12 September 2024

In this Issue:

• Headlines
• Milk's Got Game NIL Campaign Launches
• Comment Period on FMMO Reform Ends Friday
• Don't Forget These 3 Deadlines/Dates Coming Up
• Dairy Smart Roadmapping Grant Still Open
• Upcoming Events

Headlines

articles and press releases of interest this week

• Vilsack OKs Field Trial for H5N1 Vaccine for Cattle
• California Confirms H5N1 in 3 Dairy Herds
• Dairy Prices Enjoying Some Upward Momentum
• Breaking Ground: Several University Research Dairies Build New Facilities
• Five Ways to Tackle Biosecurity Threats
• Economists Encourage Producers to Pack the Bunkers and Plan Ahead
• Strong Beef Demand is a Win for Dairy Farmers
• Checkoff Collaboration Focuses on Driving School Lunch, Milk Consumption
• Doctors and Health Experts Are Changing Their Minds About Whole Milk and Cheese
• Commodity Groups Say Congress Must Pass Farm Bill This Year
• A False Positive: USDA’s Farm Income Projection
• Top SEC QBs Star in NIL Campaign For Milk

Press Release: Milk's Got Game

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Get ready to elevate your game with Milk’s Got Game! This football season, The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, is turning up the heat with its latest campaign, spotlighting that real dairy milk isn’t just for breakfast – it’s the ultimate MVP for active lifestyles.

In its latest NIL partnership, The Dairy Alliance is teaming up with star quarterbacks from powerhouse universities, including Brock Vandagriff of the University of Kentucky, Nico Iamaleava of the University of Tennessee, and Carson Beck of the University of Georgia. These football phenoms will go head-to-head on social media to showcase how dairy milk is a champion sports nutrition game-changer for providing hydration, high-quality protein, and nutrients for muscle recovery.

“Through our Milk’s Got Game Campaign, we are dedicated to showcasing the nutritional benefits of dairy milk and its crucial role in enhancing athletic performance for consumers across the Southeast and beyond,” said Geri Berdak, Chief Executive Officer at The Dairy Alliance. “By partnering with these esteemed athletes, we are not only highlighting dairy milk’s exceptional value but also motivating consumers to incorporate it into their active, balanced lifestyles. Our mission is to elevate dairy milk’s profile, support local dairy farmers, and highlight its benefits for both personal health and the dairy industry.”

Read the Full Press Release HERE.

Check out the full Milk’s Got Game Campaign HERE.

Last Chance to Submit Comments on FMMO

The deadline to comment on USDA’s proposed changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders is this Friday, September 13. Earlier this summer, USDA released its long-anticipated draft decision based on the multi-month Federal Order hearing that ended in late January. Georgia Milk Producers is still working on its comments on the decision, and we encourage our E-news readers to submit their own comments in favor or in opposition to some or all of the proposals in the USDA draft. 

We’ve touched on the individual proposals in USDA’s draft decision in past editions of the E-News. We’ve compiled some of the best articles we’ve found breaking down the proposed changes as well as some analysis on potential impacts to milk checks if these proposals are adopted by USDA as they are currently written.

American Farm Bureau Federation: Decoding USDA’s FMMO Recommendations

Ever.Ag Insights: FMMO Recommended Decision Issued (Part 1) (Part 2)

Commodity & Ingredient Hedging: Understanding the FMMO Pricing Formula Change Proposal

National Milk Producers Federation: FMMO Persistence Pays Off for Farmers

American Dairy Coalition: FMMO Discussion Draft

Georgia Milk Producers will be submitting comments in support of multiple provisions that would support local dairy farmers, namely, the return to the “higher-of” Class I mover. All GMP members and dairy supporters are encouraged to provide feedback at this important juncture.

Comment on USDA FMMO Proposal

Reminders: Upcoming Events & Deadlines

Southern Dairy Business Innovation Initiative

Southern Dairy Business Innovation Initiative is now taking requests for funding for two dairy producer grants: the Specialty Processing Equipment Grant and the Dairy Business Planning Grant. Dairy producers can apply for either grant before September 25, 2024. If you have any technical questions about the grant you can contact Bryce Trotter at GMP (bryce@gamilk.org) or Dr. Jillian Bohlen with UGA (jfain@uga.edu). 

Additional Resources

• SDBII Informational Webinar
• Specialty Processing Equipment Grant RFP
• Dairy Business Planning Grant RFP



GMP-TDA Fall District Meetings

GA Dairy farmers and their families are invited to attend their local Fall District Meeting hosted by Georgia Milk Producers and The Dairy Alliance. Join us for dinner or lunch as we provide updates from our two groups, vote on district officers, and enjoy time together as an industry. RSVP to Bryce Trotter at bryce@gamilk.org.

• September 5 at 12:00 PM - Village Cafeteria - Chatsworth, GA
• September 16 at 7:00 PM - Bonners Restaurant - Buckhead, GA
• September 19 at 12:00 PM - Sass! - Thomasville, GA
• September 23 at 7:00 PM - Burke County Ext Office - Waynesboro, GA
• September 24 at 12:00 PM - Hillcrest Farms - Dearing, GA
• September 30 at 7:00 PM - Doodlum's BBQ - Woodbury, GA

Georgia Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program

The Georgia Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program (GVELRP) provides financial relief, by way of student loan repayment, for veterinarians willing to provide veterinary services for food animals in shortage areas around the state. This program is administered by the State Veterinary Education Board with assistance from the Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA). The Board also receives administrative support from the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

The application period for 2025 will be open from Aug 1, 2024, through Sept 30, 2024. For complete details visit the GVELRP webpage.

Sign Up for Georgia Climate Smart Dairy Project

The Dairy Alliance, Georgia Milk Producers, and Newtrient are partnering together on a project to create a climate smart dairy production roadmap for producers in the state. Made possible by a technical assistance grant through Georgia NRCS, this project will provide participating farms with their own environmental sustainability assessment and plan while NRCS will receive a comprehensive review of dairy sustainability projects that can benefit the GA dairy industry and qualify for USDA programs. Got questions? Email Mekenzie Panhans or Bryce Trotter and sign up by clicking the poster below.

GMP Classifieds

7 Valve Federal Filler for Sale in Hall County (GA) - $30,000

Used mechanical filler for sale. Good Condition. Great for Start-Up Processing Plant. Email gcdairy@gmail.com for more details, photos, and vidoes.

Dairy Farm for Sale in Screven County (GA) -

Green Meadows Dairy for sale. 986 acres (600 irrigated), 60-stall rotary parlor, 1,000 cow feed pad, 8 pivots,

Call Leo Ruijne for more details 806-292-9909 or email leo@unitedagllc.com

Want to showcase your business to dairy producers and industry professionals across the Southeast and US? Email info@gamilk.org to learn more about how you can advertise in the GMP E-News

Until Next Time,

Bryce Trotter