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VOLUME XIX, NO. 4 |
TEXAS DAIRY & AG REVIEW |
APRIL 2010 |
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SWAT model is only as good as the data fed into it To graze or not to graze no longer question as final pasture rule passes Make plans to attend spectacular Southwest Dairy Day May 27 TDR gets new mast and new look Dairies take advantage of EQIP funding during hard times Dairy radio spots convey proactive multi-messages to consumers TIAER and TSU team up for better science
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SWAT model is only as good as the data fed into it |
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For years, dairy producers and industry leaders have been very aware the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model used to measure the amount of nutrient loadings from Upper North Bosque River (UNBR) dairies into the river, has been severely flawed. But, despite this, the model and its data were used repeatedly by the Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research (TIAER) under the direction of past Executive Director Ron Jones. Although John Cowan, executive director for Texas Association of Dairymen (TAD) and other industry experts fought long and hard to get the model reworked, it was to no avail. Finally, after more than 10 years, Cowan reports the model is now in the hands of the TCEQ to be revised---and he anticipates results will be much different than those in the past. But, it has been a long and anxious wait and Cowan is convinced the flawed model contributed to assumptions by TIAER staff resulting in adverse legislation and Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC renamed TCEQ) rule changes. “I believe all of this,” Cowan said, “was instrumental in wrecking Upper North Bosque River dairies with extending consequences for all Central Texas dairies.” The SWAT model hosted two major flaws: First, It did not take into account the 52 Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSWCB) reservoirs specifically located in Erath County (SCC lakes) for flood control. These lakes were designed to capture rainwater, preventing and abating potential flooding in the region. Much of the regions farm land, including dairies, are located in the drainage area of these lakes and consequently those lakes would have been the first point of collection for rainfall before reaching the Bosque River or its tributaries. Secondly, the model incorrectly identified dairy wastewater lagoons as located adjacent to the Upper North Bosque and it assumed the affluent ran directly into the river. The mathematical calculation used by the model did not consider the spatial difference between the lagoons and the river. Back in 2000 and 2001, TIAER used (SWAT) in a study to evaluate the effectiveness of best management practices (BMPs) to improve in-stream water quality in the Upper North Bosque. The data collection input was prior to and included the early 90s. Several monitoring stations were located along the Bosque River where at the time, the study indicated several thousand dairy cows were distributed among the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) located on the Upper North Bosque. The final results from the model readings showed these dairy waste application fields, (WAFs) as the prime contributor of pollutants into the river that travels downstream and pours into Lake Waco---the primary source of municipal water for the City of Waco. TIAER assumed from the model’s data, that 44% of the soluble phosphorus (P) load in the Upper Bosque came from Confined Animal Feeding Operations’ (CAFOs) waste application fields (WAFs). A report from TIAER was submitted to the TCEQ and provided to the state Legislature. Prior to this, the Upper Bosque watershed had already made the EPA’s 303(d) list as mandated by the Clean Water Act because of elevated soluble reactive P levels. Once the impaired watersheds throughout the state were identified, the TCEQ in 2001 established and submitted a total maximum daily load (TMDL) that called for 50% reduction of soluble reactive P loadings in the impaired segments of the Upper Bosque… The “44%” phosphorus loading into the river released in the TIAER study, stuck like wet manure to a boot. This flawed data, coupled with the Bosque recognized by the state as an impaired watershed with TMDL restrictions, caused a string of destructive and devastating events for CAFOs on the river. Cowan said this information was the ammunition needed by State Rep. Jim Dunham (D-Waco), who represents counties south of the Bosque River watershed, to drive the Sunset Bill, (HB 2912). The Sunset Bill is a 12-year review of state agencies by the Legislature, requiring all agency meetings are open to public observation. During the review, Dunham claimed the TCEQ (then the TNRCC) was not doing its job on regulating the Upper North Bosque CAFOs. In a debate of HB 2912 on the House floor, Dunham brought out the TIAER information about Upper North Bosque dairies and dared any of his constituents to “put their toe in Lake Waco.” Dunham was successful in getting an amendment to the Sunset bill that changed the Texas water code to require all North Bosque River dairies to obtain individual wastewater permits. “I know if the model had been correct,” Cowan said, “it would have given good scientific evidence that shows dairies alone were not responsible for the 44% phosphorus. The landscape of the entire dairy industry in the Bosque River watershed would have been significantly different.” Cowan said when a different agency conducted a study on e-coli bacteria and tracked all animal species, they found dairy cattle made up only 15% of the nutrient loading into the Upper North Bosque River and the largest contributing factor for the bacteria in Lake Waco was human waste. Cowan said he has preached repeatedly and publicly to the TCEQ executive directors and staff, to Ron Jones, and to Dan Hunter (current executive director for TIAER) --- that farmers need to know exactly what is going on with soil tests and the scientific analysis. “They can’t farm on false numbers and they depend on the data they get. If the information is good, they will farm it right. But, these dairies have been held to a standard that was flawed.” |
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To graze or not to graze no longer question as final pasture rule passes |
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The recent passage of the USDA’s final pasture rule sets the standard that organic livestock are pasture-based operations. The USDA and organic dairy farmers are hopeful the new rule will end the dispute between what constitutes organic milk and what does not. The new rule becomes effective in June with mandates that specify organic milk and meat products come from organically raised animals that are actively grazing on pasture. In general, the basic trend for organic milk over the past decade has become a popular choice of food with consumer interests and demands increasing dramatically. In 2008, consumers bolstered the organic industry 14 to 21 percent annually with recorded sales of $24.6 billion. Small dairies versus large But critics questioned if all consumers of organic were getting the “real deal” and it soon became apparent the major rift with organic milk producers was small dairies versus large. As tensions rose, the USDA recognized an evident need for a better definition of pasture rules for organic dairy and livestock and began a series of meetings throughout the nation with organic dairy farmers. Many small organic dairy farmers, especially in the northeast, explicitly argued the old rules were unclear and provided a loophole for large “factory farms” in the western portion of the U.S. to operate as organic, even though cows were out to pasture only when the animals were not giving milk and/or the animals were fed mostly on feed and grain. Defacing the spirit of organic These small farmers felt the entire philosophy of organic was being defaced by the large westernized dairies with much of their anger aimed at such entities as Aurora Dairies of Colorado along with Dean Foods, the country’s biggest milk processor that produces organic products under the Horizon label. They believed these kinds of operations went against the entire spirit of organic and as a result, many consumers were deceived as the trend for organic grew more popular. Defending large organic dairies Steve Martin owner of Dairy Nutrition and Management Consulting, LLC., a Hereford, Texas- based consulting firm, has consulted for large organic dairies in the High Plains for the past five years. “While the small organic producers have been working to find fault with these larger western organic dairies, these predominantly newly designed and constructed farms have been working hard to follow the rules that have been in place,” Martin said. “These rules have been pretty vague until the recent rulemaking.” Martin said his clients are pleased the USDA has used solid science to determine dry matter intake levels; a certain point of contention during the public comment portion of the rulemaking. State-of-the art According to Martin, most, if not all of these larger facilities are new and very modern in all aspects. His clients have built state-of-the art facilities that offer the best chance to support good cow health and assure access to good quality and abundant forages to graze. “The technology afforded to these dairies based on their economies of scale will allow these larger producers to follow the rules and document it as they go,” Martin said. Martin pointed out technology, including computerized feeding systems and individual cow ID systems, will allow for the producer to know exactly how many cows are being fed how much mixed feed and forage at the feed bunk. The balance of the intake required to produce milk will come from intricately managed pastures with movable cross fences. The smaller grazing cells allow for good pasture management to insure healthy pastures as well. Multiple species of forages are used to supply grazing for the cows. No matter what size As a nutritionist formulating a cow’s diet, Martin samples these forages frequently to be sure to accurately build the rest of the diet to meet the needs of all cows at various stages of lactation. Martin is pleased with his client’s efforts to be sure the rules are followed. He adds the organic sector is a very consumer-driven business. “We have to produce the kind of milk that organic consumers want. It seems they want cows to eat grass and we have invested a lot to be sure we can satisfy that desire. “At the end of the day, both large and small organic dairies have to follow the rules. A cow is a cow, no matter if she is in a 300 cow group or on a 30 cow dairy. All of the dairies are regularly inspected. The consumer can have confidence that these cows are being cared for according to organic standards”. The USDA in 2008 reported there were 2,031 organic dairies in the U.S. and an average of 108 cows on each one---although many had fewer. New pasture requirements The key requirement for organic animal agriculture systems is that all organic ruminant systems must be pasture-based. In other words, livestock must actively graze on a daily basis during the grazing season, have access to the outdoors, and not be confined during the non-grazing season. The new pasture rule establishes clear and enforceable standards regarding access to pasture for organic livestock operations. These standards require: (1.) access to pasture throughout the grazing season specific to their geographical climate (2.) Diet consisting of at least 30% dry matter intake from pasture grazed during grazing season, totaling at least 120 days (3.) No hormones to promote growth (4.) No antibiotics or other animal drugs other than vaccinations (5.) No synthetic parasitcides (6.) 100% organic feed (7.) No mammalian or poultry by‐products in feed. Enforcement Organic producers must fully implement the provisions of the rule and must document it in their organic system plans (OSP). These management plans are written procedures concerning all aspects of agricultural production or handling as described in the Organic Food Production Act of 1990. To operate and market their products as USDA organic, certified organic operations must include a functioning pasture management plan into their OSP, which are then verified annually at onsite inspections. If an operation does not demonstrate compliance, organic certifying agents and the National Organic Program can suspend or revoke organic certification. |
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Make plans to attend spectacular Southwest Dairy Day May 27 |
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Be sure to attend this year’s Southwest Dairy Day on Thurs., May 27, 2010, at the Spandet Dairy in Hart, Texas. The field day that includes activities the entire family can enjoy is from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and hosted by the Schilderink Family and Texas AgriLife Extension. Attendees will have plenty to do to occupy their time while touring the modern and massive Spandet Dairy and its facilities. The dairy consists of 5,500 milking cows, a cross-ventilated cow barn, and a 100-cow rotary parlor. The Spandet Dairy heifer operation consists of 6,000 head and an open-dry lot. Also for attendees to experience is a modern commodities area, the latest in cow comfort and cooling, transition cow facilities, special needs facilities and nutrient management handling. Allied industries will be displaying their products and latest technology at booth exhibits located on the dairy grounds. Various demonstrations will include a cross-ventilated barn smoke test; how to improve irrigation pump efficiency and the newest information on manure and sand separation. A free lunch is provided through the courtesy of Sweet Bran, Intervet/Schering-Plough and Vi-COR. |
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TDR gets new mast and new look |
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The Texas Dairy Review (TDR) has undergone a series of changes in the past month to better serve our readership and adverting customers. Currently in our 19th year of publication, the Texas Dairy Review continues to dedicate its purpose to serving and preserving the dairy industry. This interest will always be our first and top priority but in order to diversify in today’s ever-changing world, the paper has recently adopted a new mast that now reads: Texas Dairy & Ag Review. This change will enable us to expand our coverage to include all aspect of agriculture. In addition, TDR has created a more up-to-date and interesting front page, designed by Robby Robinson, TDR’s new creative designer and coordinator. The new look stands to mark TDR’s place in today’s competitive agriculture sector. The TDR staff sincerely hopes you enjoy the new and refreshing look the paper brings along with its continued top-of-the line news articles and personable dairy coverage. With your support, the changes to TDR will empower us to move forward in today’s modern world. Sherry Webb, Publisher |
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Dairies take advantage of EQIP funding during hard times |
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National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) may be the best friend dairy producers have at the moment. The NRCS, a federal government agency, expects eligible dairy producers to start receive funding by the end of March for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), said Tony Huffman, director of the NRCS in Stephenville, Texas. Huffman said the EQIP cost/share program supports a continuous sign-up agenda administered by the NRCS that allows landowners or operators to apply for financial and technical assistance for specific conservation practices. The program has been reauthorized through 2012. EQIP funds are made available to all dairy operators to apply practices related to waste handling and nutrient reduction to surface and ground water resources. “Dairymen need to sign up for the EQIP funding and once they’ve done that, we will work one-on-one with them and their own engineers to discuss what needs to be improved at their dairies,” Huffman said. One Lingleville dairy farmer points out the benefits of the EQIP program. He noted the funding allowed him to accomplish certain tasks he otherwise would not have been able to do. “With the economy as it stands, the funding came at a good time,” he said. The dairy farmer said the EQIP money allowed him to build a fence around his lagoon; get a new reel and pivot for his irrigation system; obtain a pumping station to dewater the lagoon; pay for sprigging, corral cleaning and some engineering costs. “It doesn’t pay for all of it. This is a cost/share program where you pay a portion of the costs. But, if you follow the rules and meet the deadlines, it really helps out---especially now when no one has any money to do anything.” Applications specifically in the Bosque River watershed receive a higher ranking for EQIP funding because it is classified by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as one of the impaired watersheds in Texas. According to the NRCS, the North Bosque River contains high concentrations of nutrients, including phosphorus and nitrogen, which are considered to reduce the quality of water in the river. A total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for phosphorus and nitrogen has been developed and an implementation plan approved to help reduce nutrient loads in the impaired watershed. EQIP funds will leverage other state and federal funds to meet the goals set by the TMDL. A Certified Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning (CNMP) is required prior to providing cost assistance for any practice associated with a dairy operation. Eligibility is available only for commercial dairy Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs), and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), replacement heifer AFO or CAFO operations or participants approved for the use of animal waste from dairies (solid manure, wastewater, or compost) on agricultural land. Priority for funding is based on High, Medium and Low Priority. High Priority includes existing dairy AFO or CAFO operations in the Bosque River watershed applying practices related to waste handling and nutrient reduction or non-dairy producers applying animal waste that originated from dairies in the Bosque River Watershed according to a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP). All applications in this category will be ranked for possible funding. Medium Priority is all existing dairy operations (defined as a herd operation that has an established milking herd at the time of the EQIP application) in Texas other than those in the Bosque and all existing replacement heifer AFO or CAF operations in Texas including those in the Bosque applying practices related to waste handling and nutrient reduction. Applications will be accepted but not ranked unless funds are available after funding all High Priority applications. Low Priority includes any new dairy (no established Milking herd at the time of application) AFO or CAFO operations and/or any new replacement heifer (no established herd at the time of application) AFO or CAFO operation. Applications will be accepted but not ranked unless funds are available after funding all High and Medium Priority applications. Eligible Practices include: waste storage facility, waste treatment lagoon, waste utilization, grassed waterway, diversion, manure transfer( also known as waste transfer), pumping plant, brush management, pasture and hay land planting, sediment basins, field border, filter strip, windbreak/shelterbelt establishment, fence, irrigation system, sprinkler, Irrigation water conveyance – pipeline, irrigation water management, pond sealing –clay treatment, pond sealing or lining, bentonite sealant, pond sealing or lining, flexible membrane , prescribed grazing, roof runoff structure, closure of waste Impoundment, heavy use protection, nutrient management, pipeline, riparian forest buffer, riparian herbaceous cover, stream crossing, tree/shrub establishment, and watering facility. |
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Dairy radio spots convey proactive multi-messages to consumers |
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“When you pour milk over your cereal each morning, do you ever stop to wonder how that milk is produced?” This is the all-too-important question Texas dairy farmer James Hancock from Muleshoe asks listeners in the Dairy Max radio campaign that features him as a speaker. Hancock’s message informs consumers that for every glass of milk they drink, there are over 1,000 dairy farm families in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma who are working hard to ensure consumers they are getting the most wholesome and nutritious milk produced. All the while, Hancock says, producers remain committed to protecting the environment and supporting sustainable agriculture. He wraps up the campaign message explaining that during tough economic times, milk is one of the best values for a consumer’s dollar at about 25 cents a glass---with the added bonus of getting the nutrients and vitamins needed for overall good health. “Milk is good for your family and your family’s budget,” Hancock concludes. Consumers listening to radio stations in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico are likely to hear Hancock’s radio spot along with about 50 other dairy farmers. Seventy different proactive and positive radio spots featuring these dairy farmers are aired on AM and FM stations ranging from talk-news radio to contemporary and easy-listening music. Two-fold in its purpose, Dairy MAX began the dairy-themed radio campaign in 2007 to overturn misperceptions about dairies and environmental issues. The campaign drives home the fact that modern dairies are eco-friendly family operations that safeguard their own children as well as the consumers’ family and children. The campaign has featured 30,000 air plays in major tri-state area markets plus regions that have a strong dairy presence. Patty Littlefield, director of operations for Dairy MAX, said the spots are created to convey a “warm and personal” tone. Littlefield said she used language a mom at the grocery store can appreciate and messages to allow that same mom to identify with a producer or a producer’s wife. “When consumers realize dairy farmers are just like them and they care about their kids and family, then I think we’ve experienced success,” Littlefield said. The messages in Dairy MAX’s radio spots vary and are based mostly on current or pressing industry issues. Key messages include the positive impact dairies have on a community and its contributions; the family-owned aspect of dairies; preserving the land and water for the next generation; humane practices of cow comfort, calf care and handling; and the daily hard work that goes into producing milk consumers enjoy at home. “Or, the message might simply say, ‘don’t forget that a glass of cold chocolate milk can replenish your body during the hot summer months!’” Littlefield said. Dairy MAX is pleased the campaign effectively puts a face on the industry, through the auspices of the spoken word. But, it is the farmer’s voice that leaves a lasting impression. “It just carries so much more of an impact when it’s a farmer telling their own story with their own voice,” Littlefield said. “A professional voice would defeat the purpose.” The farmers who have recorded spots agree Dairy MAX is on target with the concept of farmers highlighting their own individual dairies. Littlefield said Dairy MAX’s top priority is to make consumers aware dairy producers are the original environmentalists while pointing out dairy products are wholesome and nutritious. As dedicated as dairy farmers are to producing quality products, Dairy MAX is likewise dedicated to promoting and protecting the image of dairy producers. The industry image campaign ensures one strong voice when it says, “Our Land, Our Cows, Our Passion.” “We are pleased to showcase our many check-off programs where dairy product promotion is our #1 goal,” Littlefield said. |
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TIAER and TSU team up for better science |
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In early March, the Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research (TIAER) merged with the newly named College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (COAES) at Tarleton State University (TSU), Stephenville, Texas. The move goes far beyond a change of title. Bringing in real world issues to shape the academic arena will prepare TSU students for the future as environmental challenges continue to grow with the population of the Lone Star State. Beneficiaries will include the students at this Stephenville-based university who will find enhanced opportunities in the job market. Farmers and ranchers and the industries and organizations that support them will be winners as well as these students, grounded in agriculture, enter the hotly debated environmental workplace. "Ninety-eight percent of our citizens truly don’t understand agriculture," said Don Cawthon, Ph.D., college dean. "They don’t exactly understand where our food comes from and how it’s handled before it gets to the grocery store shelf. Agriculture has always been concerned about environmental issues and I think all agriculturalists by their nature want to be good stewards of the land. And obviously, we can never have too much information on hand as to how to manage those resources. So, we have a lot of opportunities here to establish some good science and implement that science in protecting our natural resources." The TIAER merger with the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences is an exciting opportunity, said Dan Hunter, executive director of TIAER. Created through the Texas Legislature, TIAER was established in 1991. The establishing legislation dictates that TIAER address pressing environmental issues facing the state and nation. To that end, Hunter advocates solving problems through good science. "I think that even producers will agree today that solid science is their best friend," Hunter said. "What we want to be able to do is to provide them with solid information, solid facts, solid science which will allow them to make good decisions." "We can take some of the people we have and benefit the college on the academic side," he said. "And on the other side of the coin, they have a great number of people who have a tremendous knowledge in agriculture areas who can come in and expand the research we are doing here as well." Cawthon said he thinks the merger will enhance the rate of discovery in environmental management as it relates to agriculture. "Plus, we will be training the next generation of students that come through Tarleton State University on the proper techniques and processes to help everyone manage the environment more effectively," he said. That type of training appeals to Texas Farm Bureau Commodity and Regulatory Activities Director Ned Meister, who said the merger and the new emphasis on environmental sciences as it relates to agriculture will be good for the industry. "From our standpoint, we are in dire need for people who understand agriculture, dealing with the environmental problems in agriculture," he said. "We are very short of those type of technicians out there in the country working for the various agencies. "We have been advocates of this move for awhile and are looking at what we might be able to do to help to define in that curriculum something agriculture can be proud of." Cawthon said a Ph.D. program in environmental sciences has been under development at Tarleton. What is new is an undergraduate environmental science program, being designed with input from TIAER, as well as with the College of Science and Technology and the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. The result of this multi-college effort will be an environmental science program with multiple tracks including agriculture, hydrology, business, policy and science. "We think this is going to be a major success for us as we bring all these programs together and are now able to incorporate the expertise that the Texas Institute for Applied Research has within their ranks," Cawthon said. |
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