Dairy Talk

Trade talk failures and your milk check

Jim Dickrell — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:07:42 GMT

Vilsack Wants to ‘Restructure’ Dairy

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:42:58 GMT

Net $100 more per cow

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:17:34 GMT

No USDA dairy buyout bail out

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:26:54 GMT

Will A Billion Pounds of Cheese Stink Up Markets?

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:55:54 GMT

Dairy financing gets tougher

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:32:39 GMT

The events of the past few weeks-the meltdown on Wall Street, the stock market crash, and the liquidity crisis in lending—calls for steady hands and even steadier nerves.

CWT is Working—Sort Of

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:10:24 GMT

BST more eco-friendly than organic

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:04:16 GMT

A new study, published last week by the National Academy of Sciences, turns conventional wisdom on its head: Milk produced using BST is far more friendly to the environment than milk produced organically. The reason is basic biology. Milk produced using BST takes far fewer resources than milk produced organically.

National Milk’s Radical New Dairy Plan

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:23:52 GMT

Dairy feed costs coming down

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:12:48 GMT

2010 Dairy Outlook Clouds Over

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:11:19 GMT

Milk the MILC program

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:35:48 GMT

Corn prices should be lower

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:25:06 GMT

Animal Abuse on Your Dairy

Jim Dickrell — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:26:56 GMT

EU Pushes U.S. to 400,000 SCC Limit

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:54:34 GMT

CWT maximum bids too high?

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:35:52 GMT

Should Dairy Price Supports Be Raised?

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:45:41 GMT

USDA’s ID Decision Leaves U.S. Vulnerable

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:09:34 GMT

February MILC payments to start flowing April 1

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:00:16 GMT

$100 for cow rendering?

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:57:40 GMT

How many cows need to die?

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:41:31 GMT

Unanimity Elusive on Dairy Quotas

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 25 May 2010 18:45:44 GMT

CWT positions for (big) buyout

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:26:56 GMT

NMPF’s Dairy Policy Changes

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:23:55 GMT

World Dairy Markets Show Signs of Life

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:26:18 GMT

Organic Dairy’s Dilemma

Jim Dickrell — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:20:34 GMT

CWT cow kill courts backlash

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:37:03 GMT

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) succumbed to pressure last week and announced it is launching its 5th round of cow culling through its Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) program. I hope this doesn’t come back to bite us.

Better Dairy Days Ahead

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:40:11 GMT

Lower Cell Counts to 400,000

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:19:05 GMT

Jump-starting school milk

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:05:05 GMT

Dairy’s Slow Slog to Recovery

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:26:19 GMT

Retail Milk Wars

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:26:11 GMT

Rays of Hope in Dairy Gloom

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:41:03 GMT

Why Dairy Needs to Export

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:52:35 GMT

$175 per cow gas tax

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:11:00 GMT

World Dairy Markets in Recovery

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:13:32 GMT

Dairy Crisis Demands Radical New Thinking

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:45:58 GMT

Obama or McCain: Who's best for dairy?

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:10:00 GMT

Dairy Exports Start Slow Rebound

Jim Dickrell — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:09:05 GMT

Milking Immigration Reform

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 07 May 2010 19:52:03 GMT

Control What You Can

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:24:36 GMT

MPCs Aren’t Dairy’s Biggest Problem

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:14:59 GMT

Glad Dairy Tidings, and Other Good News

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:49:28 GMT

Dairy’s stake in the Renewable Fuels fight

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:49:07 GMT

Cows Coming Home to the Midwest

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:26:31 GMT

No Consensus on Supply Management

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:03:07 GMT

Cull Often, Cull Early

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:50:24 GMT

February milk price won’t cover feed costs

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:32:28 GMT

Will MILC Payments Go to Zero?

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:50:55 GMT

Free Dairy Trade—or Not

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:19:34 GMT

How Many Cows Will CWT Kill?

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:35:42 GMT

U.S. Dairy’s Future Starts Now

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:07:30 GMT

Dairy Prices Might Not Recover Until 2010

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:06:56 GMT

Is CWT Part of the Dairy Price Problem?

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:45:20 GMT

Will lower feed prices be enough?

Jim Dickrell — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:56:47 GMT

Cattlemen’s beef with dairy

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:07:20 GMT

Stirring up a bit of hornet’s nest over rumors about a federally-subsidized dairy buyout.

Could COOL drive National Animal ID?

Jim Dickrell — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:13:34 GMT

In an ironic twist, the 2008 Farm Bill’s Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements could speed the implementation of national animal identification.

Dairy Consolidation and Monopoly Money

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:21:59 GMT

National Milk’s Dairy Plan a Bit Schizophrenic

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:45:37 GMT

The EU’s Fuzzy Somatic Cell Count Deadline

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:01:41 GMT

Dairy Doldrums Likely To Continue

Jim Dickrell — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:21:00 GMT

Dairies ‘Too Big to Fail’

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:33:00 GMT

Lenders are tightening up on borrowing capacity, but they aren’t abandoning dairies. There’s a bigger reason than rebounding milk prices behind bankers’ decisions to ride out the storm with their big dairy clients.

Waves of Dairy’s Future

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:05:00 GMT

Economists know that dairy prices ride on seasonality and other cause-and-effect waves. They can even roughly predict upcoming peaks and crashes. Shouldn’t dairy policy also look ahead and not just react to 2009?

Dairy to Blame for Beef Drug Residues

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:04:00 GMT

Cattlemen are none too pleased that these residues continue to bring scrutiny and give beef a bad name. It’s not only a public relations issue for the cattle industry but one with very real food safety concerns too.

Will Dairy Concentration Continue?

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:12:00 GMT

At least one factor will slow the trend. And it won’t be dairy policy.

It’s All about Dairy Efficiency

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:04:00 GMT

Dairy’s contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States is a paltry 2%, with dairy production accounting for three-fourths of that.

Dairy Protesters Need to Be Careful What They Wish For

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 07:16:00 GMT

As Air Force One came gliding in on its landing path to Madison, Wis. yesterday afternoon, a small group of anti-CAFO protesters rallied at the gates of World Dairy Expo.

Dairy Programs Reduce Volatility, But…

Jim Dickrell — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:09:00 GMT

Analysis of three alternatives to current dairy policy show they all reduce milk price volatility, but do little to enhance price, and in one case, actually decrease average prices paid to dairy farmers.

Dairy Exports Rebound

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 07:02:00 GMT

With relentless growth in milk production this year and lackluster consumer spending, dairy producers should be thankful for robustly rebounding export markets.

Supply Management Programs Leave Sour Taste

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 05:52:00 GMT

Supply management schemes are very sweet at the beginning, but taste more and more bitter with each passing year.

Lame-Duck Immigration Reform

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Dairy Prices on Knife’s Edge

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Dairy Policy Consensus Building

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Dairy’s Love/Hate Relationship with Retailers

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:38:00 GMT

Dairy producers argue that stores should bring down their dairy prices to sell more. Retailers are going to make money where they can. But there is some hope for both sides to boost dairy profits.

California’s Cost-Cutting Comeback

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:34:00 GMT

If there’s a way to cut costs while still making the same amount of milk, California producers are likely find it. They’ve achieved a greater reduction in feed costs than Midwestern dairies, proving California remains a tenacious competitor.

Dairy’s “New Normal”

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:30:00 GMT

In 2007 and 2008, we thought we had reached a new normal in feed prices and cost of production. Today, the dairy industry’s new state of “normal” can be summarized by three words.

Federal Order Issues Frustrate Dairy Reforms

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 13:54:00 GMT

National Milk’s dairy reform proposal faces more than the stumbling block of Class IV pricing. Its Foundation for the Future plan also eliminates “higher of” pricing. Concerns have already emerged.

Dairy Margin Insurance Making More Sense

Jim Dickrell — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 18:01:00 GMT

It seems to me relying on milk price enhancement, tweaking MILC (Milk Income Loss Contracts) or enacting supply management schemes are not only insufficient, they are the road to ruin. Here’s why.

Informa Study Fires Up Dairy Debate

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:00:00 GMT

Which states would contribute more under the Foundation for the Future’s growth management plan? Time, place and circumstance all play a role – and controversy follows.

Fluid Milk Sales in Crisis

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:00:00 GMT

It was a stunning admission: Generic fluid milk advertising doesn't work, or at best doesn't work very well. That confession came at the Dairy Forum in Florida in January, when Milk PEP officials rolled out new research results.

Whatever You Do, Don’t Give Up Milk

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:00:00 GMT

In calculating what it takes to make a respectable dairy margin when both feed costs and milk prices are high, three things are clear.

Proposals for 400,000 SCC Standard Wildly Different

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:00:00 GMT

Politics are likely to come into play when the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments meets next month.

National Milk’s Attempt at Order Reform

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:08:00 GMT

Plenty of questions come with Federal Milk Order Reform, the final part of National Milk’s Foundation for the Future reform package. Will it be more or less complex? And what will it achieve?

Supply Management Won’t Eliminate Dairy Volatility

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:08:00 GMT

Such programs could also impede our ability to become consistent, reliable suppliers to export markets.

400,000 Cells, But Who’s Counting?

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:53:00 GMT

The new regulation for milk quality standards will have a profound effect on U.S. dairies. It’s the first step on the path to ensuring high quality milk is entering the food supply.

The Fiasco in Baltimore

Jim Dickrell — Sat, 07 May 2011 13:20:00 GMT

Shame on the 26 nameless, spineless bureaucrats who voted last week against lowering U.S. somatic cell count limits to 400,000 – for acting more in fear for their jobs than in doing the right thing.

Don’t Bet the Farm Over Dairy Drug Use

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 23 May 2011 10:14:00 GMT

The FDA is taking notice of the disproportionately high numbers of dairy cows on USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service tissue residue violator list.

‘Well Managed, But Poorly Led’

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

With Foundation For The Future, National Milk Producers Federation is trying to move our insulated, domestic dairy industry to a more profitable, consistent supplier to world markets. Will dairy producers let NMPF lead?

Better Than MILC?

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:13:00 GMT

The first question producers rightly ask: Would I be better off under current dairy policy or under the Foundation for the Future plan?

Happy Cows and Nervous Nellies

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 06:37:00 GMT

Although positive news abounds, it may be prudent to lock in some of these better prices on at least a portion of your production. The good times of early summer might not last.

Compromise Essential to Dairy Reform

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 01:51:00 GMT

Last week’s release of draft legislation on the National Milk Producers Federation’s “Foundation for the Future” already shows that compromise will be required to pass this program—or likely any dairy reforms.

Liquidity Is the Elixir for Stomach-Churning Dairy Markets

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 06:43:00 GMT

The increased volatility of today’s dairy markets, driven now in part by global events, means you need to increase both liquidity and solvency on your balance sheet.

Better Dairy Solutions

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 05:13:00 GMT

Policy set at the national level cannot be nuanced enough to address and protect every regional issue. What it can do is position the U.S. to become a more consistent player in global dairy markets.

Organic Dairying Not All Peaches, Cream and Granola

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:01:00 GMT

A new study from the University of Vermont shows that organic dairies face stomach-churning economic pressure, just as their conventional neighbors do.

Bovine TB Study Reaffirms Need for National ID

Jim Dickrell — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 13:03:00 GMT

The USDA report reveals we’re not only importing some 800,000 head of feeder cattle annually from Mexico, but 19% of TB-positive animals found at slaughter plants from 2001 through 2009 could not be source identified.

‘Pay To Play’ Dairy Reform

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:50:00 GMT

The new revisions to Foundation for the Future make the program better than the original plan.

Capital for Labor

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:22:00 GMT

The greatest dairy show on earth opens today in Madison, Wis., which is still arguably the heart of the U.S. dairy industry. It certainly will be the heart of the global industry these next five days.

Animal Welfare Is Good for Heifers and Your Bottom Line

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:39:00 GMT

NMPF Gives Up On Federal Order Reforms

Jim Dickrell — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 06:50:00 GMT

H.R. 3062, the Dairy Security Act of 2011, which is the latest variant of the National Milk Producers Federation's “Foundation for the Future” plan, essentially gives up on Federal Milk Marketing Orders reform.

South Korean Free Trade Agreement Could Boost Dairy Sales

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 07:42:00 GMT

If Congress passes a free trade agreement in the next few weeks, cheese exports to South Korea will likely be sustained and even increase.

Dairy Price Crash Unlikely

Jim Dickrell — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 22:35:00 GMT

Animal ID Delays: Playing with Fire

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:14:00 GMT

Last Friday's announcement by USDA that it was extending the comment period for 30 days on its animal disease traceability proposal is just one more delay in this "Waiting for Godot" melodrama.

Why Dairy Reform Is So Darn Hard

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:48:00 GMT

Sen. Bob Casey’s “Dairy Advancement Act of 2011” limits costs by limiting the safety net to the first 150 cows in a herd.

Dairy Reform Wake-up Call

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:09:00 GMT

The new analysis of the Dairy Security Act of 2011 by the University of Wisconsin and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo should serve as a wake-up call for everyone involved in the dairy policy debate.

Ethanol’s Impact on Feed Prices

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:09:00 GMT

At our recent Elite Producer Business Conference, we asked FAPRI's Scott Brown to discuss ethanol’s impact on feed prices. If his analysis is to be believed, you’ll hardly notice any change if ethanol's tax credits are removed.

Dairy Reform’s New Window of Opportunity

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:08:00 GMT

The failure of the congressional supercommittee to come to an agreement on cutting the federal budget might be a blessing in disguise for the dairy industry.

Would Dairy Reform Pay on Your Farm?

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:38:00 GMT

A new spreadsheet allows users to plug in their own herd sizes, production levels and expansion intentions to decide whether they’d participate in the Dairy Security Act and at what levels.

The 400,000 Cell Count Mess

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 04:07:00 GMT

The clock has officially started ticking on the European Union 400,000 somatic cell count export certification requirement.

Dairy’s ‘Go It Alone’ Animal ID

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:05:00 GMT

The National Milk Producers Federation has had it with the beef industry’s infighting over national animal identification.

Immigration Reform 2013: The Lobbying Onus Is on Dairy Producers

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:01:00 GMT

Moving immigration reform forward, even after the election, will require work. It’s paramount that dairy producers talk to friends and neighbors to explain the need for a legal, documented immigrant work force.

$5 Corn the New Normal

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:18:00 GMT

Corn growers see good times now, but their markets may be headed to a new equilibrium as their production costs climb.

Why Dairy Management Matters

Jim Dickrell — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 14:17:00 GMT

A recent visit to Wisconsin underscores the fact that the profit margin needed to sustain an operation long term depends not only on your cost of production but also on the management of production.

Dairy Sustainability: Show Me the Money

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:48:00 GMT

Until dairy farmers can convert a pound of CO2 emissions into convincing dollars and cents, they’re not going to get excited about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving their carbon footprints.

A Four-Way Win for Dairy

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:31:00 GMT

Dairy Farmers of America’s announcement last week of its plan to build a whole-milk powder plant focused on exports in Fallon, Nev., has the potential to be a four-way win for dairy producers.

Another Take on Dairy Reform

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:47:00 GMT

Apart from the dairy stabilization (aka supply management) component of the dairy reform package, the most hotly debated issue is whether the program would actually save or cost dairy farmers money.

Congressional Dairy Debate Begins in Earnest

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:54:00 GMT

The dairy policy rhetoric ratchets up this week amid tightening margins and rapidly expanding production. We’re in for a long, hot, nasty summer.

Senate Dairy Bill Less Onerous – or Not

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 07 May 2012 04:31:00 GMT

New analysis suggests that the dairy market stabilization program, aka supply management, is not triggered nearly as often with the new provisions.

Dairy Role Reversal

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:31:00 GMT

A tale of two dairies–from California and Wisconsin–who are at opposite sides of the spectrum on 2012 survival, competitiveness and government supply controls.

‘Bovine Warming’

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:40:00 GMT

It’s the beginning of summer and the living is easy. Unless, of course, you’re a cow.

Life without Order(s)

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:20:00 GMT

While the dairy industry continues to ruminate over possible changes in the Federal Order system, a Cal Poly study gives food for thought.

Feeding the World—with Dairy Technology

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:10:00 GMT

The food conversation is maturing, with more people realizing that technology is necessary to preserve the planet.

The Dairy Farm Bill Debate Gets Real

Jim Dickrell — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 18:45:00 GMT

The real fight will come when it reaches the floor of the House.

Is the Speaker In the House?

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:40:00 GMT

The drought that spans the nation’s mid-section and into the northeast will have ramifications for dairymen across the country. Is John Boehner listening?

Why the Farm Bill Flounders

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 16:29:00 GMT

The division in Congress and among dairy interests mirrors the American people. The result is failure to solve problems. This must stop.

Ethanol Mandates Need to Be Waived

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 15:23:00 GMT

For dairy and livestock producers, it's a no-brainer. EPA administrators, however, will be under intense pressure from waiver opponents. But there is middle ground.

Idaho’s Dairy Dilemma

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:37:00 GMT

Idaho’s dairy industry is between the proverbial rock and a hard place. The rock is soaring feed costs; the hard place—some of the lowest milk prices in the nation.

Fluid Milk Consumption Slowly Drains Away

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:53:00 GMT

MilkPEP is betting big that it can stem this erosion by tying milk consumption to “usage occasions” such as breakfast.

See You at Expo!

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 04:16:00 GMT

Vilsack Favors Dairy Supply Management

Jim Dickrell — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 10:00:00 GMT

In a town hall meeting here at World Dairy Expo yesterday, Vilsack spent nearly two hours dissecting the Farm Bill, a petition to increase Federal Order prices and a host of other topics.

Lame Duck Farm Bill

Jim Dickrell — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 07:28:00 GMT

Jerry Kozak, CEO and President of the National Milk Producers Federatio nbelieves rational minds will prevail on the Farm Bill debate beginning Nov. 7.

Fluid Milk on the Skids

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 08:29:00 GMT

Manage Risk in a Volatile World

Jim Dickrell — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 22:22:00 GMT

It comes as little surprise that price swings and volatility are increasing for dairy producers.

Dairy Is a Team Sport

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 10:41:00 GMT

Dairy producers must work together with their consultants and employees to get through the next 12 months.

And the Dairy Debate Goes On

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:58:00 GMT

Trying to make sense of the dairy farm bill debate is like trying to sort out the numbers in a presidential debate over health care or federal budget deficits.

Today’s Election and the Farm Bill

Jim Dickrell — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 12:45:00 GMT

A whole host of scenarios could play out on a farm bill vote.

Election Primes Immigration Reform

Jim Dickrell — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 18:39:00 GMT

There’s nothing quite like an election—especially if you lose—that focuses the mind.

Why Mitch and Mike Disagree on Supply Management

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:07:00 GMT

An Idaho cheese manufacturer and a dairy producer diverge over free market and market reality. The dilemma is deciding who is more right.

Are $400 Land Rents All That Crazy?

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:33:00 GMT

Here’s help in deciding how much rent you can afford for land.

Inability to Compromise Becomes Dangerous

Jim Dickrell — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 01:30:00 GMT

The inability of politicians and government regulators to find common ground for the common good has moved beyond standing ground on principle and has entered the realm of dangerous.

Dairy Policy Deserves House Debate

Jim Dickrell — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:48:00 GMT

Back-room deals only come back to haunt us.

Dairy Still the Center of Farm Bill Debate

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 13:21:00 GMT

A Texas food policy analyst says the No. 1 reason we don’t have a farm bill is John Boehner’s absolute opposition to supply management.

No Slam Dunks in Dairy Legislation

Jim Dickrell — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Given the economic analysis, philosophical differences and Congressional paralysis, it’s difficult to see where dairy policy will end up.

A Tale of Two Economists

Jim Dickrell — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 11:09:00 GMT

The two forecasters reached opposing conclusions looking at the very same set of economic data and job numbers. Who is right is critically important to dairy producers.

Animal Welfare Audits Need Accountability

Jim Dickrell — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 18:50:00 GMT

Videos that show abusive animal handling practices at dairies and slaughterhouses show up on the Internet with sickening regularity. The dairy industry must do better.

400,000 Somatic Cells X 3

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:27:00 GMT

Previous efforts failed to lower the national SCC limit to 400,000. Will 2013 be different?

Bullish On Dairy

Jim Dickrell — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 22:24:00 GMT

CRI’s Doug Wilson is convinced U.S. agriculture—and that includes dairy—is poised for a prosperous future.

Immigration Reform’s Bare-Knuckle Brawl

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:37:00 GMT

For dairy farmers, the key is to stay positive, informed and engaged.

Dollars in the Details

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:04:00 GMT

In the two embattled proposals for federal dairy legislation, what’s left out can be as important as what’s still there in black and white.

Is the Dairy Debate Asking The Wrong Question?

Jim Dickrell — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:52:00 GMT

Here's what the real focus should be, say two young and very smart dairy economists.