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KENTUCKY

May-June 2014 w w w. k y d a i r y. o r g

Supported by

Milk Matters Helping KY Dairies with Environmental Regulations Find out more on pages 5 Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange Set for July 29-30 More info on page 14

Raise a Glass (of Milk), Toast Dairy Month Governor Proclaims June Dairy Month in Kentucky

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overnor Steve Beshear recognized the official beverage ice cream. During June, the Kentucky Dairy Development Council (KDDC), of Kentucky by proclaiming June 2014 Dairy Month in Southeast United Dairy Industry Association (SUDIA), the Dairy the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Gov. Beshear signed Processors Association of Kentucky (DPAK) and the Kentucky a proclamation recognizing the importance of Kentucky’s dairy Department of Agriculture (KDA) will celebrate dairy month with industry to the Commonwealth. special events across the state. “I urge all Kentuckians to support Kentucky’s dairy industry, and to The theme for this year’s celebration is “Dairy Packs Power!” Dairy salute Kentucky’s dairy farmers and processors for their contributions foods offer nine essential nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, to Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “The Kentucky Agricultural protein and potassium, which play key roles in building strong bones Development Fund has helped the regrowth of Kentucky’s dairy and teeth. Milk, cheese and industry with more than $13 yogurt “pack power” with million in grants and loans protein and are a healthy related to the dairy industry.” part of a balanced, nutritious Dairy farming is a family diet. tradition, one that has been a Take time to celebrate June way of life for many generations. Dairy Month by enjoying Kentucky dairy farmers and the many dairy products processors are proud to provide available locally, including consumers and their families an ice cold glass of milk with safe, wholesome dairy foods. – the official beverage of They take pride in producing Kentucky. a nutritious product for their For more information about neighbors and communities. the Southeast United Dairy More than 125 million Industry Association (SUDIA), gallons of milk are produced visit www.southeastdairy.org on Kentucky farms. In 2013, or visit www.junedairymonth. cash receipts from the sale of org for ways to celebrate the milk were nearly $226 million, occasion. making a vital contribution For more information on Gov. Steve Beshear proclaims June 2014 Dairy Month in Kentucky. to the economy of Kentucky. Agricultural leaders in attendance (l to r): Roger Thomas, Governor’s Kentucky’s dairy industry Kentucky also boasts several contact the Kentucky Dairy Office of Agricultural Policy (GOAP); Maury Cox, Kentucky Dairy dairy processing facilities that Development Council at (859) Development Council (KDDC); Bill McCloskey, GOAP; Kristen produce a variety of dairy Branscum, Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA); Richard Sparrow, 516-1129 or by e-mail at kddc@ products, including gourmet KDDC; Eunice Schlappi, KDA; Denise Jones, Southeast United Dairy dairy.org. Visit www.kyproud. cheeses, yogurts, cottage cheese, com to find Kentucky dairy Industry Association (SUDIA); Jeff Deener, SUDIA; and Jeff Tapp, bottled milk, salad dressings and Winchester Farms Dairy. Photo: Kentucky Office of Creative Services products near you.


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

2014 KDDC Board of Directors & Staff Executive Committee President: Richard Sparrow Vice President: Charles Townsend, DVM Sec./Treasurer: Tom Hastings EC Member: Tony Cowherd EC Past President: Bob Klingenfus

Board of Directors District 1: Lesa Elliot Clark 270.210.3743 District 2: Open District 3: Don Kinslow 270.646.0086 District 4: William Crist, Sr. 270.590.3185 District 5: Tony Cowherd 270.469.0398 District 6: Todd Burgess 270.427.6403 District 7: Larry Baxter 859.612.2738 District 8: Charlie Edgington 859.229.0442 District 9: Robert List 606.748.2944 District 10: Richard Sparrow 502.370.6730 District 11: Bill Mattingly 270.699.1701 District 12: Larry Embry 270.259.6903 Equipment: Eric Risser 423.368.7753 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: Fabian Bernal 859.351.0610 Veterinary: Dr. Charles Townsend 270.726.4041 Finance: Open Former Pres.: Bob Klingenfus 502.817.3165

Employee & Consultants Executive Director: Maury Cox 859.516.1129 DC-Central: Teri Atkins 859.516.1619 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

May - June 2014 • KDDC • Page 2

President’s Corner Richard Sparrow

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lthough many dairy farmers across Kentucky are well-acquainted with me, there are a number that aren’t. Therefore, I’d like to share a little about my background. I am a first-generation dairy farmer. I bought my first Brown Swiss calf at the Ky. National Show and Sale in October of 1962. Mowing yards all summer enabled me to meet the $75 purchase price of my calf. Boy, have times changed.

Through high school I milked cows and sold canned milk to the local Kraft Foods plant in Owenton. I also worked summers in the plant receiving canned milk. Poor quality milk in those days was determined when the can was turned upside down and nothing came out. Again, times have really changed. Upon graduation f rom the

we have to constantly keep in mind that we make a food product that must be safe and wholesome. Our work is not just about the product; it is also about the passion we have for the animals we care for. Although I have seen many newborn calves over the years, my heart still races when I discover a snowy white heifer calf at 5:30 in

It is a source of pride to see that with a balanced ration and comfortable housing, our cows perform that twelve-hour miracle of milk production. University of Kentucky in 1978, I began working with a milk cooperative, Cincinnati Cooperative Milk Sales. I continued working with dairy farmers, milk haulers and processors for 33 years. Throughout this time, my constant goal was to help improve the dairy farmer’s situation. Over the years, my sons and I began building our Brown Swiss herd. In 2012, after our cows had been housed in two different freestall operations, one tie-stall barn, and a bedded pack barn, our family built our own dairy operation in Owen County. Presently, we milk around 40 registered Brown Swiss with a 23,000 lb. rolling herd average, housed in a compost pack barn. We take great pride in the quality of milk that we produce for the consumer, and as dairy farmers,

the morning. I am equally excited for a home-bred first-calf heifer to freshen. It is a source of pride to see that with a balanced ration and comfortable housing, our cows perform that twelve-hour miracle of milk production. I have been involved with the Kentucky Dairy Development Council since its inception, and I believe that KDDC has improved the dairy industry in Kentucky. The MILK Program has put muchneeded dollars back into dairy farmers’ pockets. The farm visits our consultants make help Kentucky dairy farmers on a daily basis. KDDC is the voice of Kentucky dairy. We face many challenges in the future, both as an organization and an industry. I will do my part to help in any way I can.


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

Executive Director Comments Maury Cox

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ay and June are busy times for dairy producers. Farmers are finishing with the planting of corn and beans, cutting hay, trimming pastures, wheat/straw harvest, along with spending time at the county fairs to show off prized dairy animals. June is National Dairy Month and it is the time of year folks get together to show appreciation to the hard-working dairy farmers in the community and enjoy nutritious, delicious dairy products. The KDDC staff has been busy attending the many events across the Commonwealth fulfilling the KDDC Mission: “To educate, represent and promote KY dairy producers and foster an environment for growth of the KY dairy industry”. One of the ways we continue to focus on the KDDC mission is through educational meetings such as the “Managing Poo Begins with You” regional seminars. This collaborative effort involving the UK College of Ag, KY Farm Bureau, The KY Division of Compliance and the KDDC is the first step in helping KY dairy farmers come closer to protective compliance on the KY Ag Water Quality Plans (KAWQP). This is just not about being protected or in compliance. It is about profitability by building soil health and fertility, utilizing the nutrients produced on your farm to the maximum while decreasing fertilizer costs. For livestock producers the KAWQP provides two options for nutrient management plans. One is the KY Nutrient Management Plan (KyNMP) and the other is the Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP). Although the KyNMP provides compliance as it concerns the KY Division of Water (DOW ), it does not qualify for NRCS programs. The CNMP must be

May - June 2014 • KDDC • Page 4

completed by a certified Technical Service Provider (TSP) and it provides access to many more conservation programs through the NRCS. We will be talking more about the CNMP and TSP in upcoming newsletters. Another concern the KDDC has in the area of water is a recent proposed rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps). The rule would expand their regulatory authority under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to puddles, ponds, ditches, ephemerals (land that looks like a small stream during heavy rain but isn’t wet most of the time) giving the agencies the power to dictate land-use decisions and farming practices in or near them. According to the American Farm Bureau as reported on its website, http:// ditchtherule.fb.org/, “The rule will make it more difficult to farm or change a farming operation to remain competitive and profitable.” We want to thank, Joe Cain, Director, Commodity Division, Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation and KFB for partnering with us on the “Poo” meetings and keeping the KDDC Board up to speed on the EPA proposal and the efforts of the AFB to “Ditch the Rule” to protect agriculture. Please go to their website to sign a petition and voice your thoughts. It is the actions of agencies like the EPA and their proposed rule that substantiates the need for KY livestock farmers and especially dairy farmers to have a nutrient management plan and to keep updated records in the event you receive a visit from a KY DOW inspector. The KDDC continues to seek these relationships and collaborative efforts to do the best we can to work daily for all aspects of farming for KY dairy producers. Celebrating and promoting June Dairy Month is a very enjoyable part of working for KDDC along with knowing together we are making a difference for the KY dairy industry. Have a great summer!


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

Helping Kentucky Dairies with Environmental Regulations By Dave Roberts

A meeting was held May 27th for dairy producers in Trigg County interested in getting in compliance with Kentucky environmental regulations. This meeting was the first of Kentucky Dairy Development Council’s (KDDC) second round of meetings to address Kentucky Division of Water’s (Ky DOW) regulations. Over 40 percent of the Trigg County producers were in attendance. The goal was for every producer to complete a Kentucky Ag Water Quality Plan (AWQP), KY No Discharge Operation Permit (KNDOP) and receive instruction how to begin a Kentucky Nutrient Management Plan (KyNMP) by the end of the meeting. I am glad to report we met that goal and also had time for a delicious roast beef lunch provided by the Conservation District. Achieving this was a combined effort and I would like to thank

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Steve Higgins, Director of Animal and Environmental Compliance (UK), Susan Kyler of the Trigg County Conservation District, Leslie Glass Fourquean of the Christian County Conservation District, Maury Cox, Teri Atkins and Meredith Scales of KDDC. The Kentucky Dairy Development Council’s Board of Directors has directed KDDC consultants to hold a second round of regional meetings to educate KY dairy producers on the KY DOW regulations. This effort is to bring more dairy farmers across the state into compliance with those regulations so they are prepared when the KY DOW inspects their farm. Meeting dates will be scheduled in September, so watch your mail for a notice of the meeting nearest you. As most producers know, the KDDC Board of Directors is made up of KY dairy farmers and dairy allied industry representatives and has the best interests of the dairy producers across KY at heart. Compliance to environmental regulations is becoming more important to agricultural

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operations every day. The good news is if properly utilized, the KY AWQP can actually help protect the producer, to some extent, from penalties and fines even if violations are found. The KyNMP can also assist a producer in increasing the farm’s fertility and lowering costs by applying nutrients where they are most needed. The KNDOP is required by the KY DOW like the permit that the KY Milk Safety Branch issues in order to sell Grade A milk in the state. Those that will be helping producers complete the forms are knowledgeable of these regulations but are not state regulators. These meetings are to help prepare producers to be ready when they get a visit from state regulators. The KY DOW inspectors will be visiting every permitted dairy farm in the state to fulfill their duties as they determine if those farms are in compliance. This second round of meetings will probably be the only ones offered to assist you in filling out the needed forms. KDDC wants all dairies across the state to be prosperous and in compliance with the law.

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May - June 2014 • KDDC • Page 5


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

2014 Farm Bill - Summary of the Dairy Title Provisions Margin Protection Program - National Milk Producers Federation

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he main feature of the new Farm Bill Dairy Title is the Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program. The Margin Protection Program is a new and unique safety net program that will provide dairy producers with indemnity payments when actual dairy margins are below the margin coverage levels the producer chooses on an annual basis. Its focus is to protect farm equity by guarding against destructively low margins, not to guarantee a profit to individual producers. The Farm Bill requires the Margin Protection Program to be established no later than September 1, 2014. The program supports producer margins, not prices and is designed to address both catastrophic conditions as well as prolonged periods of low margins. Under this program, the “margin” will be calculated monthly by USDA and is simply defined as the all-milk price minus the average feed cost. Average feed cost is determined using a feed ration that has been developed to more realistically reflect those costs associated with feeding the entire dairy farm enterprise consisting of milking cows, heifers, and other related cost elements. Margin Protection Program details are as follows: 1. All dairy operations will be eligible to participate in the program. If one or more dairy producers participate in the production and marketing of milk on a single operation, all producers will be treated as a single dairy operation. If a dairy producer operates two or more operations, each operation will be required to register separately to participate in the program. 2. In the first year of the Margin Protection Program, coverage will be limited solely to the volume of milk equivalent to the producer’s production history. Production history is defined as the highest level of annual milk production during 2011, 2012 or 2013. In subsequent years, annual adjustments to the producer’s production history will be made based on the national average

Marketings Under 4 Million Pounds Coverage Level Premiums* $4.00 None $4.50 $.01 $5.00 $.025 $5.50 $.04 $6.00 $.055 $6.50 $.09 $7.00 $.217 $7.50 $.30 $8.00 $.475 May - June 2014 2014 • KDDC • Page 6

growth in overall US milk production as estimated by USDA. Any growth beyond the national average increase will not be protected by the program. 3. In 5 percent increments, producers will be able to protect from 25 percent up to 90 percent of their production history. 4. Producers will be able to select margin protection coverage at 50 cent increments beginning at $4 per cwt. through $8 per cwt. Premiums will be fixed for 5 years (through 2018) and are as follows: *Except for the premium at the $8.00 level, these premiums will be reduced by 25 percent for each of calendar years 2014 and 2015 and only for marketings under 4 million pounds. 5. Payments will be made to producers based on the percentage of their production history they have chosen to protect (25-90 percent) and the level of margin coverage they have selected ($4.50 to $8 per cwt). Payments will be distributed when margins fall below $4 (or below the selected level of coverage if a producer has selected a level above $4), averaged over any of these consecutive two-month periods: Jan-Feb, Mar-Apr, MayJun, Jul- Aug, Sep-Oct, Nov-Dec. 6. Farmers will pay an annual administrative fee of $100 in order to access the new Margin Protection Program. 7. Should conditions warrant, the MILC payments will be temporarily available for dairy producers until the implementation of the Margin Protection Program or September 1, 2014 – whichever occurs first. An Internet interactive dashboard developed by John Newton, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign allows dairy farmers an opportunity to plug in different numbers for their operation to see historically how the program works and at what levels of coverage might fit them best. The link to the dashboard and instructions can be found at: http://farmdocdaily.illinois. edu/2014/05/2014-farm-bill-mpp-dairy-dashboard.html or you can go to www.kydairy.org and scroll down and click on the: Information you can use for the Margin Protection Program for Dairy. Side by Side Comparisons. To read more about the dashboard tool. Additional details will be coming regarding the Margin Protection Program and KDDC will report to the KY dairy farmers as we learn more.

Marketings Over 4 Million Pounds Coverage Level Premiums $4.00 None $4.50 $.02 $5.00 $.04 $5.50 $.10 $6.00 $.155 $6.50 $.29 $7.00 $.83 $7.50 $1.06 $8.00 $1.36


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Springfield, KY 40069 Tel: +1.859.336.7643 Fax: +1.859.336.5218 1117 Cleveland Avenue Glasgow, KY 42141 Tel: +1.270.651.2146 Fax: +1.270.651.8844

g U G March May - June - April2014 2014• KDDC 2014 • •KDDC Page •7Page 7


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

Every Cent Counts - KDDC MILK Program By Teri Atkins

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217 participants, 157 dairy farmers qualified and received a piece of the highest yearly total thus far, $983,436.04. That is several dollars; however the most remarkable number is the pounds of milk produced over the base, 29,477,661 pounds. This is a five percent increase in milk over the 2011/2012 bases for the farms enrolled in the MILK Program.

he KDDC Milk Incentive and Leadership in Kentucky (MILK) Program continues to put more and more money directly into the pockets of KY dairy producers. This is not a program that you find just anywhere. The MILK The most remarkable Program is unique in the fact that KDDC, through a grant from the KY number is the pounds of Ag Development Funds (KADF), and the milk marketing agencies split the milk produced over the base, incentive paid to producers 50/50. 29,477,661 pounds. This The incentive is based on quality and production. After seven full years of is a f ive percent increase in the MILK Program, there has been $4,481,424.93 in incentives paid milk over the 2011/2012 directly to the producers participating in the program. This accounts for bases for the farms enrolled in nearly 30 percent of all KY producers the MILK Program. and for more than 50 percent of all milk produced in the state. Each year, we often hear the same comments, “I can’t get that money this year”, yet KDDC has increased the amount paid to producers year after year. In 2013 there were a total of 217 producers enrolled in the MILK Program. Of those

May - June 2014 • KDDC • Page 8

The normal yearly trend is to see a very high first quarter payment. The first quarter of 2014 has already come and gone and it was the second highest quarter in program history with a total payout of $395,324.96. It is fascinating to watch the KY dairy industry become more and more progressive. Producers are concerned with the well-being of their cattle as well as the quality milk they produce. Will we reach the $1,000,000 in 2014?

It is not too late to get involved in the KDDC MILK Program. If you are a KY dairy producer and you would like to receive additional incentives for producing good quality milk, or you need some help getting your quality to the incentive standards, contact your local KDDC Dairy Consultant . We would love to help you.


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

Kentucky Beef Promotion Check-off Program By Maury Cox

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entucky has a 38 year history of a Beef Promotion Check-off Program. KY cattle producers understood the importance of promoting their product so 10 years before there was a National Program, KY developed their own. Created in 1976, KRS 247.610 called for a ten cent per head check-off. Then in 1986 the Federal Beef Promotion Act was created and the KY program was amended accordingly. Additional amendments have occurred since then which have resulted in the present national check-off promotion program in place of $1.00 per head with $0.50 going to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and $0.50 staying in KY and managed by the KY Beef Council. During the 2012 KCA Convention a resolution was passed to amend legislation that would allow for additional funding to be collected. This process resulted in a 2013 Legislative amendment to KRS 247.610 which allowed for the addition of a state checkoff up to $1.00 per head in addition to the $1.00 per head national check-off program. Some highlights from KRS 247.610: • Funds can be used to create a program of research, market development and education to increase the domestic and foreign

consumption, use, sale and markets for bovine animal products. • KY Dept. of AG maintains oversight responsibility to ensure the integrity of the program • Funds must be held outside the state treasury. • No single assessment levied under any referendum shall exceed one dollar ($1) on each bovine animal marketed. • State funds are refundable by completing appropriate forms. • KCA will serve as the management entity. Kentucky is not the first state to consider a state check-off increase. Presently North Carolina, Alabama, Ohio and Georgia all have a $1.00 check-off with Tennessee having $0.50. Texas voted June 2-6, 2014 to increase to $1.00, and it was just announced that it passed. The additional funds would be allocated for promoting and stimulating, research, market development and education. A dedicated staff member would be hired to oversee the program to effectively implement the beef check-off projects. There may be opportunities to partner with the KY Beef Council, the Kentucky Dairy Development Council and the Kentucky Beef Network and other established entities to implement some programing requirements effectively. A State Task Force representing stakeholders has met and began the process. The next steps are to schedule another meeting of the task force to structure the state check-off and to develop a timeline for a referendum. The KDDC will keep KY dairy farmers informed as the KY Beef Promotion Check-off proceeds.

Telephone: (800) 489-1868 • www.selectsires.com

May - June 2014 • KDDC • Page 9


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

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

$2.25/cwt. lower than the average for the first half of the year.

1

2 consecutive months of higher blend price. Since May of last year, blend prices in all three southeast orders increased each month. We project May will make it 13 consecutive months of price increases. Projected May blend prices are: $29.01/cwt.; $26.88/cwt.; and $26.45/ cwt. for the Florida, Southeast, and Appalachian orders, respectively. Due to lower cheese and nonfat dry milk prices, prices will decline in June. June blend prices are projected about $1.50 - $1.75/cwt. lower than May. Even with this decline, June blend prices will be about $4.00/cwt. higher than June a year ago. For the last half of 2014 we project blend prices to average about

Cheese and powder decline, butter increases. The May CME block cheddar cheese price is $2.02/lb. This is down about $0.22/lb. from April. Look for blocks to stay below $2.00/lb. for the remainder of the year, except for a slight increase in September. The May AMS nonfat dry milk powder price was $1.88/lb. This is the first time this year the monthly average is below $2.00/lb. Due to weaker international prices and sales, we project the powder price to decline through the end of the year. On the other hand the average monthly CME butter price has increased each month this year with the May price averaging $2.17/lb. The higher butter price is attributed to lower production and inventories. USDA reports the ending April butter inventory is down

DIXIE DAIRY REPORT - JUNE 2014 published by Calvin Covington, ccovington5@cs.com, 336-766-7191

Class I Mover $ Per Cwt. (3.5% fat) J F M A 2012 $18.80 $17.03 $16.30 $15.66 2013 $18.97 $18.21 $17.80 $17.66 2014 $21.48 $22.02 $23.64 $23.65 Class I Mover $ Per Cwt. (2.0% fat) 2012 $16.39 $14.63 $14.00 $13.54 2013 $16.55 $15.94 $15.51 $15.26 2014 $19.05 $19.68 $20.86 $20.90 CME Cheese $ Per lb. 2012 $1.55 $1.48 $1.48 $1.50 2013 $1.70 $1.64 $1.62 $1.82 2014 $2.23 $2.19 $2.36 $2.24 NASS Nonfat Dry Milk Powder $ Per lb. 2012 $1.39 $1.38 $1.33 $1.25 2013 $1.56 $1.56 $1.52 $1.53 2014 $2.03 $2.08 $2.09 $2.02 CME Butter $ Per lb. 2012 $1.58 $1.43 $1.43 $1.41 2013 $1.49 $1.57 $1.64 $1.72 2014 $1.75 $1.80 $1.91 $1.94 Federal Order Blend Price Per Cwt.(3.5% fat) Florida - Tampa 2012 $23.11 $21.34 $20.83 $20.31 2013 $23.32 $22.90 $22.59 $22.50 2014 $26.18 $27.24 $28.19 $28.45 Southeast - Atlanta 2012 $21.07 $19.38 $18.62 $18.24 2013 $21.50 $21.05 $20.70 $20.80 2014 $24.77 $25.81 $26.56 $26.73 Appalachian - Charlotte 2012 $20.78 $19.22 $18.48 $18.10 2013 $21.10 $20.66 $20.29 $20.42 2014 $24.28 $25.38 $26.02 $26.31

May - June 2014 • KDDC • Page 10

M $15.85 $17.76 $24.47

J $15.24 $18.93 $22.86

J $15.51 $18.91 $22.25

A $16.55 $18.88 $21.57

S $17.59 $19.16 $21.01

O $18.88 $19.20 $20.63

N $20.70 $20.20 $20.03

D $21.39 $20.37 $19.77

Avg. $17.46 $18.84 $21.95

$13.67 $15.24 $21.46

$13.25 $16.43 $19.74

$13.48 $16.59 $18.87

$14.26 $16.69 $18.37

$15.01 $17.06 $17.89

$16.06 $17.20 $17.60

$17.73 $17.92 $17.09

$18.49 $18.20 $16.92

$15.04 $16.55 $19.04

$1.52 $1.81 $2.02

$1.63 $1.71 $2.00

$1.69 $1.71 $1.97

$1.83 $1.75 $1.96

$1.92 $1.80 $2.02

$2.08 $1.82 $1.94

$1.91 $1.85 $1.87

$1.74 $1.94 $1.82

$1.69 $1.76 $2.05

$1.16 $1.64 $1.88

$1.10 $1.69 $1.78

$1.17 $1.73 $1.75

$1.25 $1.77 $1.71

$1.38 $1.81 $1.69

$1.46 $1.84 $1.65

$1.51 $1.89 $1.64

$1.54 $1.95 $1.62

$1.33 $1.71 $1.83

$1.35 $1.60 $2.17

$1.48 $1.51 $2.15

$1.58 $1.48 $2.05

$1.77 $1.40 $2.00

$1.88 $1.52 $1.95

$1.91 $1.53 $1.90

$1.79 $1.61 $1.85

$1.56 $1.60 $1.80

$1.60 $1.56 $1.94

$19.98 $22.47 $29.01

$19.73 $23.27 $27.49

$20.20 $23.44 $26.69

$21.46 $23.56 $26.24

$22.40 $23.86 $25.62

$23.70 $24.28 $25.26

$25.12 $24.92 $24.69

$24.90 $25.28 $24.23

$21.92 $23.53 $26.61

$18.07 $20.89 $26.88

$17.86 $21.31 $25.08

$18.64 $21.57 $24.72

$19.95 $21.81 $24.42

$20.87 $22.10 $23.87

$22.35 $22.58 $23.55

$23.47 $23.36 $23.17

$22.72 $23.74 $22.67

$20.10 $21.78 $24.85

$17.69 $20.46 $26.45

$17.45 $21.00 $24.77

$18.04 $21.26 $24.40

$19.32 $21.35 $23.97

$20.32 $21.72 $23.49

$21.85 $22.25 $23.22

$22.88 $22.72 $22.53

$22.28 $23.26 $22.18

$19.70 $21.37 $24.42


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

Milk Prices FMMO 5

www.malouisville.com June 2014 Class I Advanced Price (@ 3.5% BF) $26.26 July 2014 Class I Advanced Price (@ 3.5% BF) $26.42

FMMO 7

44% from last April, and April butter production down almost 5%. We project butter to remain above $2.00/lb. until the last quarter of the year. April milk production only up slightly. According to USDA, April’s milk production was only up 1% compared to April a year ago. Milk production in California was up 1.5% while production in Wisconsin was down 0.3%. Texas led the nation with April milk production 8.7% higher than last April. Florida continues to produce more milk as well, with April production up 2.3%. The nation’s dairy herd continues to expand with 10,000 cows added in April. Outside the U.S., milk production in the European Union is up 5.8% for the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. Down under, New Zealand milk production is up 7.6% for the season to date.

all-milk price at $20.20/cwt. which is $2.65/cwt. lower than the current 2014 projection, and $0.15/cwt. higher than 2013. New Zealand’s Fonterra announced a milk price for the coming season that is 17% lower than the current season.

www.fmmatlanta.com June 2014 Class I Advanced Price (@ 3.5% BF) $26.66 July 2014 Class I Advanced Price (@ 3.5% BF) $26.82

Shipments of milk out of Florida up 16%. Using numbers reported by Dairy Market News, from January through May of this year, 1,953 tanker loads of milk were shipped out of Florida. This is 16% more loads compared to the same period last year.

Strong first quarter for exports. For the first quarter of 2014 compared to 2013, butter exports are up almost 100%; cheese exports up 42%; and powder exports up 19%. Look for dairy exports to soften the remainder of the year. This is due to higher domestic prices relative to international prices, strong milk production outside of the U.S., and heavy Chinese inventories of milk powder.

Poor first quarter for fluid milk sales. Conventional fluid milk sales for the first quarter of 2014 compared to 2013 are down 2.2% while organic fluid milk sales are up 15.6% for the same period. Organic represented about 5% of total fluid milk sales during the first quarter of 2014. First quarter fluid milk sales in the Appalachian, Florida, and Southeast federal orders are down 2.4%, 1.7%, and 1.3%, respectively, compared to a year ago.

USDA releases its first price projections for 2015. In its May 2014 report, USDA projects the 2014 all-milk price to average $22.85/cwt. This compares to the 2013 all-milk price of $20.05/cwt. USDA projects the 2015

Retailers absorbing much of higher raw milk prices. For the first four months of 2014 the average whole milk retail price is up $0.15/gallon while the raw milk cost is up $0.37/gallon.

May - June 2014 • KDDC • Page 11


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

Obituary

T

he Kentucky dairy industry lost two dedicated dairymen during May. Carl Lewis, Brodhead and Jimmy Wright, Russellville. We want to express our sadness in the loss of these wonderful gentlemen and appreciation for their years of service to Kentucky’s dairy industry.

Jimmy Wright

Jimmy Wright, 57, of Halls Store Road, Russellville, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2014 at his home. He was a Davidson County native, born November 6, 1956. He was a dairy farmer, a Board Director of the Kentucky Dairy Development Carl Lewis Council and was a member of New Mr. Carl E. Lewis age 68, of Vision Community Church. Brodhead, Kentucky, husband of He is survived by his wife, Mary Nancy J. Brown Lewis, passed Lou Wright; parents, James Wright, away Monday May 26, 2014 at Sr. and Erminie Wright of West Point, Miss.; son, Blake Wright his residence after battling a long (Courtney) of Russellville; daughter, Jenny Rogers (Brad) of illness. Russellville; brothers, Tim Wright of White Hall, Ill., and Carl was born on September Michael Wright of West Point, Miss.; sister, Debbie Golson of 4, 1945 in Stanford, Kentucky. West Point, Miss.; grandchildren, Delaney Wright and Luke He was the son of the late Verna Rogers and several nieces and nephews. Lewis. On March 5, 1966, he was united in matrimony to Nancy J. Parents ~ James Wright, Sr. and Erminie Wright ~ West Point, Brown Lewis and from that union came two children. Carl Mississippi was a dairy farmer and a member of Walnut Grove Church of Christ. And he enjoyed milking cows, raising tobacco, and 1 Son ~ Blake Wright (Courtney) ~ Russellville, KY most of all playing with his granddaughter Callie. 1 Daughter ~ Jenny Rogers (Brad) ~ Russellville, KY

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May - June 2014 • KDDC • Page 12


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

Tobacco Agreement Will Restore 2014 Agriculture, Early Childhood, Health Care Budget Cuts Frankfort, KY (June 12, 2014)

G

overnor Steve Beshear and Attorney General Jack Conway today announced a victory not only for Kentucky farmers, but also for critical health care and early childhood services funded by the 1998 tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). As a result of the agreement between Kentucky and tobacco manufacturers prompted by an adverse ruling in the 2003 MSA arbitration proceeding, the state has settled 10 years of disputed claims and litigation, starting with 2003 payments and running through 2012. The settlement relieves the state from the financial and administrative burden of litigating disputes over events that occurred a decade ago, and provides a framework for evaluating the parties’ obligations going forward. It also ensures that Kentucky will continue receiving its MSA payments. With this agreement, Kentucky joins 22 other states that have elected to settle NonParticipating Manufacturer MSA disputes. Under the agreement announced today, Kentucky receives $110.4 million in disputed and related payments and will avoid a long and expensive legal battle. Combined with the $48.3 million in payments already received this fiscal year, the total MSA payments for FY14 total is $158.7 million, which is $67.9 million more than budgeted for FY14. However, estimated receipts for FY15 are $26.6 million less than budgeted, and FY16 are $15.9 million more. Overall, Kentucky stands to receive $57.2 million more in MSA payments over the next three years than budgeted. “Our first priority with this money is to fully restore $42.5 million in 2014 budget cuts in areas like lung cancer research, county agriculture funds, and early childhood oral and mental health assistance, while maintaining this level of funding in 2015,” Gov. Beshear said. “This agreement will ensure funding availability for future investments in these programs that continue to have a positive impact on the Commonwealth.” “The settlement ends a long-running dispute and restores certainty to Kentucky’s annual payments from the 1998 Master

Settlement Agreement,” Attorney General Conway said. “Under the terms of the settlement, we avoid the possibility of costly litigation and the potential loss of the entire annual MSA payment.” Through the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund or KADF, Kentucky has invested more than $400 million in MSA funds for an array of county, regional and state projects designed to increase net farm income and create sustainable new farm-based business enterprises. Since the inception of KADF in January 2001, Kentucky has funded more than 4,800 projects. The MSA is the result of an agreement between 52 states and territories and the major tobacco companies worth approximately $229 billion. Under the terms of the parties’ agreement, the participating tobacco manufacturers make annual payments to the state. States have monitoring obligations to ensure that any manufacturers that are not signatories to the agreement do not circumvent the laws requiring escrow payments to the states. If a state fails to adequately fulfill its monitoring obligations, then its payment from the participating manufacturers is reduced.The states and the participating manufacturers must arbitrate their disputes under the MSA for each year covered by the MSA. Arbitrations for 2003 only concluded in 2013. The arbitration panel found that Kentucky had not met its enforcement obligations in 2003 under the MSA, resulting in the lower 2014 MSA payment that led to the $42.5 million budget reduction. “The MSA has been an important part of Kentucky’s agricultural growth over the last several years; farmers and farm advocates across this state can testify to the importance of the MSA and the KADF programs it supports,” said Roger Thomas, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy. “While Kentucky strongly believes that we made a good case for our diligence in 2003, the arbitration panel ruled otherwise. The decision highlights the unpredictable nature of the arbitration process, which will be conducted by a different panel and under different procedures for each succeeding year. This settlement provides Kentucky with certainty and fiscal stability in these vital areas for the foreseeable future.”

May - June 2014 • KDDC • Page 13


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

Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange Adair, Green & Taylor Counties July 29-30, 2014 Kentucky Agenda (All times are EDT)

Tuesday, July 29 12:30-1 PM 1-5:30 6-7 7-8 9-??

Welcome & Registration at Taylor County Extension Office Tours of Dairy Farms Dinner Presentation Reception/Group Discussions

7-7:30 7:30-12:30 12:30-1:15 1:30

Breakfast Tours of Dairy Farms Lunch Leave for Home

Wednesday, July 30

Hutchison Holsteins - Hutchison Holsteins (150 Registered cows) began milking three times a day in early 2013 and have increased their rolling herd average from 22,000 lbs to over 28,000 lbs. Recent improvements to their dairy include installation of waterbeds in their freestall barn and the GEA Cow Scout system for heat detection.

Sponsors Include:

Kentucky Dairy Development Council Indiana Dairy Producers SAE AfiKim Perdue AgSolutions MultiMin USA Dairy Farmers of America Koetter and Smith Kentucky Nutrition Services Select Sires MidAmerica Bluegrass Dairy and Food Burkmann Feeds Church and Dwight Dairy Products Association of Kentucky For more information: Larissa Tucker • 859-257-5986 larissa.tucker@uky.edu Jeffrey Bewley • 859-257-7543 jbewley@uky.edu

Sign-Up Form Please make check payable to Kentucky PDCA, Inc.

Tony and Ben Compton - The Compton’s were recognized at the 2013 Kentucky State Fair for producing the highest quality milk in Kentucky. The Compton’s maintain an average somatic cell count of 70,000 on their 200 cow dairy. The Compton’s have a rolling herd average of 22,000 pounds. The father and son duo utilize sawdust bedded free stalls.

Name:____________________________________

Corbin Dairy - David Corbin and family currently milk 300 cows with a rolling herd average of 26,000 pounds The Corbins house their cows in sand freestall and compost bedded pack barns. They have recently completed a research project comparing the AfiMilk heat detection system to a synchronization program. Reproductive performance improved dramatically for both groups of animals.

Phone:____________________________________

Cowherd Dairy - Tony and James Archie Cowherd milk 200 cows with a rolling herd average of 24,000 pounds. Tony also manages a successful farm equipment business. They have recently constructed a new calf barn with automated calf feeders, remolded their parlor, and hired a herdsman. Sidebottom Dairy - Jim, Ona, and Stacy Sidebottom milk 250 cows with a rolling herd average of 22,000. Jim was instrumental in establishing the Kentucky Dairy Development Council and served as its first President. The Sidebottoms recently installed a state-of-the-art GEA milking parlor. This farm is an excellent example of successful multi-generation farm transition. All Kentucky and Indiana dairy producers are invited to this event designed as a forum for exchange of ideas and information between producers within and across both states.

Address:__________________________________ City: _______________ State:______Zip:________

Cell Phone:________________________________ Email: ____________________________________ Please RSVP with completed registration form and $25 registration fee (per person) by July 15, 2014. Registration fee will hold your spot for the tour. Return to Larissa Tucker 403 W.P. Garrigus Building • Lexington, KY 40546-0215 Phone: 859-257-5986 • Fax: 859-257-7537 Email: larissa.tucker@uky.edu Registration fee will cover dinner on July 29 and lunch on July 30 Lodging: Meeting participants are responsible for their own room reservations and room sharing. Blocks of rooms are reserved at Best Western Campbellsville Inn (270-465-7001) in Campbellsville, KY under “Dairy Exchange” at a rate of $76.49 per night for room with 2 double beds (incl. breakfast). These rooms will be released to the general public on July 15.

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

May - June 2014 • KDDC • Page 14


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

Spots Not Easily Removed By Michaela Ash

U

nlike many in the dairy world I did not grow up on a family farm but instead at our family’s dump truck business. Just as I got a late start in the industry, I also got a late start with FFA in high school. I did not join FFA until my junior year and took my first animal science class with Amy Olt. She soon saw the potential I had because of the knowledge I held about other farm animals and she began pushing me to give speeches and judge dairy cattle. The first time I stepped into the field with her registered Holsteins at Rocky Run Farms was the turning point in my life. I never realized that those large animals could be so docile and loving compared to the commercial beef cattle I had dealt with previously. One day during school I approached Amy about an interest I had in milking and showing. She let me attend a few shows and assist in milking after school for a few months and consequently I found a passion that I had never thought was possible before. I bought my first two registered Holstein heifers, one Red and White the other Black and White, and spent a lot of days over the past four and half years caring

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for and spoiling them both. I have also met many influential people of the industry through shows and sales who have all been more than welcoming of a newbie. After high school I went on to attend WKU where I am double-majoring in General Agriculture and Communication Studies with a minor in Sales and starting on my M.A. in Organizational Communication. After surrounding myself with dairy cattle I knew that I would eventually spend the rest of my life associated with them and that my degree in agriculture would be my ticket to do so. I was elected the president of the 2014 KY Junior Holstein Cattle Club where I hope to influence the younger generation by being a role model and helping hand when they are in need. I have also currently relocated to Wisconsin to work as a summer intern at the Red and White Dairy Cattle Association where I am representing and promoting the association through events and assisting with The Red Bloodlines. I know that I want to continue working with the industry and to grow my own herd through the selection of superior genetics for milk and type. I have had a great support team of family, friends and now those in the dairy industry through all of my many adventures and plan on having many more to come. I cannot imagine where I would be today if I had not had the opportunity to dedicate my time and heart into the dairy industry for the past four years.

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KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund By: Teri Atkins

Can It Still Be Done? Part 2

N

ot every KY dairy farmer grew up on a dairy, or maybe they did grow up on one but they had no family farm to go home to when they decided to begin milking. Whatever the story, beginning from scratch can be extremely hard and rewarding at the same time. In our last newsletter, we began a series on dairy farmers starting on their own from scratch. In this issue we interviewed different young dairy producers that fit the title to a tee: Can It Still Be Done? The two farmers highlighted in this article were both raised in Green County, KY. They both went to Western Kentucky University and graduated with an Agriculture Degree. They then both went on to manage a dairy farm for someone else. With all these similarities, their childhood background was very different. Travis Smith, who now milks around 100 Registered Holsteins on the edge of Metcalfe Co, was raised on a family dairy farm. His dad sold the cows and farm in 2004. Travis worked at the Kalmey Dairy in Shelbyville for nearly ten years before deciding to venture out on his own. He found a newly vacant dairy farm in early 2012 that he could lease the parlor, free stall barn and surrounding acres. The crops are raised by the land owner who is no stranger to the dairy industry. Brent Mays, who milks about 100 Jersey’s, crossbreds and a few

Holsteins in Barren Co, was raised in rural Green Co too but not on a dairy. He had a love for cattle and milked for a neighbor as he got older. After college, Brent moved across country to Oregon where he managed a dairy until 2009. He made the trip back to KY so he could begin milking on his own with only a few Jersey cows. He started in Mercer Co and moved his cattle to Barren Co in 2013. Brent too found a farm with a nice updated parlor and feed barn. He doesn’t have to worry about the raising of crops and owning big equipment because his landlord raises and harvests the feed. Below are their responses to several questions that they were asked: Why did you want to start a dairy farm? Travis: It was the lifestyle I loved when I was growing up. Being on my own would give me the independence to do what I love the way I want. Brent: It was what I had always wanted to do. I didn’t grow up on a dairy, but at the age of 15 I began working for a neighbor on a dairy and I just loved it. Who was your go to/mentor to help you get started? Travis: There were so many that were willing to help me get started: Jimmy and Stacy Sidebottom, my dad, my wife, KDDC and Dr. Bewley to name a few. But John Kalmey taught me a lot about raising and breeding good cows. Also the KDDC Dairy tours were a great way for me to network with other dairy farmers and see how you can be successful. Brent: There were several dairy farmers in Oregon that were very influential in helping me get started. I relied on their opinions to make my start-up decisions. What was the biggest challenge getting started? Travis: My budget/financial planning was so hard to get used to. You milk cows daily but you get paid much later. Your feed bill comes when the feed is delivered and the milk check doesn’t. Have a plan in advance. In 2012 when I started feed prices shot up and I could not afford to raise all of my heifers. They are a negative cash flow until they start milking. Brent: Getting the financing. I had milked and managed cows for years however I had not built up much credit since I did not borrow very much money. At the time, they wanted me to have collateral and I did not have much. What would you recommend to a new dairy farmer getting started? Travis: I recommend they work for a progressive dairy farmer for at least two years before considering a startup. There are so many things that you need to learn from real experience like herd health. Brent: Make sure you have a financial cushion. Don’t just borrow what you need because you will have emergencies come up that you will need to have extra. What is your five-year goal? Travis: Operate my own dairy instead of leasing. Leasing has helped me get on my feet but it has limitations too. Brent: Buy my own place. Lease option is not a sure thing. If you can bite the bullet, try to buy! So with all of the similarities in these two young dairy farmers there are as many differences; however the end goal is still the same. We don’t all have to take the same path to get to the same destination.

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May - June 2014 • KDDC • Page 16

8/2/13 11:22 AM


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

The KY Milk Matters Media Kit The Kentucky Dairy Development Council would like to announce The Kentucky Milk Matters newsletter is now offering advertisement opportunities! The Kentucky Milk Matters newsletter is the ONLY bi-monthly dairy publication that goes directly to EVERY permitted dairy farm family in KY. The newsletter is also distributed to Allied Industry field staff, UK Cooperative Extension Agents, KY Congressional Delegation and KY State Legislators, dairy suppliers, milk haulers, feed companies, government agencies and many more. There are more permitted dairy farms in KY than any state in the Southeast United States.

Advertising Rates

Subscribers can place information about their products and/or services directly in the hands of decision makers on KY dairy farms at very affordable prices. Advertisements can be in black and white or color and with several options of sizes. Your ad can be placed once or stay out in front of buyers by being in all six issues during the year. Special discounts for KDDC Allied Industry dues Members. Contact your local KDDC Dairy Consultant or call 859-516-1129 to learn more. You can also contact the KY Milk Matters newsletter editor Carey Brown at 859-948-1256. Call today to get your Media Kit emailed or mailed to you!

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Ad Size Specifications Bleed Page...........................8.75 x 11.25

Full Page.....................................7.5 x 10

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Half Page Horizontal.............7.5 x 4.875

• Call for Closing Dates.

Half Page Vertical...................3.625 x 10

• Ad design services available upon request.

Business Card........................3.625 x 2.3

1/4 Page ............................3.625 x 4.875

• Website advertising on www.kydairy.org available. Call for more information.

WHY ADVERTISE IN THE KENTUCKY MILK MATTERS NEWSLETTER? • It is the ONLY publication that goes directly to ALL KY DAIRY FARMERS

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Milk haulers

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Gov. agencies

• KY has more permitted dairy farms than any other state in the Southeast

• The Newsletter is available through email and KDDC Website

• It goes directly to the decision makers on all KY dairy farms

• The Milk Matters provides up-to-date news and information on production, industry and dairy policy

• Over 1,400 KDDC Milk Matters Newsletters are distributed to: -

Allied Industries and field staff

• Dairy farming is a vital economic industry in many communities across the state

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UK Cooperative Extension

• Promotes KY dairy farmers and dairy products

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KY Congressional Delegation

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KY State Legislators

• Every farm gate dollar produced by dairy is multiplied by 2.56 as an economic generator to KY communities

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Dairy suppliers

• The average dairy cow generates nearly $14,000 in economic ripple effect

May - June 2014 • KDDC • Page 17


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

What’s Known - and not known - about the new Heat Abatement is Important on Dairies By Savannah Meade, Lauren Mayo, Derek Nolan, and Donna M. AmaralPhillips, Ph.D.

D

airy cows will first start to experience heat stress (breathing heavily, panting, etc.) when the temperature-humidity index exceeds 68. Cows are much less heat tolerant than humans. Heat abatement, (the reduction or lessening of heat stress) is extremely important to any dairy business, because heat stress decreases cow comfort and health, and most importantly decreases reproductive performance and milk production. Some research indicates that the detrimental effects of heat stress on reproduction may start at a temperature-humidity index of 55 to 60. Some key points farmers should consider regarding heat abatement include: • Fans: Are fans installed and maintained properly for maximum air movement and when temperatures are at or above 72° F? A temperature-humidity index of 68 is equivalent to a temperature of 72° F with 45% relative humidity. Fan cooling

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May - June 2014 • KDDC • Page 18

systems should run continuously once the temperature-humidity index exceeds 68, covering areas especially at the feed bunk, holding areas, and resting areas. You should have enough fans to guarantee that there are no “dead areas” or places in the barn where air is not continuously flowing. A general rule of thumb is to space box-type fans no more than 10 times the diameter of the blades at a 20-degree angle downward towards the bottom of the next fan. (Ex: blade diameter of 3 inches, fans no more than 30 inches apart). Fans spaced more than 10 times their diameter lose effective velocity and, as a result, all cows will not be adequately cooled. Fan blades and housings should be cleaned at least yearly for improved performance. • Use sprinklers: Do you use a sprinkler system for your herd at the feed bunk and the holding pen? Low-pressure sprinklers that wet the cows’ hair coat should be in areas like the holding pen and feed bunk where the floor can become wet without consequence. Sprinklers should be turned on for 1 to 3 minutes every 10 to 15 minutes to coat the cow’s hair and skin. Fans run continuously to allow for evaporation of the water. • Barn Ventilation: Does my housing facility provide adequate natural ventilation and contain properly designed ridge openings or caps in the roof? Ridge openings and open sidewalls allow for air removal from the barn. A ridge opening should be 3 inches wide for every 10 feet of building width. Ridge caps are generally not recommended but if used should be of a height equal to 0.75 times the ridge opening. Overshot roofs should allow 3 inches for every 10 feet of building width. These roofs are less desirable because they assume that air always blows in the same direction. In addition, the roof slope should be 4/12, 4 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run. New facilities should be oriented with the long axis of the barn placed east-west to minimize sun exposure inside the building during the summer months. • Rations and Water: Do I need to make ration and water modifications? Cows under heat stress will eat less often and consume less dry matter. To get cows to eat more, you should feed during cooler parts of the day, like morning and evening. Mix feed twice daily to prevent or minimize heating of the feed. During heat stress, water intake increases tremendously. Make sure that your watering containers provide enough water for your herd and are cleaned daily. Watering containers should be placed throughout the barn so all cows can reach them. In summary, we realize that the dairy business is one that requires a lot of attention to detail. Putting effort into minimizing heat stress will lead to improved herd health and increased milk production. To get the pay off, you must follow these key principles and put them into practice on your farm!


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

Allied Sponsors

S P E C I A L

Platinum AFI Milk Bluegrass Dairy & Food Burkmann Feeds Dairy Farmers of America Dairy Products Assoc. of KY Farm Credit Services of Mid-America Kentucky Department of Agriculture Kentucky Farm Bureau Kentucky Soybean Board Mammoth Cave Dairy Auction Prairie Farms Southern States Co-op, Inc. Whayne Supply

T H A N K S

Gold Animal Health Management Services Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition Kentucky Nutrition Service Mid-America Select Sires, Inc Mid-South Dairy Records Neogen Owen Transport Purina Animal Nutrition, LLC Valley Farmers Coop

T O O U R

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Grain Processing Corp. Kentucky Veterinary Medical Assoc. Koetter & Smith, Inc. Luttrull Feeds MD/VA Milk Producers

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Kentucky Department of Agriculture

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May - June 2014 • KDDC • Page 19


Non-Profit US Postage PAID Boelte-Hall LLC

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Have You Herd? The June 12, 2014 issue of the Progressive Dairyman had a very good article on Kentucky dairy producers. The article written by Tim Thornberry can be found on page 53. It is titled, “Kentucky dairy producers overcome high SCC numbers.” KY ranks second in the Southeast in SCC quality. WAY TO GO KY DAIRY FARMERS!

Milk Matters May - June 2014

2014 Dairy Calendar of Events July July 12 July 16 July 23 July 24-26 July 29-30

4-H District Dairy Show, Burley Fields Livestock Center, Horse Cave, KY University of Kentucky Research Show Case, E.S. Good Barn, Lexington, KY 4-H District Dairy Show @ 9 am and Fair Show @ 6 pm, Tollesboro, KY KY Junior Livestock Expo, Bowling Green, KY Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange, Taylor and Adair Counties

August August 8 August 9 August 12 August 14-24 August 14

Chaney’s Dairy Outing, Bowling Green, KY Larue Co. Agstravaganza, Hodgenville, KY State Fair Dairy Products Judging, West Wing Fair Grounds KY State Fair, Louisville, KY Commodity Breakfast, Commodity Tent, KY, State Fair

August 14-17 August 21 August 22 August 26-27

4-H and Open Dairy Cattle Shows, KY State Fair KY Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast , South Wing State Fair KDDC Board Meeting, Nelson Co. Extension Office 10:00 A.M. Kentucky Milk Quality Conference, Lake Barkley State Park

September September 4 CPC Annual Fall Field Day, Fountain Run, KY September 22-24 2nd Annual Southeast Milk Quality Initiative Mtg., Blacksburg, VA October October 1-4 KDDC Young Dairy Producer Bus Tour, World Dairy Expo, Madison, WI October 25 Dare to Dairy, University of Kentucky Coldstream Dairy, Lexington, KY


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