Tough Times for Dairy Farmers

Yesterday was National Chocolate Milk Day and now more than ever do dairy farmers need our help. These days, it would be much easier to find a struggling dairy farmer than to try and find someone who didn't like chocolate milk.

Because milk prices have dropped, many dairy farmers have been pushed out of the industry. Since 2005, Missouri has lost about 500 dairy farms, and according to the USDA, dairy farmers only receive 28 cents of every retail dollar. That's a problem when milk is only half the price it was a year ago.

"The current dairy situation is probably as bad as it's been in the last 25 years," Dave Drennan, executive director of the Missouri Dairy Association, said. "The problem is we've got too much milk nationwide and not enough demand because of the current economic situation. People aren't going out to eat as much, exports have dropped and worldwide competition has increased."

Hopefully you enjoyed a glass of chocolate milk yesterday in support of our dairy farmers. But the support shouldn't stop there. Drennan offers this advice to help our dairy farmers: go out to eat more often. Cheese has always been the driver for dairy prices, and the consumption of cheese at the restaurant level is much higher than it is at home.

If dairy farms continue to suffer, Missouri will also suffer, Drennan said. Jobs and infrastructure that support the dairy industry will lose out and there will be a loss of economic activity.

Efforts are underway to try and look at any opportunity or option to provided support for Missouri dairy, Drennan said. "It's important to everyone, not just dairy farmer, that we help revitalize the dairy industry in Missouri."

Thiel Farms Lunch and Learn Wrap-Up: Farmers Provide Food For Thought

Nearly 70 participants gathered at Thiel Farms in Marshall, Mo., today to experience farming firsthand. Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC) board member Billy Thiel, with support from Missouri's commodity groups, hosted the educational luncheon to highlight agriculture's important contribution to communities.

"Missouri's farmers are working hard to produce feed, fuel and food for the world," said Thiel. "Not only are producers meeting today's global demands, but many don't realize agriculture is helping sustain our local economies. Farmers and the agribusiness industry are putting dollars back into local businesses and contributing tax revenue to our schools, roads and communities."

Following the informational luncheon, Ryland Utlaut, Mid- Missouri Energy interim general manager, invited attendees to tour the local farmer-owned ethanol plant located three miles from Thiel Farms in Malta Bend. While visiting the local biorefinery, participants were able to see firsthand the process that converts corn to ethanol and distillers grains. This additional market adds value to Missouri's corn crop and generates a quality feedstock for livestock producers.

"Every 56-pound bushel of corn used in the ethanol process yields 18 pounds of distillers grains, a good source of energy and protein for livestock and poultry," said Thiel.

"Missouri's farmer-owned ethanol plants depend on a strong livestock industry to utilize ethanol's valuable co-product. Cattle, hogs and corn are intrinsically linked and programs like today's Lunch and Learn work to convey that message."

The Thiel luncheon is one of eight events scheduled across the state this summer. To learn more about the Lunch & Learn program, visit www.lunchlearn.com.

Thiel Farms to Host Lunch & Learn Event

In just one short week, (Thurs., July 23) Billy Thiel of Thiel farms is hosting a Lunch & Learn Program on his family’s operation near Marshall, Mo. Attendees to the 11:30 luncheon will enjoy a meal provided by the Saline County Cattlemen’s Association and learn more about the Thiel family’s operation and how agriculture impacts the surrounding communities.

Missouri has deep roots in agriculture and the Thiel’s family farm is an example of that rich history. According to Billy, they are proud third-generation farmers raising corn, beans, wheat and at times cattle.

“We love what we do and want to provide a better understanding of our operation,” said Billy. “Our goal is to shine a spotlight on the importance of agriculture in Missouri’s economy.”

Thiel will also highlight the value of farmer-owned ethanol plants in rural Missouri. His family is invested in and sells corn to Mid-Missouri Energy, an ethanol biorefinery located just down the road from Thiel’s operation. Billy, a board member for the Missouri Corn Growers Association and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, is also involved on a national level, serving on the National Corn Growers Association Ethanol Committee.

“Missouri’s corn growers rely on both ethanol and livestock to add value to our crop,” said Billy. “The state’s six ethanol plants and numerous livestock operations are vital to the success of growers. We work hard to provide feed, fuel and food to all consumers.”

An optional tour of Mid-Missouri Energy in Malta Bend will follow the luncheon at Thiel Farms. To RSVP, call Hilary Holeman at (573) 893-4181.

Is Our Food Supply Secure?

The U.S. food supply is one of the safest, most abundant supplies in the world, thanks in large part to modern agriculture. What would happen to our food supply if this ability to produce large quantities of nutritious food is eliminated? Where would we get our food from? It’s a scary thought, but one that needs to be considered.

In 2008, due to our dependence on foreign oil, the United States faced record-setting fuel prices. Imagine for a moment what might happen to our food prices in a similar scenario, where the U.S. is forced to rely on other countries for food production. If that seems far fetched, it’s only because we’ve become complacent in our appreciation of the American farmer. According to the Agriculture Council of America, today’s farmer feeds about 144 people worldwide. In 1960, that number was 25.8.

Think for a moment if most of the food consumed in the U.S. was imported. Not only would food costs rise because of importation, the safety of our food supply could also be at risk. American farmers take great pride and care in providing their country with safe and nutritious food, but they won’t have the opportunity to do so if they are pushed out of the industry by activist groups intent on destroying modern American agriculture.

Support from consumers is a pivotal part of maintaining the country’s domestic food supply. By building stronger ties between farmers and consumers, consumers gain a greater knowledge and appreciation for their food source. Modern agricultural practices have enabled farmers to keep costs down while still delivering an adequate supply of quality nutritional products. Confined animal feeding operations make it feasible for producers to make a living off of and continue farming. They make it possible for consumers to buy affordable groceries. If these types of farms go away, who will provide us with turkey, chicken, pork, dairy and beef supplies?

What would you do if you couldn’t buy domestic meat products? We encourage you to learn more about farming and visit a farm to better understand why modern farming practices exist. American farmers need our support!