Dairy

State initiatives target growth in thriving animal agriculture industry

Stateline Midwest ~ December 2012

What is the economic impact of a single dairy cow? An analysis by South Dakota State University put it at $14,000, and in Nebraska, the state estimates that a 2,000-cow dairy operation generates 20 jobs and pays more than $200,000 in property taxes.

Animal agriculture is big business in the Midwest, and in recent years, states such as Nebraska and South Dakota have begun new initiatives to encourage its expansion.


Farm bill expiration hits dairy farmers first, but congressional inaction will also impact consumers and other agriculture producers

Stateline MIdwest ~ November 2012

The 2008 farm bill officially expired on Sept. 30, a congressional inaction that has left plans for 2013 crop production in limbo while also costing dairy farmers hundreds of thousands of dollars and leaving  consumers with the prospects of much higher milk prices starting next year.


Dairy producers rebound from worst of price collapse, but say federal reform still needed

The dairy industry is an important economic engine for many communities in the Midwest, as reflected by recent actions taken in Wisconsin and regional interest in the future policy direction of the federal government.


Got (raw) milk? Debate over potential benefits, dangers of unpasteurized milk sales spurs controversy and legislation in Midwestern states

Demand for raw, unpasteurized milk is on the rise - and policymakers in the Midwest are debating the potential benefits and risks of allowing farmers to sell the product.

 


Resolution on Dairy Price Reporting

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of State Governments representing state, territorial and provincial policy leaders urge the USDA to provide back-payments to dairy producers who were financially hurt by USDA errors in nonfat dry milk price reports.
 


Resolution on Utilization of Fresh Local Milk in Federally Funded Food Security Programs

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that The Council of State Governments representing state, territorial and provincial policy leaders urge the use of local, fresh milk in WIC and other federally funded hunger security programs.