Ideas to Reduce Stress In 2019

Uncontrollable factors, such as unpredictable weather, untimely equipment breakdowns, and the dairy market, cause stress for dairy farm families. This stress is a physical response to perceived threats to the family’s well-being. Since our brains do not recognize the difference between psychological or physical threats, our bodies compound the results of fatigue, injuries, feed wagon breakdowns and a milk check that doesn’t cover all the bills.

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November Milk Production Up Less Than 1 Percent In Iowa

Milk production in Iowa during November 2018 totaled 425 million pounds, up less than one percent from the previous November according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. Continue reading “November Milk Production Up Less Than 1 Percent In Iowa”

Recent Programs Identify How Producers Are Dealing With Labor and Risk Issues

A dozen dairies were represented at the Dairy Directions series in Mid-December. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Agricultual Economist Robert Tigner presented information on risk management tools available to dairymen including the new Dairy Revenue Protection program. Special Investigator Brett Stanley from the Department of Homeland Security presented on issues concerning Form I-9 records and special issues with foreign born employees. Iowa State University FinPak consultant Mark Olsen discussed record keeping and the benefits of accrual verses cash accounting systems.

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Farm Bill Implications For Dairymen Webinar Set For Dec 27

A discussion of changes dairymen should be aware of in the new farm bill will be led by Dr. Marin Bozic, Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota beginning at noon on Thursday, December 27. There is no fee, but registration is required at: http://bit.ly/DMC-2019-FarmBill

The program will highlight and discuss the economic implications of five points:

  1. Margin Protection Program for Dairy Producers discontinued.
  2. Dairy Margin Coverage program introduced.
  3. Low premiums and coverage levels up to $9.50. Discounts for consistent use.
  4. Partial rebate of net MPP premiums paid for 2015-2018 period.
  5. No more restrictions on combining crop insurance and Title I programs (LGM and DMC

There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.

The program is sponsored by I-29 Moo University and Minnesota Milk. For more information contact your state dairy specialist. In Northwest Iowa that is Fred M. Hall. He can be contacted by calling 712.737.4230 or by email at fredhall@iasstate.edu.