members the knowledge needed for them and the operation to succeed. Documentation of training is important to prove to our consumers, in this customer-driven industry, we are serious about the care of our animals. Excellent cow managers continue to employ and utilize husbandry skills managers have used for generations. The difference is the initial assessment of cows and the identification of those needing attention can be made using data collected through “precision technologies”. Essentially, this data allows managers to concentrate their efforts on cows needing their attention (i.e. cows needing to be bred or poor-doing fresh cows). Over the next few years, technologies will become more refined and allow for better and more consistent assessment of individual cows. Even for operations which choose not to use technology on-farm, the data generated can help you better manage your operation. For example, many automatic calf feeders record the amount of milk calves drink throughout the day but also the drinking speed.

Research has shown that calves decrease drinking speed one day before they get sick. Thus, the rate at which calves drink their milk needs to be observed even when calves are hand-fed and can give the feeder an early indication the calf is getting sick, allowing for earlier intervention. All industries are now finding themselves in a consumer-driven environment where change is occurring at a faster and faster rate. Changing times present both opportunities and challenges. Labor demands will change how many do business in the future with farmers considering and implementing automation on farm. Those that choose not to implement technologies can still benefit through a better understanding of which factors are important (i.e. improvements in lying time improve production). The dairy industry will need to continue to work together to address consumer concerns, be it education on why certain practices are completed or modifying protocols to address their concerns. The US dairy industry can and needs to learn from the challenges and opportunities presented to other industries. They can provide invaluable information on how to capitalize and make lemonade out of potential lemons on upcoming, consumer-driven changes.

September - October 2017 • KDDC • Page 7

KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

Dixie Dairy Report By Calvin Covington, ccovington5@cs.com, 336-766-7191

September 2017 Decline in fluid milk sales slowing. Fluid milk sales declined in 2016 for the sixth consecutive year. The good news is, the decline of 0.7% from the previous year, is the lowest during this six year period. As shown in the graph below, 2016 fluid sales were 49.7 billion lbs. Fluid sales peaked at 55.5 billion lbs. in 2000. During the past sixteen years, fluid sales declined almost 7 billion lbs. Whole milk sales increasing . A bright spot in fluid sales is whole milk. For the past three years whole milk sales increased. Whole milk sales in 2016 were the highest since 2008. Unfortunately, they

are still only about one-half the sales volume in the early 1980’s. Whole milk sales are now over 30% of total fluid sales, but still below 2% milk’s share of 33.4%. See table below. Skim shows the greatest sales decline. Skim milk sales in 2016 were only about 5 billion lbs, 40% below sales in 2010. Sales of flavored milk have remained steady for the past few years, around 4.6 billion lbs. per year, slightly below skim milk. Increased whole milk sales are a partial contributor to higher butterfat prices. Commodity prices moving lower. Increased production, a growing inventory, and modest domestic demand are placing downward pressure on cheese prices. During the last half of August both block and barrel cheddar, at the CME, dropped about $0.20/lb. As of September 5, block cheddar is $1.5975/lb. and barrels are at $1.5575/lb. CME butter price declined about $0.20/ lb. over the past month, but still remains strong at $2.4375/lb. on September 5. Internationally, the Oceania butter price increased for the past twelve consecutive months, averaging about $2.76/lb. in August. The world supply of milk powder remains heavy. The August AMS nonfat dry milk powder price declined for the third consecutive month to $0.8733/lb. Domestic demand lackluster, but exports up. For the first six months of 2017 compared to the same period last year; conventional fluid milk sales are down 2.3%, organic sales up 0.8%, butter sales are flat, American cheese sales are up 2.4%, and other cheese sales down 0.4%. Exports are significantly higher. For the

Sepember - October 2017 • KDDC • Page 8

KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

Milk Prices FMMO 5

www.malouisville.com September 2017 Class I Advanced Price (@ 3.5% BF) $20.11 October 2017 Class I Advanced Price (@ 3.5% BF) $19.84

FMMO 7 www.fmmatlanta.com September 2017 Class I Advanced Price (@ 3.5% BF) $20.51

first six months of the year butter exports are up 84%, cheese exports up 24%, and milk powder exports up 19%. Exports are 14.3% of total production versus 13.1% a year earlier. July milk production up, but cow numbers down. According to USDA, milk production in July was 1.8% higher than last July. This is the third consecutive month the increase is less than 2%. Production was down in three of the four top milk producing states, California (-0.2%), Idaho (-0.2%), and New York (-0.1%), but was up in Wisconsin (+0.7%). Production continues to recover in Texas (+14.8%) and New Mexico (+8.4%). In Florida, July production is 2% higher, mainly due to 3,000 more cows. Production in Virginia is down 1.2%, due to 2,000

less cows.

October 2017 Class I Advanced Price (@ 3.5% BF) $20.24

Steady blend prices. After increasing about $1.00/cwt. in July, we project blend prices to remain steady in the three southeastern orders for coming months as shown at left below: Producer butterfat prices are projected above $3.00/lb. in all three orders for August and September. World’s largest dairy companies dominated by non-U.S. companies. As shown below, only one U.S. company, DFA, is in the top ten of the world’s largest dairy companies. Nestle is the world’s largest dairy company, followed by two French companies, Danone and Lactalis.

September - October 2017 • KDDC • Page 9

KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

Are You and the Cows Ready for Winter? By: Dr. John Laster

inter is often the best time for quality milk production in the southeast. The weather is crisp, the cows aren’t heat stressed, and the field work is lessened on the farm family. Winter also has its challenges; chapped teats, frozen water, slick facilities surfaces, and equipment challenges; below we are going to discuss some tips to help prepare your farm for the colder months of the year.

Calving hutches and facilities:

Winter calf care can be stressful, and the cold weather can potentially harm calf health. Make sure your dry cow vaccinations, colostrum management, and calf rearing skills are finely tuned. Keep calf hutches sheltered from prevailing winds, and when the weather gets below freezing, calf blankets are a helpful tool to keep calves warm and dry. If calves are housed inside, remember ventilation. There should be a minimum of four air exchanges per hour during winter months; this is a crucial step in prevention of pneumonia. Bedding is also paramount to prevent disease. The wetter the bedding underneath a calf, the more likely the calf is to contract pneumonia, hypothermia, or diarrhea. Inorganic bedding like sand is a good option, and straw can also work well. Regardless of bedding type, the key component to bedding calves appropriately is keeping the bedding dry. If straw is used, add a bale of dry straw at each bedding change; this will allow for a wicking effect to pull moisture away from where the calf lays. Sand harbors little bacteria and allows for good drainage. Add sand liberally to keep calves dry during wet weather, and always move hutches to a new location between calves. Remember, calves will require more calories during cold weather. Regulating body temperature requires energy, so consider smaller, more frequent feedings and adding a little more starch and fat in

Mrs. Alyssa Clements, M.S., P.A.S. Southeast Technical Sales Manager Alyssa.clements@feedcomponents.com (931)-881-8817

the diet to meet their cold weather needs. Always consult your nutritionist for specific formulations before starting a new ration. Consult with your herd veterinarian to discuss calf health, vaccination protocols, and specifics on how to prepare your calf groups for winter. Make sure your calving area is clean, dry, and well bedded. A clean, dry calving area is critical to prevent disease transfer from environment to calf, and to keep the cow from contracting coliform mastitis. Colostrum management is crucial to early calf health. Brixx colostrometers are a commercially viable option to check colostrum quality on a farm. Quality, quantity, and timing of colostrum are all crucial to assuring that each calf has an active and robust immune system. If the quality tests good, the calf should be fed 10% of its body weight in colostrum within six hours. Usually two feedings of two quarts each is sufficient for Holsteins and three quarts total, will give passive transfer in Jerseys. The calves may not have a strong appetite the feeding following colostrum, but they will return to their normal intake within twelve to sixteen hours. If the quality is not good or excellent, colostrum replacement should be mixed and fed immediately. Lifeline Replacement and Saskatoon Colostrum Company both make very good products for colostrum replacement. Supplemental colostrum is different from colostrum replacement, so always check your labels. Most good colostrum replacements will have bovine serum as the first ingredient on the list. A quick way to check if cattle are getting enough colostrum is to check serum protein in the first week of life. If serum protein levels are greater than 5.5 mg/dl, then passive transfer from colostrum has occurred. If the levels are lower than this, the animal should be watched closely for issues from failure of passive transfer, and steps should be changed in the protocol to prevent further issues.

Waterers:

Cows drink large amounts of water within the first hours following milking. Make sure the cows and young stock, have warm, fresh water always. Use a voltmeter to make sure no stray voltage is being transmitted into water troughs with electronic heaters. Water is a crucial and often overlooked step in quality milk production. Check your trough cleanliness also. Are your troughs clean enough for you to drink from? If they are not, spend time before the cold season to get them cleaned and sanitized. Account for ice near high traffic watering troughs. As cows drink, they spill water on the concrete surrounding the troughs, which can cause an ice hazard for cows and workers. Drop a little salt on the area surrounding the troughs prior to cold weather to help dissipate the ice.

Ventilating cow barns:

When cold weather strikes, it’s tempting to roll up the curtains

September - October 2017 • KDDC • Page 10

KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

and wait for spring. Remember that ventilation is critical to prevent diseases and respiratory problems in the winter. According to Nordlund and Cook’s work out of Wisconsin, a minimum of four air exchanges should occur per hour. For more information on cold weather air exchange, visit vetmed.wisconsin.edu and search for “vets vent”.

Grooving concrete:

If your concrete is slick and in need of re- grooving, now is the time to get it done. Slips and injuries can occur quickly on slick, wet concrete, so do all you can to provide cows better footing in the winter.

Equipment and feed:

From milking equipment to farm implements, make sure the critical pieces of equipment on your farm are serviced and prepared for the cold months. Have your equipment dealer maintain and regularly check your milking equipment is essential year-round, but is especially important in the winter months. Check your back up generators; make sure you have two weeks of fuel for generators and implements, and have a plan for what to do in case of generator failures. Feed trucks can have trouble navigating icy roads, so store up about two weeks of extra feed in the coldest winter months. Having a little extra feed around can keep production steady in case of a winter storm.

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Milk trucks:

Like feed trucks, make plans with your hauler detailing how milk will be picked up during a winter storm. Putting a little extra gravel on your driveway, or having a snow plow on a skid steer can make all the difference in getting semitrucks on the farm. Work with neighbors to get road ways clear, and communicate with the milk truck company about the safest route to access the farm.

Equine

Teat dips:

If the weather is colder than 25 degrees Fahrenheit, make sure your cattle are dry prior to exiting the parlor. Frost bite can occur quickly in temperatures under 25 degrees. We advise using a winter dip if the daily forecast will be under 25 degrees; if it is warmer than 25 degrees, traditional dips should be okay. If in doubt, work with your teat dip salesman and veterinarian to formulate a protocol for post dipping in cold weather. Watch teat ends at each milking for signs of frost bite and adjust accordingly. Talk to your vet for specific protocol adjustments for cold weather prep, and good luck with the cows this season!

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September - October 2017 • KDDC • Page 11

KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

Ditch the Rule Waters of the United States, WOTUS The Kentucky Dairy Development Council has weighed in on WOTUS (Waters of the United States) by filing a comment to overturn the rule. Filing comments were due by 9/27/17 and is one step required by the civil process to do away with this overreaching federal rule. Courts have overturned it and the rule has been rescinded by the EPA. KDDC is proud to play a part

in trying to prevent this infringement on farmers and property owner rights from ever becoming a law of the land. We will now cross our fingers and hope enough have commented to resend current wording, and then review or rewrite the regulation. Thank you to those that took the time to comment.

Classified Ads Advertising starts at $25 per issue for classified ads and $100 for business card ads. Call Carey at 859-948-1256 for more information

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September - October 2017 • KDDC • Page 12

Reach All KY Dairy Producers

Don’t miss your chance to reach dairy producers all across the state of Kentucky. There is no other publication that reaches all dairy producers. Call Carey today for more information at 859-948-1256.

KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

Organic Valley Hosts Producer Workshop

very dairy producer is being affected as new protocols for caring for your dairy animals has emerged over the last few years. As most producers are following the FARM program, this summer Organic Valley reached out to their producers and offered a series of vet workshops. The purpose was to help educate how to handle routine procedures and common ailments that have a direct effect on dairy animal’s welfare. Some topics they covered were disbudding procedures, treatment of pink eye, hairy foot warts, scour control, de worming, mastitis and fly control. Dr. Greg Brickner showed producers the disbudding procedure, using Dull It at a rate of 3-5cc squirted under the calf ’s tongue.

Once the Dull It had taken effect, Dr. Brickner demonstrated where to inject 5cc of Lidocaine on each side to numb the area of the horn bud. After allowing 10 minutes for the Lidocaine to take effect a Portasol butane dehorner was used to remove the bud after burning with a scooping motion. After removal it was recommended to administer a wound spray or salve to the area. All this was done with no wrestling with the calf or noticeable discomfort to the calf. The disbudding demonstration was followed by a power point presentation and distribution of literature on pinkeye treatment and prevention. Prevention of ailments is always the best plan, but knowing prevention doesn’t always work treatment of health issues such as heel warts, scours and mastitis were also addressed. Thanks to Organic Valley for hosting these workshops. They were targeted at the organic producers but were very applicable to all producers.

Local anesthetic

Disbudding

By Jennifer Hickerson and Dave Roberts

Portasol butane dehorner

Antiseptic spray

September - October 2017 • KDDC • Page 13

KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

The Goodlette Guestworker Act Support Letter The KDDC Board and numerous Kentucky dairy farmers approved the letter below to be sent to the KY Legislative Delegation. Most farmers agree there needs to be a guest worker program that goes beyond the present H-2A program. After careful review of the Goodlatte Guestworker Act, it is thought this proposal addresses the prominent issues faced by farmers and many of the employees on farms today.

Dairy The Kentucky

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ers

KY Dairy Farm

in tives writing ta en es pr re ry ry st House Judicia d allied indu y n b a d s te er it rm m b fa n 2017” su cky dairy dustry has bee l in tworker Act of l We are Kentu es ra u u G lt l cu ra ri u g a lt “Agricu (R-VA). The a tion and a leg s ra e’ ig tt m la d support of the im oo G on dership airman, Bob realistic , pro-active lea se en Committee Ch -s on s and provides te m u m b ri co tt of a e d os ee rporates th in desperate n e this bill inco v ie el b e W e. force to workforc dequate labor a s n a e v a . h em to omestic worker ucers d od g n pr ri u answers to th ck ec to S es v do the business. crop and li not willing to a sustainable re a It is vital for te y a pl er op m si ly y b a ow they d equit ause man and wonder h efficiently an e difficult bec ed or ss m re e st re om a , and ec s b ely Many farmer r their livestock s. fo has progressiv re rm ca fa er on op ed pr k requir , provide intensive wor mely manner ti a y. in s op cr sses eir times each da e re th or cy that addre o li tw will harvest th po ed on k ti il ra m s e ig b s will concerns are a al labor/imm te on ia ti a ed n m make sure cow a r im fo e e of thes treme need is problem. Som There is an ex th of rt ea h e y to es at th the opportunit em th the major issu e id ov s and pr ws of the s on U.S. farm ng as they abide by the la er follows: k or w en li a ent on as lo Document pres ar of deportati fe e th g in ov a m ers are not in become legal re rm fa y ir a d ck and U.S. atus so livesto st er k or tw es u return to g ployees. try and then Allow longer em n u ew co n e g om in g h in r of tra money extortin return to thei l to a g s le ie constant state il it e n u th rt to g them kers oppo Offer guestwor od of time without subjectin ng a peri are contributi ey th so s. the U.S. after . el .S rt U ca e stem of th ” and drug into the tax sy from “coyotes y pa s er k or estw 017” Have legal gu orker Act of 2 tw es u G l ra u ), we lt dlatte’s (R-VA of the “Agricu financially. oo y d G u ob st B d , n n iry a a iew ittee Chairm ed by most da m is ra After close rev om C es su ry is ia r ic cers, for the majo House Jud cultural produ tten addresses ri submitted by ri g w a y y tl b en en rr tt this l as cu ears to be wri leadership in pp is a h r on believe this bil fo ti e la tt is la g d man Goo proposed le applaud Chair farmers. This e w d n a rs ce odu e a labor agricultural pr sential we hav es is it s se es an ve agri-busin ry has needed ti effort. st or u pp d in su l d ra n a u man ers cult pport to Chair su As dairy farm legal and reliable. The agri ll fu r ou e nd we giv etted, force that is v cy for years a li po er k or tw 17”. /gues ker Act of 20 or tw immigration es u G l ra gricultu Goodlatte‘s “A

September - October 2017 • KDDC • Page 14

DeLaval CF1000S Calf Feeder The future of your farm at your fingertips Benefits of intensive feeding revealed in the research include:

√ Increased milk yields √ Automatic cleaning/calibration √ Lower replacement costs Advantages of automatic feeders from DeLaval: • Monitor animals & machines remotely with CalfApp

• Help maximize feed efficiency and growth rates

• Accurate portions that are freshly prepared at a precise temperature

• Automatic weaning

For more information, contact your local DeLaval Dairy Service:

KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

PRF Crop Insurance by Steve Wade

allow offsetting for fertilizer costs and herbicides and/or irrigation expenses during dry growing seasons.

robably 10 years ago, I began to notice pasture and hay fields which had never been in anything but grass begin to be planted into corn fields. I am talking about fields that we would have never expected to be cropped. I would argue that the main reason for this was not higher grain prices, but the fact that a farmer could plant a crop of corn or soybeans and lock in a high guarantee using federal crop insurance. Livestock enterprises could not compete. The USDA is trying to remedy this. In 2016, The USDA Risk Management Agency opened a risk management tool for pasture and hay ground in Kentucky called Pasture, Rangeland and Forage (PRF) insurance. PRF is designed to provide insurance coverage against the decline in precipitation based on a rainfall index. For insurance purposes, pasture is identified as land that is used for grazing or haying as a source of forage for livestock. Rangeland is native pasture on which livestock graze. Forage is feed for livestock composed of plants grown for grazing or haying. PRF insurance indemnity payments would allow cattle producers to use the additional cash flow generated by a claim to buy feed, make their land and lease payments, or even restock a heard once the drought ends. For hay producers, PRF insurance indemnity payments

RAINFALL INDEX

PRF insures producers based on the average rainfall in their geographic area instead of the producer’s individual farm. Producers receive an indemnity payment when rainfall in their area falls below the normal PRF historical level. The rainfall index is based on National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) data and is based on 17x17 mile grids that smooth the data. This addresses the problem of extreme variability of individual data sets and basic risk which results from being far away from a precipitation data input source.

INDEX INTERVALS

There are 11 index intervals to choose from, allowing for more customization in placing coverage throughout the year where rainfall is determined important. An index interval is a 2-month time period. Losses are calculated based on the deviation from normal precipitation for the grid and index interval(s) selected; however, a producer cannot choose consecutive index intervals (overlapping month). A minimum of 2 index intervals must be selected. Interval options include: January – February February – March March – April April – May

Cowherd Equipment & Rental, Inc.

Cowherd Dairy Supply For chemicals, supplies and more Roto from our dairy to Grind yours,1090 Cowherd’s has all of your dairy needs.

Tire Scraper

Jamesway Pumpeller

Penta 4130

Silage Defacer

Chemicals • Chore-Boy Parts

7, 8, 9, 10, and 12 foot silage bags available, and bunker covers from 25 x 100 all the way up to 100 x 200. J&D Head Locks

• Boumatic Milking Equipment and

• BouMatic Coolers • J&D Manufacturing • IBA Chemicals Baggers for Rent

• Mueller Milk Tanks

For More Information:

Cowherd Equipment & Rental, Inc. 1483 Old Summersville Rd. Campbellsville, KY 42718

Cowherd Dairy Supply 1483 Old Summersville Rd. Campbellsville, KY 42718

270-465-2679 270-469-0398

September - October 2017 • KDDC • Page 16

270-465-2679 or 270-651-2643 Tire Scraper

KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

May – June June – July July – August August – September September – October October – November November – December

FLEXIBILITY TO MANAGE YOUR RISK

The insured value of the crop is based on a countybased value but allows maximum flexibility to meed the risk management needs of your operation. A producer chooses a coverage level between 70 and 90 percent. Also, by selecting a productivity factor, a producer can establish a value between 60 and 150% of the county base value and match the amount of your protection to the value of forage that best represents your specific grazing or hay operation. You are not required to insure all your acres, but you cannot exceed the total number of grazing or haying acres you farm. The program provides protection while allowing you to insure only those acres that are important to your grazing program or hay operation. Producers can insure both owned and leased acres. Lessors under a cash lease are not considered to have a share in the insured crop and cannot purchase this insurance.

And the winner is...You Byron Seeds World Dairy Expo Superbowl Results:

How did we do in 2016? In the 33 years the World Dairy Expo has sponsored the World Forage Analysis Superbowl, there have been only 7 Finalists with over 4000 lbs. of milk per ton; all seven have belonged to Byron Seeds. Five of the ten Grand Champions came from Byron Seeds. 34 of the 100 finalists were Byron Seeds entries.

LOSS NOTIFICATION

Producers do not need to file a claim or submit any documentation for a loss under the PRF policy. Payments will be made after rainfall data is collected for each 2 month index interval and provided to RMA and crop insurance companies, which means that payments may be issued multiple times in a year (after each interval index value is released).

IMPORTANT FEATURES

The PRF insurance program is affordable because the RMA subsidizes 51-59% of the premium. PRF insurance policies offer much lower deductibles and higher “per acre” coverage than a traditional Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy. A producer has the option to only insure the acres that are determined important to their grazing program or hay operation but cannot exceed the total number of grazing or haying acres they operate PRF insurance is acceptable coverage for all Farm Service Agency (FSA) assistance programs.

IMPORTANT DATES

November 15 – Sales Closing/Acreage Reporting Date January 1 – Start of Insurance Period September 1 – Premium Billing Date December 31 – End of Insurance Period The November 15 deadline for purchasing PRF insurance is rapidly approaching. For more information, contact a licensed crop insurance professional. More information is also available from the USDA. https://www.rma.usda.gov/ pubs/rme/prfinsprog.pdf

And we had four Grand Champions last year, and five the year before, and four the year before and . . . How are we doing? The results speak for themselves. Do you want your dairy herd to be part of the winning team? Call Byron Seeds and we’ll show you how your cows can be the real winners. No one else has a winning track record like Byron Seeds. But while Byron forages come out on top, year after year, the real winners are the farmers who grow and feed Byron forages.

Call 800-801-3596 to find out how you can be a part of the winning team.

September - October 2017 • KDDC • Page 17

KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

Kentucky State Fair Winners

Supreme Champion Cow of the Junior Show went to Cam-Bing Armani Mace-Red, Shown by Caleb Cameron, Brodhead, KY.

KCJF Andreas Hail Fire 1st Place Senior Calf, Junior Champion & Unanimous Supreme Champion 2017 Kentucky State Fair. 1st Place Senior Calf, Junior & Supreme Champion of the Kentucky State Fair.

The KY Milk Matters Media Kit

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WHY ADVERTISE IN THE KENTUCKY MILK MATTERS NEWSLETTER? • It is the ONLY publication that goes directly to ALL KY DAIRY FARMERS • KY has more permitted dairy farms than any other state in the Southeast • It goes directly to the decision makers on all KY dairy farms • Over 1,400 KDDC Milk Matters Newsletters are distributed • The Newsletter is available through email and KDDC Website

September-October 2017 • KDDC • Page 18

Keightley & Core Jerseys, Salvisa Kentucky had a magnificent week at Kentucky State Fair. Dreamroad TBone Clumsy now EX 95 was Supreme Champion of the recent Kentucky State Fair. Clumsy also won the award for highest production with a 305 day fat corrected record of over 26,000 lbs.

KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

Allied Sponsors Platinum

S P E C I A L T H A N K S T O O U R

Ag Central Alltech Cowherd Equipment CPC Commodities Bluegrass Dairy & Food Burkmann Feeds Dairy Farmers of America Farm Credit Mid-America Kentucky Department of Agriculture Kentucky Farm Bureau Kentucky Soybean Board Southland Dairy Farmers Trenton Farm Supply Zoetis

Gold Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition Dairy Express Services Dairy Products Assoc. of KY Elanco IDEXX Kentucky Nutrition Service Land O’Lakes Mid-South Dairy Records Owen Transport Purina Select Sires MidAmerica (KABA)

Silver

S P O N S O R S

Afi Milk Grain Processing Corp. KVMA Luttrull Feeds Prairie Farms RSI Calf Systems

Bronze ABS Global Advantage Hoof Care Bagdad Roller Mills Chaney’s Dairy Double “S” Liquid Feed Genetics Plus Hinton Mills Lallemand Smith Creek, Inc Wilson Trucking

September-October 2017 • KDDC • Page 19

Non-Profit US Postage PAID

176 Pasadena Drive Lexington, KY 40503 859.516.1129 ph www.kydairy.org

2017 Dairy Calendar of Events October 2017

November 10 ADA of KY District 4 MTG., Claudia Sanders Dinner House, Shelbyville, KY, 7:00 P.M. E.T. October 21 Dare to Dairy, University of Kentucky, November 13 ADA of KY District 8 MTG., Lindsey Wilson Coldstream Dairy, Lexington, KY College, Roberta D. Cranmer Dining Center, October 23 ADA of KY District 9 MTG. Marcella’s Farm to Columbia KY 7:00 P.M. C.T., ADA of KY Fork Restaurant, Mt. Vernon, KY 7:00 P.M.E.T. Districts 2,3,and 7 MTG., Cave City Convention October 30 ADA of KY District 1 MTG, Christian Co. EXT. Center, Cave City, KY 7:00 P.M. C.T. Office, Hopkinsville, 7:00 P.M.

November 2017

December 2017

November November November November November November

Nov. 30- Dec. 2 Kentucky Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, Louisville, KY December 8 KDDC Board Meeting TBA

1 ADA of KY District 10 MTG, Blue Licks State Park, Carlisle KY 7:30 P.M. E.T. 3-12 North American International Livestock Exhibition, Louisville, KY 3 KDDC Board Meeting – NAILE, KY Fair and Expo Center, Louisville, KY 6 ADA of KY District 5 MTG., Taylor Co. Ext. Office, Campbellsville, KY 7:00 P.M. E.T. 8-9 5th Annual Southeast Quality Milk Conference, Inn at Opryland, Nashville, Tenn. 09 ADA of KY District 6 MTG., Washington Co. Ext. Office, Springfield, KY 7:00 P.M. E.T.

Milk Matters September- October 2017

February 2018 February 27 KDDC Young Dairy Producer Conference, Sloan Convention Center, Bowling Green, KY February 27 Dairy Awards Banquet, Sloan Convention Center, Bowling Green KY February 28 KY Dairy Partners Meeting and Industry Trade Show, Sloan Convention Center, Bowling Green, Ky