Indiana Dairy Producers E-Newsletter
www.IndianaDairy.org
August 7, 2014                                                              Issue 68

"An organized voice for Hoosier Dairy Farmers"


Mission Statement
To promote a profitable, positive, professional image of
dairy producers while providing educational opportunities
for interchange of ideas and to speak as a proactive voice
for Indiana dairy producers.   


IDP Banner
In This Issue
 

Diamond 

Sponsors 

Click on any logo to reach company website


Indiana Corn Diamond PNG
Indiana Soybean Diamond PNG

 

Platinum

Sponsors 

Click on any logo to reach company website

 

Kaeb-Lely Logo
Hubbard Feeds Logo


PSRB

NorthStar 
Gold Sponsors

Agri-King

Bernardin Lochmueller    

Milk Specialties Global   Byron Seeds 



Dairy Farmers of America
Farm Credit Logo 2012
Pioneer logo
Kalmbach
DeLaval Logo
BI Logo
Indiana Farm Bureau
ZFS Official


Indiana Dairy Producers  
Board of Directors
 
Indiana Dairy Producers Logo 
Click on a name below to email
a Board Officer 

Executive Director

Doug Leman 

317-695-8228

 

Steve Obert, President

 

Liz Kelsay, Vice President

765-494-9478  

 

Board Members

Dave Forgey

 Joe Hibshman

Sarah Wagler
Julie Bommer
Brian Huber

Brian Houin

Cory Craig 

  

Industry Advisers

Kelly Heckaman 

Andy Tauer

Dr. Ken McGuffey 

Todd Janzen, Attorney 

 


Silver Sponsors

Click on the logo to visit sponsor's

website

 
 
RP Feed Components  
 
 
 
Diamond V 
BMO Harris Bank 
 
 
Prince Agri Logo 
NPC Bovamine Logo 
Merck 
Perdue Ag Solutions 
Arm & Hammer Logo ABS Global Logo 
Castongia's 
Michigan Milk Producers Logo 
JBS United 
Bunge Logo 
GEA Logo 
Specialty Hybrids 
Prairie Farms 
Alltech 
Fair Oaks Farms Logo 
Zoetis, formerly Pfizer 
Cargill 
 
     
Upcoming 2014 Events  
 

AUGUST

Aug. 1-17 Indiana State Fair official website   

Aug. 8 Next IDP Board Meeting 10 AM State Fairgrounds BOAH Office, no industry updates.   

Aug. 8 IDP shift at State Fair Dairy Bar 7-10:30 pm

Aug. 15 IDP shift at State Fair Dairy Bar 7-10:30 pm  

 

SEPT - OCT

Sept. 30 - Oct. 4 World Dairy Expo details   

 

Support IDP  

Indiana Dairy Producers Logo

Individual membership in the Indiana Dairy Producers is $50. Encourage your dairy farming friends to join IDP! Also, any individual who is not a dairy producer but would still like to support IDP can join as an associate member. Download a membership/associate brochure here.   

 

We appreciate our industry supporters. They make it possible for IDP to support the dairy industry in many ways. If your company is interested in finding ways to join IDP, download an information sheet here.
View our photos on flickr
Indiana Dairy Picture Gallery
Over the years we have organized many tours and events, and we have tried to take pictures at all of them. We frequently invite you to watch a picture slideshow, but if you want to see our albums on our flickr page, click here.
 
RESOURCE CENTER
Click on each picture or logo to learn more


Cows on Grass
Indiana Grazing & Forages NRCS Website

Newborn Calf
Calf Notes and Links

LGM Dairy
LGM Dairy Education Info

Innovation Center
Innovation Center for U.S.
Dairy



Residue Prevention
 NMPF Resource Manual
also Animal Care Training Videos
and Johnes Assessment Info
 
 Purdue

 

Check out the resources available to you on the  

Purdue University Dairy Extension site. Topics on nutrition, business management, animal health and many more topics related to our dairy industry and animal care.

 

IDP Corporate Sponsors
Indiana Dairy Transparent There is a growing list of companies that recognize IDP's value to Indiana's dairy industry. Please visit our list of companies that have become Corporate Sponsors for only $100. If you know of a company that may have an interest in supporting IDP at some level, please download a brochure here.

 

IDP Legal Hotline

Visit Our Bronze Sponsors 

Bronze Level
Click on above button!

 




Click

on the Archive button to access previous issues of our 

E-Updates

and important information for your dairy operation, industry issues and trends.


 
Greetings!

We really had a nice time on the Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange tour last week as we visited our neighbors to the south. The weather was absolutely perfect for dairy farm visits. We extend our thanks to our Kentucky friends for being such gracious hosts!

I have been spending some time at the state fair attending meetings and helping on our shift at the dairy bar. We had another great group last Friday and look forward doing it all again the next two Fridays. I should see several of our producers this Friday as you bring your animals in, and I wish you all the best of luck!

IDP welcomes our newest Silver sponsor, Akey and our newest Bronze sponsor, Vita Plus. We look forward to working both of these fine companies that are filling our producer's dairy needs. As always, please take a few moments to check all our sponsors out and work with them whenever possible, we can take care of all your needs through our great group of sponsors.

We have been working on a new program with Stewart-Peterson on marketing that we are introducing below. Please take a moment and answer the survey questions, it should take you about 3 minutes to complete and will help us to make this a successful program.  The Webinars will make a great platform  to learn more about marketing and bring the experts into your office!  I encourage each of you to take advantage of this new program, again, please do the short survey.

Please reach out to me when you have any dairy need, we can assure you that we will do our best to help solve your problem or get some needed information. Call me at 317-695-8228 or email dougleman@indianadairy.org. Be careful and God bless!

 

Doug Leman, 
Executive Director
Indiana Dairy Producers
Please click online link at the top for best viewing of our e-update. 
It has come to our attention that Gmail users, and perhaps others, see a "clipped" version of our e-update. For best results and to view all the articles and pictures on our e-update, please click the online link at the top of the newsletter.
IDP - Stewart-Peterson Webinar Offering
Stewart-Peterson

IDP and Stewart Peterson have organized efforts to present a series of educational webinars for IDP members with the goal of providing dairy producers and industry reps a convenient and consistent format to be regularly updated and presented with current perspectives to bolster their price management efforts on both milk and inputs.

 

IDP is committed to offering educational opportunities to our dairy producer members. We recognize that dairy pricing and protection can be confusing. Stewart-Peterson is a valued sponsor of IDP, but this webinar series will be offered without strings or pressure. A well-informed producer is definitely our goal.

 

Offering:  Commodity Price Management and Market Overview - 1 hour segments with consistent format

 

Presented by:  Stewart-Peterson and IDP

 

Please take minute to complete a brief survey on this concept to provide us with feedback and direction so we can bring the desired content and approach. To take the short survey, click here.
Technology and on-farm innovation highlights Kentuckiana tours
by Sherry Bunting

View more pictures from the Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange on the IDP flickr page here

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. -- A mix of new technologies, on-farm innovation, top-notch management, family farm transitions, and the incorporation of bedded-pack barns as stepping stones to expansion highlighted the 2014 Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange tours in Taylor, Greene and Adair counties, Ky. July 29-30 and included an evening educational program featuring Dr. Nicola Blackie, from Writtle College in England. A combined 100 dairy producers from both states attended for a time of learning, networking and sharing ideas. 

 

IDP president Steve Obert -- whose dairy is located just 25 miles from the Kentucky border -- noted the group from Indiana found "a lot of ideas to take North" from this year's Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange.

 

An 8-year tradition -- alternating between the two states -- the event is organized annually by the UK and Purdue extension, and is promoted by the Kentucky Dairy Development Council (KDDC) and the Indiana Dairy Producers (IDP).

 

"We picked dairies that have features of interest to other producers and with intergenerational transfer," said UK's Dr. Jeffrey Bewley about the 2014 Kentuckiana tours. Low somatic cell counts were a primary feature on the first day, showing "we can achieve high quality milk in the South," said Bewley.

 

Compton Dairy and Hutchison Holsteins were recognized as the top two dairies in 2013 for milk quality. Tony and Ben are the father and son team at Compton Dairy, and they have taken their SCC down to an average of 70 to 80,000. The 190 cows produce an RHA of 23,000 pounds (2x).

 

"One of the biggest things we focus on is to keep the parlor dry at all times," said Tony Compton. "We put no water on the cows, and our milkers wear gloves." They rely on fully laundered microfiber towels and pre- and post-dip, and cull at 45%. The new freestall barn built six years ago brought the first SCC drop.

 

Dave Hutchison and his nephew Matt Sabo are the two-generation team at Hutchison Holsteins, where 125 cows are milked 3x and produce a 28,900 pound RHA with SCC averaging 160,000.

 

This farm has made significant advances in production largely the result of two big changes - going from 100% hay and pasture to a corn silage forage base for the ration and adding the third daily milking. The cows also went from being housed in freestalls only in the winter to being housed year-round today.

 

The corn silage for the dairy ration is custom-harvested by a large grain operator in the area. "He knows corn, and we concentrate on the cows," Dave explained. The culling rate at Hutchison runs 38 to 39% with so many heifers coming in.

 

The breeding interval is 80 to 85 days, and Dave has found "it is better to breed later than earlier. We breed off of 21-day heats, and use the GEA Cow Scout system to help us catch heats and early problems," which he finds more difficult with 3x milking. Their calving interval runs 12.9.

 

On the second day of tours, production and reproduction were part of the focus, and all three farms work together to buy commodities, grind corn and chop silage.

 

The first stop was Corbin Dairy with an RHA of 26,988 pounds with SCC averaging 180,000.  

Read more about Kentuckiana 2014 here. 

Herr Family Newest Certified Livestock Producer, CLPP Training Announced
Lieutenant Governor Ellspermann with the Herr Family and ISDA Livestock Program Manager, Kimmi Devaney
The Herr Family, a dairy farm family from Kendalville, was recognized as the newest Certified Livestock Producer by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture on Thursday, August 7, at the Indiana State Fair. Dairy farms are often doing many of the requirements of the Certified Livestock Producer Program. Why not get recognized for it?

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture would like to invite Indiana dairy producers interested in participating in the Certified Livestock Producer Program to attend a training in Kosciusko County on Wednesday August 27.  The program recognizes outstanding livestock producers that go above and beyond in their farm management practices.

 

To be recognized by ISDA as a Certified Livestock Producer, participants must uphold the highest industry standards in environmental protection, animal care, bio-security, emergency planning and community relations. They also agree to sign the Producer Promise, committing to meet or exceed the high standards of the Certified Livestock Producer Program as a commitment to the citizens of the State of Indiana.  

 

To complete their certification, producers will meet with their veterinarian to discuss their bio-security plan and meet with their local fire department to review their emergency plan, as well as obtain a certain number of points on each of the self assessments.

 

Interested producers must register by contacting Kimmi Devaney at KDevaney@isda.in.gov or 317.450.3570 no later August 20. More information will be sent to producers after registration.

 

Certified livestock producers receive a variety of discounts from program sponsors, including Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and others. Since the program's launch in 2008, 98 Hoosier farmers have earned the certification and 26 are currently in the process.

 

Russia Bans Food, including Dairy
By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV Associated Press

Russia banned most food imports from the West on August 7 in retaliation for sanctions over Ukraine, an unexpectedly sweeping move that will cost farmers in North America, Europe and Australia billions of dollars but will also likely lead to empty shelves in Russian cities.

The announcement shows that while President Vladimir Putin doesn't appear ready to heed Russian nationalists' calls to send troops into Ukraine, he is prepared to inflict significant damage on his own nation in an economic war with the West.

The U.S. and the EU have accused Russia, which annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in March, of supplying arms and expertise to a pro-Moscow insurgency in eastern Ukraine, and have sanctioned individuals and companies in Russia in retaliation. Moscow denies supporting the rebels and accuses the West of blocking attempts at a political settlement by encouraging Kiev to use brutal force to crush the insurgency.

The ban, announced by a somber Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev at a televised Cabinet meeting, covers all imports of meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, milk and milk products from the U.S., the European Union, Australia, Canada and Norway. It will last for one year.

"Until the last moment, we hoped that our foreign colleagues would understand that sanctions lead to a deadlock and no one needs them," Medvedev said. "But they didn't, and the situation now requires us to take retaliatory measures." Read full article 

Indiana Bicentennial Offers Dairy Opportunities
Indiana will be celebrating their Bicentennial in 2016, not all that far away when you think about it! Jerry Goshert, editor of The Farmer's Exchange is excited about the opportunities for the dairy industry which could be highlighted during this celebration. In fact, he would like to invite you to an informational meeting on August 20 in Goshen, where he will explain exactly why he thinks the dairy industry should get behind a project that will raise awareness about milk production while also celebrating Indiana's 200th anniversary of statehood. The meeting will run from 10-11:30 AM Eastern Time at Ag Hall at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds.  If you are interested in attending, please contact Jerry at 574-535-3525 or email jerry@farmers-exchange.net.
IDP Welcomes Akey, new Silver Sponsor
IDP would like to give a hearty welcome to Akey, our newest Silver sponsor!

Akey is deeply committed to assisting customers in understanding and using nutritional technology to optimize animal performance and lower the cost of production. All Akey nutritional recommendations are research based.

Akey is a member of a global team of nutritionists. This allows Akey nutritionists to conduct research in their own facilities or participate in research conducted by leading universities. It also provides Akey nutritionists a larger network to increase knowledge about scientific advances that could impact livestock production.

Akey constantly reviews advances in dairy nutrition to deliver value to its customers. They use AAMPS ration formulation software, which allows new nutritional information to be easily applied for on-farm optimal, cost effective ration formulation. Nutritional technologies are evaluated and tested by Akey with the goal to only bring items that maintain or improve productivity of the dairy cow or calf.

For more information about Akey, call them at 800-392-8324 or visit www.Akey.com.
The American Dairy Association Indiana Crowns 2014 Dairy Princess
INDIANAPOLIS - Kamille Brawner of Hanover was selected as the 2014-15 Dairy Princess for the American Dairy Association Indiana. Kamille, age 20, is the daughter of Greg and Teresa Brawner. She represented Dairy Farmers of America in the 2014 Indiana Dairy Princess Scholarship Program.

Miss Brawner will be a sophomore at Purdue University, pursuing a bachelor's degree in agribusiness with a minor in animal science. Following a personal interview, Kamille gave a presentation on the advantages of choosing real dairy milk over non-dairy alternatives. This year's Dairy Princess Scholarship Contest featured stiff competition from seven excellent candidates. The other Dairy Princess candidates were: Kylei Klein (Indiana Ayrshire Breeders Association), Hadley Whicker (Indiana Jersey Cattle Club), Christy Mote (Indiana Milking Shorthorn Society), Cheyanne Bowman (Dean Foods), Laura Frye (Indiana Brown Swiss Association), and Anna Will (Indiana Holstein Association).

As Dairy Princess, Kamille will be educating the public and her peers on the importance of dairy to Indiana's economy and to Hoosier health.
ZFS Feed Ingredient Update
ZFS Official
(866) 888-7082

 

When China pulled back on contracts importing from the United States, protein products such as distillers (DDGS), gluten feed and more, it demonstrated how much of an impact it can have on feed commodities. This created an abundance of feed for domestic use that saw some commodity prices drop in excess of $70-100 per ton. With seemingly good crops of soybeans and corn on their way, all co-products should remain closer to "average" in comparison to corn and beans. The anomaly from this past year or two seems not to be the case this year. Many production plants are not that quick to put out numbers going beyond a few months. However, some are always willing to take a look at bids.

 

The Pacific Rim countries and India may or may not impact futures prices. The age-old supply and demand economics of domestic markets may be impacted the most by what milk prices do in the future months.

 

Over the past few years we have seen the inequality between export and domestic prices. This trend has had little influence on daily trading nearby. As long as the demand stays strong and business is being done at the current price, it's irrelevant what the potential impact is until it becomes a reality.

 

Some producers are sitting back and waiting to book, while others are taking a look at layering in their purchases and not booking large blocks of feed. There seems to be some optimism about milk prices, yet pessimism over the strength of milk prices. At this point, is seems that we are looking at a rather balanced market and it is uncertain what will change this pattern.

 

Canola meal markets remain favorable in comparison to soybean meal. Strong basis with good milk prices make for favorable mid-protein prices. For those who have basis contracts, we want to remind you that we roll all unpriced contracts to the following futures month on first notice day of the front futures month. This roll cre�ates a new contract basis versus that forward month. If you have questions about how this works, please give us a call and we can walk you through the process. 

 

Both new crop and old crop Cottonseed have slid recently due to favorable weather and increased planting acreages. The impact of export sales could have more of an influence on these prices. We are willing to contract with numerous truck options, including vans, hoppers and live floors, with pricing available through September, 2015.

 

Corn gluten feed supplies are readily available in both pellets and wet. With recent prices falling, this staple product will make a good corn extender with highly digestible fiber, while low in starch and fat. With such favorable summer weather, the wet gluten has been a good addition to bringing moisture into the ration.

Read more   


World Dairy Expo Sept. 30-Oct. 4
The 2014 World Dairy Expo will be here before you know it! Why not get it on your calendar, make some hotel reservations and plan to attend an educational seminar or two? With their expanding trade show, this is probably your best opportunity this year to research major or minor purchases for your dairy operation. Also, this is the first year for the brand-new livestock facilities, the New Holland Pavilions! Click here for more details!
 
Still Time to Apply for Low Interest Farm Loans
USDA-FSA

Indianapolis, Ind., August 7, 2014 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Indiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Julia A. Wickard, today announced that farmers still have time to apply for low interest Fiscal Year 2014 loans available through FSA's direct farm ownership program. The deadline to submit applications is Sept. 30, 2014.

 

Eligible producers can borrow up to $300,000 in direct farm ownership loans to buy or enlarge a farm, construct new farm buildings or improve structures, pay closing costs, or promote soil and water conservation and protection. The interest rate on select loans can be as low as 1.5 percent with up to 40 years to repay.

 

"This is an extraordinary opportunity for more farmers to get low-interest loans to start their first farm, or expand an existing family farm," said Wickard. "There are no backlogs or waiting for funding. If you've dreamed about starting a farm, or if you're looking to strengthen your farm, we want to help."

 

FSA encourages all interested applicants to apply for direct farm ownership loans. For more information about the program and other loans administered by FSA, visit any FSA county office or click here.