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VOLUME XVII, NO. 1 |
TEXAS DAIRY REVIEW |
JANUARY 2008 |
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AFACT organizes group as choice to use biotechnology squelched Jr. Livestock Show is set for January 5-8 |
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AFACT organizes group as choice to use biotechnology squelched |
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The great thing about living in America is that we are blessed with choices in most everything we do ranging from how we live to how we work.
Lately, however, producers have felt a pinch from their respective cooperatives that are leading an effort to eliminate producers’ freedom of choice to use management technologies they prefer, such as rBST. This pinch has developed into a controversial perplexity that some producers say is ill advised, misguided and injurious to the entire dairy industry. rBST, recombinant bovine somatotropin, is an injectable synthetic growth protein used to enhance a cow’s milk production. Scientific evidence, academic and government agency studies, show that cows naturally produce the hormone bovine somatotropin (BST) and testing reveals the synthetic hormone cannot be distinguished from the natural. rBST, manufactured by Monsanto Company, is familiarly known by the brand name of Posilac. This herd management product was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in Nov. 1993 and commercially available to dairy producers since 1994. But, a year ago in November, cooperatives began to ask dairymen to quit using rBST, accompanied by an affidavit that would ensure the honesty of producers. The push to eliminate rBST by cooperatives is obviously to indulge handlers and processors, such as Dean Foods and Kroger, who said they would no longer accept rBST milk or milk with hormones in it. While these processors insist the demand for this effort is consumer-driven, some producers believe it is a marketing strategy and scare tactic that poses major concerns for the dairy industry. This so-called ‘‘special’’ milk is distinguished from conventional milk only because it is labeled as ‘‘rBST or hormone-free’’ milk and carries a higher retail price. The label and higher price both implicate this ‘‘special’’ milk is better than it’s counterpart, sitting right next to it on the shelf. Some producers say it is deceptive to fool or scare consumers into paying a higher price, especially since all milk contains hormones. Carroll Campbell, a Kansas dairyman who owns a 250-cow family operation, refuses to sign the affidavit, even though it is costly to his dairy business. Campbell is a team leader, along with Wisconsin dairy producer Liz Doornink, in the American Farmers for the Advancement and Conservation of Technology (AFACT). AFACT, part of the Voices for Choices campaign, is a producer-driven organization dedicated to protecting a dairy producer’s choice to use approved technologies.
‘‘Although Dean Foods and Kroger are big players in this effort to not accept rBST milk, we’ve not seen their data that shows it to be consumer-driven, as they say, and we’re very suspicious of that.’’ He said in research conducted nationwide by AFACT’s focus group, consistent results show that consumers are basically concerned about price, fat content, and the expiration date on milk. ‘‘They don’t even know what rBST is,’’ he said. Campbell is very passionate about his role in AFACT and points out that above all other threats to the dairy industry, such as environmental regulations and high feed costs, this effort to force producers to eliminate the use of rBST is...without question...the biggest threat of all. ‘‘The strategy by cooperatives to coerce producers into signing affidavits poses consequences for those who do not sign. ‘‘First of all, the cover letter implies we have no choice and nowhere to market our milk if we don’t agree. My transportation cost has gone up to $1.10 cwt. to haul our milk to a plant in Missouri that will take it. ‘‘Signing that affidavit means we would lose the advantage of using the product, Posilac, which is FDA approved. It is a management tool that is size-neutral---no matter whether you have 50 cows or 500, you get the same results. ‘‘This is the first of many technologies we could lose,’’ he said. ‘‘They haven’t considered other things that could eventually be eliminated, too, like the hormone prostaglandin (PFG) used for breeding purposes and bringing cows into heat. Right now it is a staple in reproductive protocol. ‘‘The bottom line is---we don’t think there are grounds for rBST-free milk.’’ Campbell said the only people who are concerned with rBST milk and want to eliminate it from the market are activist groups--- not the general public. Campbell points out significant concerns in processors’ efforts to eliminate rBST milk. ‘‘One, is the evident discrimination against lower income families who cannot afford more expensive milk. Secondly, it impacts all US taxpayers because of the higher priced 'non-rBST milk. It affects the WIC and food stamp programs and impacts the school lunch program, as well. It also has an impact on the environment. ‘‘If we lose the use of this technology...it means nationwide, it would require another 500,000 cows to produce the same amount of milk.’’ Campbell said this loss would require more feed, more water and everything else it takes to manage these cows. He added that industries would be unwilling to undertake new technology in the dairy industry if their products are being bombarded by major cooperatives, processors and retailers. ‘‘Why spend billions of dollars on something that is not able to be used?’’ On a personal level, Campbell has always taken pride in the quality and nutritious wholesome milk product he produces. He said the deceptive labeling on ‘‘non-rBST milk or hormone-free’’ milk, however, implies his conventional milk product is something other than that. ‘‘It’s very sad to me that our dairy industry has taken a step backwards. Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) may have agreed to this effort but it’s certainly not in the best interest of the dairy industry.’’ Campbell said the future of his dairy depends on his family to continue the business. ‘‘I don’t want to see them try to operate a dairy without the choice to use technology. ‘‘My coop has failed me. They’ve lost sight in my best interest and the interest of the entire industry. "Other producers will agree with me yet do nothing. But, if I don’t do this and speak out on how I feel, I would never forgive myself because I know I’m right, even though my business has suffered because of it.’’ Ken Miller, soon to serve his first term on the DFA board in January 2008, is one of the many DFA members who signed an affidavit last year stating he no longer injects his dairy cows with rBST. Miller is a native New Mexican who now owns and operates a 500-cow dairy in East Texas. He said even though DFA’s program is voluntary, he felt compelled to sign the affidavit to quit use of rBST only because the consequences were too costly. But, he doesn’t like the agreement or promote the cooperative’s actions. Like Campbell and other dissatisfied dairy farmers, Miller sees multi-faceted problems with the cooperative’s efforts. ‘‘For one thing, the premium promised producers is not equitable compared to what the consumer is paying for ‘rBST-free milk’. It’s obvious someone is making money on the deal, but not the producer. ‘‘It’s a tragedy,’’ he added, referring to the entire marketing scheme that he feels will have its ramifications on down the road. ‘‘This program has set dairy industry technology back fifty years. It opens up a can of worms meaning if the milk handlers and cooperatives have allowed consumers to drive this, what will they ask for next?’’ Miller said he is offended by the fact he no longer has a choice in how to manage his dairy herd. ‘‘It should be my own business, my own choice, as to whether or not I use the protein developed to help my cows. This just shows that dairymen don’t have any control.’’ Miller said he had hoped the cooperatives would back down to the demands. He said he had hoped they would have enough backbone to stand up and say, ‘‘if you want milk, then you’ll take it like it is, which is perfectly nutritious and safe.’’ Miller is concerned that consumers who are not familiar with the milk process are making uneducated choices. He said they see two containers sitting side by side on the shelf and because one is labeled it doesn’t have hormones or is not from rBST injected cows, they end up buying the more expensive milk because they think it’s better for their families. Or, if they cannot afford that, they may resort to skipping milk entirely. ‘‘The labeling is the big problem. It’s deceptive just by its implications. It implies that one milk is different from another milk or one milk is safer than the other. But, it’s identical. It’s just tragic that handlers are allowed to dupe the public this way.’’ ‘‘I’ve been successful all my life in the dairy business and have never turned my back on technology until now because I feel I’ve been forced to.’’ Nearly all dairymen would agree that perception plays a major role in what product a consumer buys. At this stage, the wholesome product of milk has been tainted by a negative image in the minds of a small percentage of consumers that processors and cooperatives are catering to. Efforts to label what ‘‘is not’’ in milk and selling it for a higher premium clearly implies there must be garbage in conventional milk. In comparison to marketing strategies used in other product beverages, a few years ago Seven-up came up with an excellent campaign advertising their product as the ‘‘uncola.’’ This gave people a choice from other popular soft drinks that are made of cola. Most certainly it was the ‘‘un’’ in the 7-up campaign that caught the consumer’s eye. But, 7-up was telling the truth. They had good reason to market their "uncola" beverage against their cola competitors. The milk industry, however, is marketing milk against "un" rBST milk which for all intent and purposes is the same milk. Go figure. |
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Jr. Livestock Show is set for January 5-8 |
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By Dario Martinez The time of the year has rolled around once again when shearing has stopped and the youth in the area make last minute preparations for the annual Erath County Junior Livestock Show. The show is set for Jan. 5-8 at Erath County Livestock Association Arena. Dairymen please take note the Dairy Auction Sale will be on Sat., Jan. 5, beginning at 7 p.m. The defining moment has arrived where young exhibitors from across the county proudly exhibit the animals they have been raising all year long in the arena show ring. Youngsters hope judges notice the great effort they have put into their livestock projects throughout the past year. Everyone is encouraged to donate to the efforts of the participants and come out to support the dedicated youth and others who have worked hard to make the livestock show possible. |
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High Ground to visit Tulare show for 12th straight year |
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The High Ground of Texas is California-bound again to attend the world’s largest agricultural exposition in Tulare, CA. for the 12th straight year. The High Ground of Texas will be sending a team of over 50 economic development professionals, community leaders and sponsors to California’s World AG Expo 2008, Feb. 12-14. The High Ground of Texas will host their famous hospitality event, the ‘‘6th Annual High Ground of Texas Tailgate Party’’ on Wed., Feb.13 from 3-5 p.m. in the VIP tent on the show grounds. Last year’s Tailgate Party was a huge success, serving over 500 potential clients, resulting in more than 50 visits to the region and numerous dairy expansions to the area. Additional inquiries were made following the event by ag-related businesses soliciting information about possible expansion projects. The Tailgate Party will include steak and cheese with music provided by, ‘‘Texas Crossroads’’ from Shamrock, TX. Sponsorships for this special event are available to businesses interested in opportunities provided by the growing dairy industry and other expanding agricultural businesses. The 2007 event was co-hosted by over 55 Tailgate Sponsors from around the region. The World AG Expo brings together over 100,000 ag professionals from 67 countries every year. The latest and most innovative ideas in over 280 categories will be displayed during the show held each year in February. This year’s show boasts more than 1600 exhibitors on 2.6 million square feet of show grounds. There is a new Dairy Technology Center showcasing the ‘‘Top Five New Dairy Products’’, and daily seminars covering irrigation, international trade, dairy profit, and general agricultural topics. ‘‘By attending this show with the High Ground of Texas, community partners are able to leverage marketing dollars to reach a large agriculturally based market,’’ said Elgin Conner, Levelland Economic Development Chairman. ‘‘Agriculture is a large part of our economy and as the dairy industry grows in West Texas we want service providers to be aware that from The High Ground region they can service several dairying regions from a centralized location,’’ Conner said. For more information about the World AG Expo 2008 in Tulare, CA you can visit their web site at www.worldagexpo.com and for information about the High Ground of Texas you can visit www.highground.org . |
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Former Anson County agent starts Erath County position |
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Erath County welcomes new county extension agent Todd Vineyard to the area.
Erath County is nothing new to Vineyard who graduated from Tarleton State University (TSU) with both a bachelors and masters degree in agriculture. ‘‘It is also an opportunity for my wife, Marla, to be closer to her family who live in Stephenville,’’ he said. Vineyard said he became familiar with the county’s dairy industry and its issues in the late 80s while attending college and working for Lone Star Dairy Supply. ‘‘I had about 150 customers I handled so I might know a little more about dairies than the average county agent.’’ One of Vineyard’s focal points will be to assist dairies and work with local and state agencies on water quality. ‘‘I realize that dairies have downsized in terms of number of dairies since the 80s, but the dairy facilities are bigger and I think these guys are here to stay. It’s very important for these dairies to remain in Erath County and maintain their status.’’ Also high on Vineyard’s agenda is to assist small acreage homeowners. ‘‘This is key for my position. Land in this area has become fragmented and sold into smaller parcels. Due to this fragmentation, I will work closely with small acreage landowners to provide them with information that will help them to maintain an agriculture status and for production on limited acreage. Vineyard said he has been working this past month with a landowner who wants to start a tree farm. ‘‘I’ve already done a lot of producer visits. I like to get out and be with the people, get to know them. That’s just kinda’ my style,’’ he said. As county extension agent, his job will be to cover all homeowner and horticulture needs, beef cattle, forage improvement, dairy industry and ‘‘just about anything that has to do with agriculture,’’ he said. He also mentioned he intends to address wildlife that is currently a big draw in the area as well as the equine business. ‘‘Bucking bulls are also a big business and I’ve already talked to a couple of bucking bull companies. I’ll be talking to bucking bull producers about herd management and special needs for them to perform.’’ Vineyard’s wife, Marla, teaches middle school science at Anson but is seeking a position in Stephenville. ‘‘I’ve been commuting back and forth to Anson and it’s a pretty long drive,’’ Vineyard said. ‘‘It’s also a handful for Marla during the week taking care of our three kids,’’ he added. The Vineyard children are Chase, 13, Chelsi, 11, and Creed, 3. Stop by and meet Vineyard at the Erath County Courthouse Annex. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 254-965-1460. |
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Vineyard
recently moved to Stephenville from Anson, Texas, where he was county
agent for more than 12 years. He said his new position provides a great
opportunity to move into a bigger and more active county.