17 April 2025

In this Issue:

• Headlines
• Webinar on Trade Issues for Dairy Producers and Co-Ops
• Pesticide Credits Available at May Cattlemen's Round Up
• Dairy Producers Encouraged to Help UGA with Dairy Tech Survey
• Haven't Gotten Your ECAP Payment? Contact FSA
• Ag Clean Day for Pesticide Disposal
• EPD Taking Applications for New Wells in SW GA
• GMP Classifieds
• Upcoming Events

Headlines

articles and press releases of interest this week

• ICE Raid Shows the “Reality” of New York Dairy Country
• Judge Allows Requirement that Everyone in the US Illegally Must Register to Move Forward
• New Research Reveals How Consumers Define “Truth” in Food & Ag
• Forget Tariffs - Beijing is Already Choking Off US Exports on the Sly
• U.S. Unlikely to Capitalize on Dairy Demand Growth in China
• USDA’s $1B Bird Flu Plan Uses Money Intended for Schools, Food Banks
• Rollins Cancels, Replaces Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities
• Farm Exposure Makes Kids Healthier
• Self-Deportation Seen as a Snag in Trump’s Plan for Farmworkers
• Can Trump Solve Farm Labor Crisis Before Harvest
• Spring Has Sprung and Milk Markets Are Expanding
• Feeding Dairy Cows Whole Cottonseed Byproduct Boosts Milk Fat
• Climate-Smart Program “Canceled” Amid Brook Rollins’ Pennsylvania Visit
• Will Tariffs Have an Impact on Dairy Demand
• The Farmer First Agenda
• Endangered Species Act Rule Cuts Habitat Harm Definition
• Dairy Can Win in the Protein Revolution

Webinar: Understanding Global Dairy Trade in the Trump Era

Join NMPF for a members-only webinar examining the latest developments in U.S. trade policy under the Trump administration and how global markets are responding. President and CEO Gregg Doud, alongside experts from NMPF’s trade policy and economics teams, will lead an in-depth discussion focused on what these developments mean for dairy farmers and the broader agricultural economy, helping members understand the challenges and opportunities ahead in the evolving trade landscape. 

REGISTRATION

This session is specifically intended for cooperative staff, dairy farmers and associate members affiliated with NMPF. NMPF reserves the right to deny participation in this webinar to non-members.

Pesticide Credit Opportunity at GCA Roundup Meeting: Forage Focused

The Georgia Cattlemen’s Association is hosting a workshop in Moultrie, GA titled “Building Biosecurity Plans to Combat Invasive Weeds in Forage Systems.” The all-day event is open to GCA members and prospective members and will include up to 2 hours of Pesticide CEUs available to participants. Featuring presentations by UGA’s Dr. Lisa Baxter and Dr. Will Secor and a tram tour of the forage research paddocks at Sunbelt Ag Expo, this program is designed to give livestock producers the tools they need to effectively combat weeds in their forage systems.

All attendees must RSVP by May 4, 2025 at www.georgiacattlemen.org under the “Events” tab. It costs $20 to attend. You can also register by scanning the QR code below.

Help UGA Complete "Dairy Technology" Survey Today

UGA College of Ag Animal Dairy Science is conducting a producer survey to identify interest, challenges, accessibility, and effectiveness of technology on dairy farms in the Southeast.

This less than 10 minute survey will help UGA faculty identify future research opportunities and develop educational program.

Take the Dairy Technology Survey HERE





Emergency Commodity Assistance Program

Last year, Congress passed $10 billion in assistance to commodity producers who have been impacted by decreased commodity prices and increased input costs. In March, USDA announced the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) to distribute those funds.

Farmers who grew barley, chickpeas, corn, cotton, lentils, oats, peanuts, peas, rice, sorghum, soybeans, wheat, and oil seeds are eligible for a per acre payment. Dairy farmers who grew any of the the commodities above for feed are also eligible for a payment.

USDA has begun mailing out applications or contacting producers directly about their eligibility. If you have not heard from your local Farm Service Agency office yet, contact them today. Also, if you did not file your acreage reports with FSA last year, you can retroactively file with them until August 15, 2025 and still be eligible for ECAP.

To find your local USDA Service Center and contact your FSA office, CLICK HERE

Read more about ECAP, the payment rates, and the forms required to qualify



Ag Clean Day - May 13

The Georgia Department of Agriculture will be hosting a pesticide clean day on May 13th, 2025 at St. Ives Country Club in Johns Creek, GA. This program gives everyone an opportunity to discard old, unusable, or canceled pesticides. No fees are charged for participation, and all accepted materials will be turned over to a hazardous waste contractor for disposal.

To participate, fill out this form and email it to Brad Baker (brad.baker@agr.georgia.gov) by May 8, 2025.

*Chemical and Pesticide Dealers can also bring bulk quantities of pesticides for a fee. Contact Brad Baker for more information*

EPD Taking Applications for New Irrigation Wells in Southwest GA

EDP Taking Applications for New Irrigation Wells in Southwest Georgia

Georgia EPD opened applications for new and modifications of existing agricultural water withdrawal permits in the lower Flint River Basin for the first time in over 10 years. The two permits, Agricultural Withdrawal Application for Flint River Suspension Area and Transfer/Modify Agricultural Withdrawal Permit in Flint River Suspension Area, as well as their application and permit forms can be found at the EPD permitting webpage. 

Producers are encouraged to contact the EPD Tifton Office at 229-221-3906 or email ag.permits@dnr.ga.gov with any questions regarding eligibility or applying for a permit.



GMP Classifieds

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

Thank you to our Associate Members

The missions of Georgia Milk Producers is to support, sustain, and grow the Georgia dairy industry. In addition to our partners in industry who support the Georgia Dairy Conference each January, we are also offering an opportunity for allied industry to partner with GMP year-round, network with producers throughout the year, and promote their companies outside of the conference. Thank you to our inaugural Associate Members, FERA Animal Health and BMO Bank.

Until Next Time,

Bryce Trotter