Recently the EU announced $3.99 billion in tariffs on U.S. aircraft and a range of agricultural and industrial goods, including dairy. There are two tiers of tariffs –the first tier is limited to certain types of civilian aircraft at a rate of 15%, and the second tier applies to a range of food, agricultural and industrial goods at a rate of 25%.  This is the latest move in a long line of moves related to a dispute between the U.S. and the EU over the subsidizing of aircraft production, according to Michael Nepveux. The disagreement between these two countries boils down to the EU an ..read more

Good employees do more than just show up for a paycheck, they have a personal stake in the success of your farm. Once you feel the need for more help, write down the qualifications and qualities you want in your next employee. “Before posting a help wanted announcement, assemble a written position description,” says Melissa O’Rourke, Iowa State Extension farm and agribusiness management specialist. “Make a list of all the different duties expected of this new employee.” Explain both physical requirements as well as previous training the individual will need. If a CDL is required, note that in ..read more

Your farm’s future path might be winding and complex but starting the process can be simple. “Your organization needs your knowledge, skills and abilities, and they also need to plan for a time when you are not there,” says Mary Kelly, CEO of Productive Leaders. She offers this template to think through the process.  Start By Working Backward 1. Assess the current roles and responsibilities of the position. How has the position evolved?      Is the job description still accurate?      2. How will this job change in three to five years?      3 ..read more

McDonald’s stores in the U.S. will have a plant-based option on the menu in the coming year. The company announced Monday that it will launch the McPlant, a plant-based patty served on a sesame seed bun with all the usual toppings. It says that it tested a plant-based option in select stores in Canada last year. Based on “encouraging response,” McDonald’s is excited to share a sneak peek of the McPlant and released a video of the packaging. The company also says that it thinks its culinary team nailed it, and even though there are other plant-based burgers in the market, the McPlant “delivers ..read more

In their November World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report on Tuesday, USDA bumped milk production forecasts for 2020 and 2021 higher on stronger growth in milk per cow and higher expected dairy cow inventory.  USDA raised the 2020 fat basis import forecast due to recent trade data and higher expected imports of cheese and butterfat products in the fourth quarter. This strength is expected to carry into 2021 supporting a higher 2021 fat basis import forecast. The fat basis export forecast for 2020 is raised on higher expected exports of cheese and butterfat; no change is made ..read more

Dairy markets took a tumble last week, specifically cheese blocks. Barrel cheese dropped 17 cents to $2.31 per lb. Class III futures were hammered lower to end the week with November milk declining 37 cents to $23.20 per cwt. December was down 74 cents to $18.68.     “Game On” for Gen Z What do dairy and the video game Minecraft have in common? Dairy Management Incorporated is partnering with the game to help promote dairy products. It's an effort to reach younger consumers, also known as the "Gen Z" generation. The dairy checkoff company is also partnering with four well-known ..read more

Last week a Washington Supreme Court ruled dairy workers in the state should receive overtime pay as part of the Washington Minimum Wage Act. While the case was brought by dairy workers in 2016, it appears the ruling will require all farmers to pay overtime. Dwyane Faber, a dairy farmer from Washington, was disappointed by the ruling. “While many farmers were aware of the court case in the WA State Supreme Court, the 5-4 ruling was incredibly disappointing, especially given the fact that farmers were given 30 days to comply,” he says. According to the Spokesman-Review, in a 2016 class-action s ..read more

At Taco Bell’s headquarters, Mike Ciresi, a Dairy Management Incorporated senior dairy scientist, develops new cheesy menu items. Photo: Taco Bell Have you noticed how dairy-forward many drive-thru menus are today? Whether you’re picking up Taco Bell, McDonald’s or Domino’s, you’ll likely order an item coated in or with a side of cheese. It’s not an accident, but a well-developed plan. “My job is to make sure dairy has a presence on the menu,” says Mike Ciresi, Dairy Management Incorporated (DMI) senior dairy scientist for Taco Bell. At the Taco Bell headquarters in Irvine, Calif., Ciresi cook ..read more

Dairy industry leaders, Monday, congratulated President-elect Joe Biden and emphasized the bipartisan nature of the industry. The National Milk Producers Federation congratulated President-elect Joe Biden and members of the upcoming 117th Congress for their election victories, pledging to work for bipartisan solutions to the many challenges faced in agriculture and in the nation. “Congratulations to President-elect Biden and the incoming members of the 117th Congress, who will have a lot of work to do in this country, from legislating to building common ground,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim ..read more

Promising news of a COVID-19 vaccine trial made headlines Monday and spurred stock market momentum. Pfizer, which developed the vaccine with the German drugmaker BioNTech, announced its clinical trial found the vaccine was more than 90% effective in preventing the disease among trial volunteers with no evidence of prior infection. While details surrounding when the vaccine will be available are sparse, research from Kansas State University shows a vaccine may not be enough to restore confidence in consumers for eating out. “Meat Demand Monitor, supported by the beef and pork checkoffs, shows t ..read more