Stories

Although the net loss figures presented to U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley by Iowa dairy families last Friday were shocking, the fact that the families wanted to discuss their non-existent revenues with an elected official was expected. The same couldn’t be said, however, for the subsequent discussion about comprehensive immigration reform.

President Barack Obama is expected to sign an agriculture appropriations bill this week that contains millions in direct aide to the nation’s dairy farmers.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack wants to put together a diverse group of dairy industry representatives to review and make recommendations regarding volatile milk prices and farm profitability.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced today that his agency will increase the amount paid for dairy products through the Dairy Product Price Support Program. Vilsack estimates that that the increases, which will be in play from August 1 to October 31, will increase dairy farmer revenue nationally by $243 million.
“The price increase announced [...]

The psychological attachment farm families feel for their land and livestock is one of the lessons of the 1980s farm crisis — a time when farmer suicides and rural violence made front page news across the nation. Back then, Iowa and Nebraska, two states severely impacted by the farm crisis, developed crisis hotlines designed specifically to serve the needs of agricultural workers. Today, in the wake of natural disasters and in the midst of economic uncertainty, the hotlines are experiencing a spike in activity, likely helping to prevent more tragedies.

Cash-strapped dairy farmers who want to take advantage of a second herd retirement aimed at reducing overall milk production will need to have their bids postmarked by July 24.

Extremely low milk prices paid by distributors have pushed many dairy farmers to the brink of financial ruin, but after spending a day with the owners of L & L Ayrshires, it became clear that balance sheets only tell part of the story.

STOCKPORT — As milk prices drop and farm closings mount, many are convinced that the federal government won’t be able to help ease the pressure.

“We have some things already in place that can help,” U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said in a telephone interview. “But I’ve got to be candid with you: It’s not going to be enough to make up the cost difference that farmers are now experiencing.”

During the past year, farmers have seen the price they are paid for milk drop by nearly half, even while retail prices have remained relatively high.