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Posts Tagged ‘milk’

USDA Program to Help Minnesota Dairy Farmers

Monday, April 6th, 2009

In 2007 three Minnesota counties alone had 986 dairy farms. With the 50 percent decrease in dairy prices, farmers are struggling.

A statement released by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said the USDA is planning to step up and assist dairy farmers by purchasing dairy products from the market and make them available to food pantries, school food programs and Indian reservation programs.

The USDA plans to buy 200 million pounds of dry milk. The program is not expecting to fully solve the current economic problem, but the USDA wants to help farmers who are in need. “There’s more to bed one,” Klobuchar said. “I am completely sympathetic to our dairy farms.”

Farmers and agriculture figures are excited about the plan. Bob Lefebvre of the Minnesota Milk Producer Association told the St. Cloud Times he thinks “it certainly is a step in the right direction.”

Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) agrees. He said, “This is a win-win situation that will offer relief to our nation’s dairy farmers who are suffering from high input costs and declining milk prices and to low-income American families who are finding it harder to put healthy food on the table during these difficult economic times.”

If you are interested in purchasing farm land now is a great time to do it. Low rate farm loans are available through Farm Plus today. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.

Pampered Cows Means More Milk

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Efficiency is one way to survive the dairy crisis that currently exists. With milk prices as low as $10.78 for 100 pounds of milk, dairy farmers try to stay optimistic.

Some farmers had to slaughter cows or sell them, but others are getting every drop they can out of fewer cows. Linnea Kooistra is one of these farmers.

“As we take care of the animals, they take care of us,” she told the Chicago Tribune. Kooistra spoils her cows with fine cuisine, pedicures and sand beds.

“You try to get the most milk you can out of each cow to limit the negative effects, the losses,” Kooistra said. “We keep her happy so she gives us more milk.”

Kooistra’s dairy farm is located in northern Illinois, and although Illinois is not a top dairy producing state, it is ranked at 20 with 1,000 dairy farms.

Dairy prices have dropped due to less demand. With the current recession, people are not dining out as much (consuming dairy products) or purchasing expensive cheeses. Another reason is that there is less milk export because other countries are no longer dependent on us for milk.

Despite current economic conditions farm loans are available. If you are interested in purchasing a farm, contact Farm Plus today for more information on farm loans. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online.

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