Country Life
Dairy • C2 Gardening • C3 Classified • C5
Special Section • Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Milking by robots U.S. Labor at Lynden berry here in ‘14 conference: Let’s find solutions coming New DeLaval milking systems will be installed in county
Issues provoked by 2012 incident are talked out, may lead to 2014 training sessions
By Braulio Perez sports@lyndentribune.com
EVERSON — It’s been a long year for Rick VanderVeen and the folks over at DeLaval Dairy Service. VanderVeen, general manager, and his team have been working hard to bring new milking robotic systems, or voluntary milking systems, to the region. Finally, their effort is paying off. In mid-November, the local DeLaval office installed its first VMS in Skagit County at the Mesman dairy farm near Mount Vernon. Next up for VanderVeen and his crew is bringing a robotic unit to Whatcom County. More specifically, it will be at Lynden. “We just had our first installations in Skagit County and we will be installing two units in Lynden at some time
By Calvin Bratt editor@lyndentribune.com
LYNDEN — Three representatives of the U.S. Department of Labor were on hand to make sure local berry growers got their message: Let’s work together. The three sounded a cooperative tone as participants in a “Labor Issues” session on Thursday, Dec. 5, during the Washington State Small Fruit Conference at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds. Juan Coria came from San Francisco and Sheila Creel and Donna Hart from Labor’s Seattle Wage and Hour Division. They were joined on a panel by Ignacio Marquez, new community liaison with the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Together, the officials addressed labor issues that were thrust upon farmers’ minds in July 2012 by a surprise U.S. Department of Labor crackdown in a West Badger Road blueberry field. “We’re trying to educate ourselves and that will impact how we move forward,” said Juan Coria, a deputy regional administrator for Labor in Western states. In the enforcement action, a Lynden berry grower ended up paying about $76,000 on Labor claims of having children in the field and not keeping proper records of fruit picked. The fed-
Berry grower Darryl Ehlers chats with Juan Coria and Donna Hart of the U.S. Department of Labor after a session on Washington State labor issues. (Calvin Bratt/ Lynden Tribune)
eral agency invoked a “hot goods” provision of law that entirely stopped the blueberry crop’s harvest until the issue was settled — about a week later. The “hot goods” action on a perishable crop especially rankled local growers, who say it forces them into a critical decision on whether to lose a year’s harvest. Another issue is the sharing of one ticket by a family of pickers, instead of individual tickets for each person picking. Hart called that issue “daunting” because it is so ingrained in the culture of migrant Hispanic families. However, she has heard
of procedures such as not allowing access to a field unless each picker has his or her own ticket, possibly by some form of electronic check-in. “We are looking for solutions and we hope you are looking for solutions too,” Hart said. Al Schreiber, executive director of the Washington Blueberry Commission, thanked the U.S. Labor people for coming to speak at the conference. He said he hopes this is the start of a greater understanding of issues on all sides, “but we’ll see.” Schreiber called the “hot goods” enforcement tactic “unfair” and he feels blueberry farmers especially have
been targeted. On the other hand, to growers he insisted that the law is not the same as it was decades ago. “The rules are the rules are the rules, and we have to follow them. There’s no getting around that,” he said. A ticket is needed for every berry picker, and no children can be allowed in fields even for tasks such as babysitting, Schreiber said. Training sessions may be held as early as next February in northwest Washington to help educate both employers and workers on the rules that the U.S. Department of Labor
Cloud Mountain testing out a new vegetable processing line EVERSON — Cloud Mountain Farm Center, 6906 Goodwin Rd., is nearing completion of a new fresh vegetable processing facility. Once operational in early 2014, the facility initially will focus on the processing of locally grown vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, lettuce and
See Berries on C2
Merry Christmas
in February,” VanderVeen said. “Those will be the first ones in Whatcom County and we’re very excited about that.” VanderVeen requested to keep the name of the farm where the installations will take place private. However, it’s a pretty big deal for local farmers, he said. The robotic systems make milking cows extremely easy and much safer, VanderVeen added. “Basically, we transition from fetchers of cows to motivators of cows,” VanderVeen said. “It’s better for the cows too. They’re not tied up to the clock for milking. For the cows, it’s much more convenient. It’s much safer as well. “The cows pay the bills, so it’s in our best interest to keep them healthy and take care of them. The VMS does that. It’s really a huge stride in technology,” VanderVeen said. Although the robotic system is just now being introduced to northwest Washington, it has been around elsewhere for over 20 years. “DeLaval has installed See DeLaval on C3
salad mixes. The vegetables processed through the facility will also be used locally in farm-to-school food programs. The facility is currently testing the equipment. Funding support came from the Whatcom Community Foundation, USDA Rural Development, Washington State Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant program and the Washington State Department of Commerce. The Northwest Agriculture Business Center purchased the equipment for use in the facility with grant money.
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C2 • Wednesday, December 11, 2013 • lyndentribune.com | ferndalerecord.com
MiElkE Market
Benchmark price up 61 cents for November milk Milk-feed price ratio becoming favorable again “We’re all friends here,” said Tom Lagreid as he strummed his guitar in the Washington Tractor display area of the combined Washington Small Fruit Conference and Lynden Ag Show on Friday. With him are, left, Ken Sturtz, of Farmers Equipment Co. and, right, Tim Zylstra, of Terrebonne Ltd., distributor of gardening products. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)
Berries: Making connections Continued from C1 enforces. Lynden grower Brad Rader told the session he hopes for good attendance at those training sessions. At the same time, he stressed to the listening officials that this labor matter is “just one more thing” that farmers need to deal with in addition to, for instance, crop prices and weather conditions that are not always ideal. Marquez brings a varied background to the new community liaison job he started with state Agriculture last spring under director Don Hover. Marquez’s resume includes time with the state Employment Security Department as well as administering
the federal H-2A hiring program in the state of Washington. He grew up in the Yakima area and knows the life of working in the fields, he said in an interview. He sees himself in a role of gathering information and getting different sides together to solve problems. “We see our agency as sort of a neutral third party,” Marquez said.
U.S. Department of Labor contacts • The Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor has a website page for agricultural employers at: http://www.dol.gov/whd/ag/ index.htm.
• More details on the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act are at this address: http:// www.dol.gov/whd/mspa/index.htm. • An agricultural employment law guide is at this address: http://www.dol.gov/ compliance/guide/mspa. htm. • This webpage gives details on registering to become a farm labor contractor (actually processed in San Francisco): http://www.dol.gov/ whd/forms/fts_wh530.htm. • A phone number for all U.S. Department of Labor questions is 1-866-487-9243. The Seattle District Office (serving Skagit and Whatcom counties) is at 206-398-8039.
Extra monitoring for Drayton Harbor Goal is to reopen harbor shellfish harvesting BLAINE — A partnership of local, tribal and state groups is conducting intensive water quality monitoring in Drayton Harbor during the winter months. Drayton Harbor is currently closed to commercial and recreational shellfish harvesting from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28 each year due to elevated bacteria levels observed in the marine waters. While the bacteria do not harm the shellfish populations, they do indicate the shellfish may be unsafe for people to eat. Potential sources of bacteria in the watershed and harbor include: 1) human sewage from failing septic systems, leaking sewer lines or boat discharges; and 2) animal waste from livestock, domestic pets and wildlife.
Dakota and California creeks are the primary freshwater sources for the harbor. The health of the harbor is threatened by contamination that runs downstream and empties into the harbor. When bacteria levels in the creeks are high, it can result in high bacteria levels in the marine waters. The partnership is collecting freshwater and marine samples on a weekly basis to characterize the relationship between the creeks and the harbor and to guide water quality improvement projects in the watershed. On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the Washington State Department of Health planned to release a harmless red dye at midday at the mouth of Dakota Creek to study circulation and dilution patterns in the harbor. Scientists will use electronic sensors to help track the move ment of the dye even after it’s no longer visible. For details, contact Erika Douglas at 6766876 ext. 50252 or edouglas@co.whatcom.wa.us.
By Lee MIelke lkmielke@juno.com
The November Federal Order Class III benchmark milk price is $18.83 per hundredweight (cwt.), up 61 cents from October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced. That price is $2 below November 2012, but the highest it has been since December 2012 and $1.53 above California’s comparable 4b cheese milk price. It equates to about $1.62 per gallon. The price brings the 2013 Class III average to $17.90, up from $17.33 at this time a year ago and comparing to $18.33 in 2011, $14.46 in 2010 and $11.03 in 2009. The December Class III futures contract settled at $19.08, January at $18.55, February at $18.00 and March at $17.68 per cwt. The November Class IV price is $20.52, up 35 cents from October and $1.86 above a year ago. The Class IV average now stands at $18.83, up from $15.84 a year ago and comparing to $19.24 in 2011, $15.10 in 2010 and $10.51 in 2009. The Agriculture Marketing Service-surveyed cheese price used in calculating the prices was $1.8612 per pound, up 5.9 cents from October. Butter averaged $1.5205, down 2.5 cents. Nonfat dry milk averaged $1.8892, up 5.3 cents, and dry whey averaged 58.31 cents per pound, up a penny. California’s November 4b cheese milk price is $17.30 per cwt., up 48 cents from October but $1.18 below November 2012. The Class 4a butter-powder price is $20.63, up 63 cents from October and $2.36 above a year ago. The 2013 average now stands at $18.64, up from $15.46 a year ago and com-
paring to $19.02 in 2011. The prices include the temporary state-mandated increases that will be in effect until June 2014. The market tone for cheese in the Midwest is mixed, according to USDA’s Dairy Market News. Manufacturers are seeing steady to strong interest in retail orders, filling last-minute gift boxes. Milk supplies have been hard to come by, with premiums being paid to secure loads to meet holiday obligations. Cheese production is steady and near or at capacity for most cheese makers. Cheese stocks are shrinking for many plants as orders are being shipped out. DMN reports that Western butter prices are mixed with a steady to weak undertone and butter production is limited by tight cream supplies. Demand following the Thanksgiving holiday is good as retailers look to resupply and build stocks for year-end holidays. Export demand is also good and manufacturers must balance export orders with domestic demand, says
DMN. Butter stocks are tightening in response to the good demand. Cash powder seems headed for record high prices. Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Dec. 6 at $2.0575 per pound, up 5 3/4 cents on the week. Extra Grade closed at $2.0225, up 4 3/4 cents. Seven train cars of Grade A were sold on the week and one of Extra Grade. AMS powder averaged $1.9092, up 0.7 cents. Dry whey averaged 59.3 cents per pound, down 0.1 cent. Dairy Business Update reports that the U.S. average milk-feed price ratio is returning to levels not seen in three years. The preliminary November 2013 ratio is 2.25, the highest since October 2010, and first time it’s been above 2.0 in consecutive months since February-March 2011. At $21.30 per cwt., November’s U.S. average milk price is the highest since November 2012. The corn price, at $4.29 per bushel, is the lowest since September 2010; the alfalfa hay price, at $188 per ton, is the lowest since June 2011. Dan McBride of the Northwest Dairy Association made these price projections for the Class III price and Pacific Northwest blend price: Month Class PNW III Blend Nov. $18.83 $19.90 (current) Dec. $19.10 $20.20 Jan. $19.60 $20.25 Feb. $19.05 $19.65 March $19.75 $19.25 April $17.50 $18.90 May $17.25 $18.60 June $17.25 $18.25 July $17.15 $17.85
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C3 • Wednesday, December 11, 2013 • lyndentribune.com | ferndalerecord.com
In Bloom
Gardening strong By David Vos
Here in the Pacific Northwest, our seasons can typically be described quite simply as “mild.” That said, in the last two weeks our area has seen some of the coldest weather in three years, so if you’re wondering what steps you can take to protect your plants from winter damage, here are a few tips. First off, let me preface this by noting that while this most recent cold weather is past, January is typically when we get the worst winter weather, so it’s never too late to take steps to protect your plants. In recent years, container gardening has surged in popularity. While summer is the most common time of year for container gardening, you may still have some pots of winter pansies, dwarf evergreens or other plants of seasonal interest outdoors. If you haven’t yet offered them any protection for winter, keep in mind that any plant with its roots above ground — as with anything in a container — is more susceptible to freeze damage. While night frosts merit little concern, days of subfreezing weather pose a serious threat to potted plants. To protect container gardens from damage, wrap pots in bubble wrap and cover the top with a layer or two of garbage bags. Keep in mind that creating a tent over your plants is equivalent to building a small greenhouse, so remove the tent as soon as the weather warms up. A second step you can take is to move containers indoors during bad weather, preferably to an unheated garage. Avoid moving containers into a heated space; doing so may make your plants think spring has arrived and want to start growing. If you don’t have an unheated indoor space readily available for your containers, move your pots into a sheltered, south- or west-facing side of the house. With the sun so low in the sky this time of year, using a south or west exposure will keep your pots warmer and can also protect them from wind damage. Speaking of wind, if you
spent anytime outside during the recent winter weather, you know that the wind itself was as unbearable as the frigid temperatures. For plants, wind poses two major threats: desiccation and the potential to break branches. Wind can quickly desiccate — dry out — plants. In subfreezing weather you may not be able to easily keep your plants watered, but as soon as the temperatures climb above freezing, get to watering, containers especially. Rain or melting snow will usually take care of the task for you, but in the event we go from cold sun to less-cold sun (it’s December, so forget about warm sun!), be prepared to water. The strong gusts of a winter windstorm can easily snap branches on delicate or coldbrittle plants. If it’s either impractical or impossible to move or stake a plant susceptible to wind damage, grab a pruner and get to work. While fresh wounds on a plant will themselves be at risk for winter damage, it’s better you prune a plant and save it than let a gust of wind prune it for you and kill it. Finally, keep in mind that plants are resilient. If a typically hardy plant in your yard looks wilted, it’s likely a natural defense against cold, dry weather; expect it to bounce back as soon as warmer, wetter weather arrives. Winter cold can be hard on plants, but it’s great for killing insects and pushing plants into much-needed dormancy, so take what steps you need to protect your plants and learn to appreciate the benefits of another season. David Vos is the general manager of VanderGiessen Nursery in Lynden.
Continued from C1 over 10,000 globally and it’s really nothing new to North America,” VanderVeen said. “We’re kind of the last ones to really start implementing this technology. The first one was done back in 1992 in Sweden. “Throughout the years, they’ve developed and it’s become widespread popular.” The two systems that will be installed on a Lynden farm are expected to handle 60 to 65 cows per unit The dairy in Lynden currently milks 120 cows. VanderVeen added that depending on the lactating stage of the cow, an average of between 2.7 and 3.2 milkings per cow occur each day. At the same time, it’s all done on the cow’s schedule. “The DeLaval VMS is voluntary,” VanderVeen said. “The cows do what they want all day. It they want to lie down or eat, they do that, and then when they’re ready to give milk they come to the robots. “It’s great to be able to bring it to the area because it’s such a great tool for dairymen. It allows them to level stalls, make sure the feed is good and maybe tend to those who need extra attention,” he said. Each robot is quite the investment, however, with VanderVeen saying the price of installation is into the hundres of thousands of dollars. The VSM installation in Lynden is expected to be complete by sometime in March.
photo/Lynden Tribune)
Ben Mesman (left) and father Alan Mesman proudly stand in front of their VMS, installed on their Skagit farm in November. (Courtesy photo)
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At FFA national competition in Louisville in November, the Lynden Livestock Judging Team (above) took 10th, good for a gold ranking. From left are adviser Trent Van Dyken and students Tyler Eldred, Juan Gavette, Katherine Smith and Emily Thiel, with a Culver company representative. Eldred and Gavette individually earned gold emblems. Also, the Lynden Parliamentary Procedure Team took 13th, good for a silver ranking. From left are adviser Ladd Shumway and students Georgia Clark, Janna Gay, Brian Groves, Kayla Johnston, Sam McGee and Bryton Snavely. (Courtesy
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