Indiana Dairy Producers E-Newsletter
www.IndianaDairy.org
November 23, 2015                                                              Issue 88

Our Vision: To Make Indiana the most desirable state in which to produce milk.

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


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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


PSRBNorthStar


Gold Sponsors
Agri-King
 
   
 JBS United 
Milk Specialties Global Stewart-Peterson  
Maurer-Stutz



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 

Executive Director

Doug Leman 

317-695-8228

 

Steve Obert, President

 

Sarah Wagler, Vice President 

 

Julie Bommer, Secretary/Treas. 

 

Board Members

 Joe Hibshman

Liz Kelsay
Brian Huber

Brian Houin

Cory Craig
Nathan Kuehnert 

  

Industry Advisers

Andy Tauer

Dr. Ken McGuffey 

Todd Janzen, Attorney   

Nathan Hrnicek 

 

LuAnn Troxel, Business Mgr.  


Silver Sponsors

Click on the logo to visit sponsor's

website

 
 
RP Feed Components  
 
 
 
Diamond V 
BMO Harris Bank 
 
Byron Seeds LLC  
 
NPC Bovamine Logo 
Merck 
Perdue Ag Solutions 
Arm & Hammer Logo  ABS Global Logo 
  
Michigan Milk Producers Logo 
  
Bunge Logo 
GEA Logo 
Specialty Hybrids 
Prairie Farms 
Alltech 
Fair Oaks Farms Logo 
Zoetis, formerly Pfizer 
Cargill 
 
            
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.
 

Visit Our Bronze Sponsors 

Bronze Level
Click on above button!

 

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

Residue Prevention
Innovation Center
Innovation Center for U.S.
Dairy


 
 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.

 

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.



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E-Updates

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


 
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Greetings!
 
After such a beautiful stretch of weather, we finally got our big Indiana sudden change; it does look like it is supposed to warm up again soon and the snow will be gone - I personally have seen enough for the winter!

It was so good to see those of you who were able to make it to our Partners In Success, appreciated Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council again sponsoring this wonderful event which gives us an opportunity to update our sponsors on what we have been up to and also to just say "Thanks!" As we announced at the event, it is with tremendous appreciation that we welcome a new Diamond Sponsor - Old National Insurance moving up from Gold and partnering with SECURA Insurance, bringing a special value to our members. Please see the welcome below. I sure encourage you to support our sponsors as they support you through IDP.

We are busy working on the program for our Regional Dairy Meetings coming up in January and February - please save the date for the location that works best for you. We are bringing in top quality speakers that will help us understand, prepare, and make better decisions based on farm financials, the segment of management we are focusing on this year. We have changed a couple of locations which we hope will make it more convenient for you to join us; it will be worth your time to attend! The dates and towns are listed in the Upcoming Events at the bottom of this newsletter, and more details will come soon. Also, as we look ahead, we are beginning to put together our 2016 Farm and Industry Tour, looking very much like it will happen at the end of March. We are planning a two day event going into Illinois this year. I assure you that it will be another great trip as you have come to expect.

As we all reflect on the past year there have been joys and sorrows, challenges within our industry, turmoil in the world, good days and bad days. Yet, I think we can all find many things to be thankful for. As always, let me know if you have any dairy needs.  Contact me at [email protected] or at 317-695-8228. I hope you will have some time to spend with family and I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! God bless!

Doug Leman
IDP Executive Director   
IDP Thanks Partners at Luncheon
IDP President Steve Obert addressed the crowd (above) that attended the IDP Partners in Success Luncheon on November 6 at the Normandy Barn at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The organization has grown significantly in involving companies who have chosen to partner with Indiana Dairy Producers. It's these amazing partners that have played a huge role in IDP's mission to serve Indiana's dairy farm families. It was great those in attendance. IDP would also like to thank the sponsors that couldn't attend but are still such an important part of our success.

Jerry Goshert
At the luncheon, we heard Jerry Goshert, editor of the Farmer's Exchange, discuss the Northern Indiana Dairy Trail. This exciting event will take place 2 weekends in June, 2016, showcasing dairy farms in celebration of Indiana's Bicentennial. In addition, the trail will have a key role during the torch relay in October, 2016. You will be hearing much more about this event in the coming months.

Steve Obert brought the group up to date on the progress of IDP's Strategic Plan, the committees and the likely outcome of the "big idea", the Dairy Forum.  Looking very much like it will be moving forward, Steve invited those in attendance to feel free to offer advice and to also let them know there will be opportunities to assist in planning the Forum. Doug Leman updated the attendees on the current status of the Indiana dairy industry, IDP's working relationship with state regulatory agencies, looking ahead at event topics, locations and dates, also highlighting some of the accomplishments of the organization in the past year. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Jason Henderson (read the article below for more about Jason's talk.) 

To see the photo album of the Partners luncheon, click here.
SECURA and Old National Insurance are DIAMOND sponsors of IDP!
SECURA offers exclusive discount to Indiana Dairy Producer members

Protecting farmers has been part of the heritage of SECURA Insurance since its founding in 1900.
A Midwest work ethic and helpful attitude are inherent qualities of SECURA's culture. Headquartered in Appleton, Wis., the company is known for how well it treats policyholders - most rate it a "Perfect 10" after their claims experience.
 
SECURA's employees have real-life backgrounds in farming and extensive knowledge of the risks farmers face, and the carrier continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of farmers.
 
The company offers key coverages tailored to dairy farms, such as:
  • Replacement cost on a partial loss
  • Milk contamination
  • Equipment breakdown
  • Earnings and extra expense
Plus, customers can choose endorsements that offer increased limits and expanded coverage:
  • Farm Operations Protector Plus
  • Agri-Protector Plus
Members of Indiana Dairy Producers who select SECURA for their insurance receive a 5 percent discount on their Farm Protector policies. They also benefit from the carrier's consultative approach to risk management.
 
SECURA works with more than 450 agents in 12 states to offer Commercial, Personal, Farm-Ag, and Specialty insurance products and services.
The carrier is recognized among Ward's Top 50 property and casualty insurance companies nationwide, and is consistently rated A (Excellent) with A.M. Best. The company partners with Chris Moore from Old National Insurance for the Indiana Dairy Producers program. 
 
Chris Moore
317-650-4519
I am pleased to announce that Secura Insurance has partnered with Old National Insurance to provide a preferred insurance program for the members of IDP. Secura specializes in writing farms and agribusinesses throughout the Midwest. Along with their outstanding insurance products, their clients also have access to their full service loss control staff. The goal of this program is to provide broader insurance coverage at a lower price. There have already been great signs of success with farms and agribusinesses! Thanks to IDP and Secura Insurance for getting this plan up and running! Give me a call at 317-650-4519.
Long-Term Economic Outlook Positive
Farmers-Exchange, Jerry Goshert
Dr. Jason Henderson
A weak global economy is weighing on the farm economy right now, but a glimmer of hope is on the horizon, according to a Purdue University agricultural economist.
Jason Henderson, director of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, said the long-term economic outlook is positive, and he predicts the U.S. economy will lead the world out of recession. But first we have to get through several years of slow exports.
Henderson was the keynote speaker during the Indiana Dairy Producers' "Partners in Success" luncheon on Nov. 6 in Indianapolis.
The U.S. currently has a strong dollar, making U.S. goods more expensive on the foreign market. With China's economy leveling off, fewer U.S. dairy products, like nonfat dry milk, are being sold abroad and the result has been lower farmgate milk prices in the U.S.
Looking at things from a "macro" perspective, Henderson, who holds master's and doctorate degrees in agricultural economics, believes this situation will turn around. In 10 to 20 years, China will assert itself as a consumer-oriented society and once again will be buyers of U.S. goods.
"Once we get through this period, then I think the tides are going to shift again," Henderson said. Looking 10 to 20 years into the future, he said, "China is going to be emerging as a consumer-oriented economy. They're going to want a stronger value of their currency . . . And that will open up opportunities for us to export goods to them under a weaker value of the dollar. That's long term."
He added, "We've got a short-term hurdle that we have to go through. But long term is positive when I think about agriculture and the dairy industry and our ability to penetrate foreign markets going forward."
Henderson said reduced demand overseas is dragging down milk prices, after record export growth over the past decade. He said exports of dairy products are down 38 percent across the globe.
Read more
IDP Stewart-Peterson Webinar Archive

Stewart-Peterson If you missed the IDP - Stewart Peterson Commodity Price Management webinar, "What Every Dairy Producer Needs to Know" on Nov. 4th, you can listen at your convenience on the archived link by clicking below. For best results, use an internet browser other than Internet Explorer.

Webinar 4 November 4, 2015 

  

Previous webinars in this series:

Webinar 3 June 24, 2015 

Webinar 2 February 11, 2015 

Webinar 1 Oct. 29, 2014 

2015-2016 Dairy Leadership Academy Meets and Learns
IDP's Executive Director Doug Leman visited with the new class of 2015-2016 Indiana Dairy Youth Academy members recently. According to adviser Kelly Heckaman, some of what the class learned was: How to act in an interview, how to set up a slide show, how to safely advocate for the ag and dairy industry without getting defensive, and much more. They also noted that they were inspired by (among other things) "Doug Leman and how he went from dairy farmer to being IDP's executive director" and more. But quite frankly, the youth inspire us to keep going! IDP is very pleased to be a sponsor of this wonderful academy! Investing in the next generation is something we all need to do!
Milk Fat is Back, Butter is Better
Jackie Barber, ADAI Producer Relations, Check-off Update

The United Dairy Industry Association and National Milk Producers Federation recently held their annual meeting. The major checkoff success of 2015 discussed at the meeting were:
 
Milk Fat Is Back
Decades of checkoff-led milkfat research and building relationships with health professional organizations have changed the thinking around dairy fat. Further developments still to come in this area.
 
Butter is Better
This year, McDonald's announced a switch from margarine to butter in their 14,000+ stores, which means 600 million additional pounds of milk equivalent annually. McDonald's was able to make the change because our research and health professional partnerships created a friendlier atmosphere for dietary fat.
McDonald's is spending their own money to advertise butter and the Real Seal. We'll see even more dairy move through other restaurant chains when they follow McDonald's lead, which happens often.
 
Consumers Care
The checkoff's "Udder Truth" and "Acres & Avenues" video and social media campaigns put farmers front and center, dispelling common dairy myths and connecting farmers with consumers. One "Udder Truth" video featured Indiana dairy farmer Joe Kelsay talking about cow care. So far, 1.3 million people chose to watch our videos, and they are talking online and defending farmers when extremists try to attack.
 
For more information on checkoff's partnership strategy, check out this article featuring Neil Hoff, one of the dairy farmer leaders on the checkoff board.
Upcoming 2015-2016 Events
 
December

Dec. 13-16 National Grazing Conference, Gravevine, TX Details here. 

 

January

Jan. 27 IDP Regional Dairy Meeting, Rushville

Jan. 28 IDP Regional Dairy Meeting, Evansville

 

February

Feb. 9   IDP Regional Dairy Meeting, Shipshewana

Feb. 10 IDP Regional Dairy Meeting, Decatur

Feb. 11 IDP Regional Dairy Meeting, Plymouth

 

 

ZFS Feed Update
ZFS Official
866-888-7082
As harvest comes to a close for 2015 and stats are revealed, it makes one wonder how the numbers now compare to feed costs. Reports showed high corn and soybean yields in many states, so one feels there is a good supply chain. Food and feed exports have been relatively lower than anticipated this fall, helping put some pressure on the futures prices, helping the ration costs nicely. The current US Dollar is making a big difference, limiting exports for food sales and limiting the co-products supplies which livestock producers buy, as there is less production than normal at these plants for this time of year.  It seems the soy crushers are running wide open, finally making a good supply of soymeal and hulls. There are good buys to be had if you need protein and fiber items. The Canola crop was better than expected, following the drought early on, though processors are running at less than full capacity with low margins, just hanging at usual spread levels vs. soymeal to stay in the diets. Both proteins costs are well below where they were over 12-36 months prior. Distillers grains seems to holding steady at a good low cost source for fat and protein, as the container export market is off some for this time of year. Good supplies available as the plants are running close to full capacity. Wet and dry are available in most areas. Cottonseed was looking to be a great crop until severe weather took out South Carolina's crop, and continued steady rains in N. Carolina. Other states had to cover the shortages, making the prices higher than expected, but there is seed available if interested in contracting. Corn hominy has been readily available with some downtime for maintenance. However, the cost is equal or higher than ground corn in some areas, again pencil it out to see if it works for your ration. We do expect values to decline some into Jan-Mar as they put more sales on food items. Gluten feed prices had been quite steady for both wet and dry until a major player took down-time for maintenance and expansion project that has extended now into 3-4 weeks, creating a huge shortage in pellet supply, and traders thereafter buying up much of the wet market to cover needs. New year offers are out and showing a slight downward trend. Processors are also not running at full capacity which is not helping demand needs and reflective costs. Get your winter needs committed to ensure your supply. Beet pulp pellets and Citrus pulp pellets are available for fiber/sugar source if diets see an open need, inquire with merchants for pricing.  
Cover Crops Can Mitigate Climate Change on Indiana Soils
Cover Crop To manage the increased challenges associated with climate change, Indiana farmers can turn to practices that build soil health, like cover cropping. Cover crops have been shown
to increase soil's water-holding capacity, allowing farmers to capture more water from heavy rainfall events and store that water for increasingly hot summer days. In fact, using
cover crops (and other soil stewardship practices, like no-till farming and compost application) to increase soil organic matter on just half of Indiana's corn and soybean
acres could help store an additional 113 billion gallons of
water-enough to meet the needs of more than 3.5 million
people for a year. Read more