Looking for another avenue to price relief, California dairy producers and processors gathered in Tulare Sept. 20 to explore federal milk marketing orders. What they learned about the complicated and challenging process of proposing and securing a federal order prompted numerous questions – many of which could not be answered. A question and answer session also revealed doubt that enough producers and processors could agree on all aspects of an order which must be voted in by a two-thirds majority of producers and processors or producers and processors representing two-thirds of milk production.

California dairy producers and cheese makers filled the room and faced off at a Sacramento public hearing called to determine if adjustments are needed in the pricing structure for Class 4b milk. On May 31 and June 1, dairymen and their trade association leaders emphatically called for fairness in pricing that more closely tracks the Class III whey value. Cheese makers speaking at the hearing claimed changes that result in higher prices set for the milk used in cheese production would drive more production out of the state, discourage investment in California cheese plants and leave them at a competitive disadvantage.

A California groundwater study focused on nitrate levels has placed the agriculture industry – and more specifically the dairy industry – in the spotlight. One of the key findings in the study points the finger directly at agriculture. Fertilizers and animal wastes applied to cropland are by far the largest regional sources of nitrate in groundwater, the study said.

The concept of a forage-heavy ration might seem like a step back in time, but thanks to technology that ration is looking futuristic. Cow genetics and herd management have made huge strides in the past 20 to 30 years, so it makes sense to have similar advances in crop production and fertility management.