Rule should have been ‘no-brainer’

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced last week it would be terminating the Farmer Fair Practices Rule on Competitive Injury, and taking no further action on the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) Unfair Practices Rule.
By: Darin Von Ruden
Source: Wisconsin State Farmer
Link: http://www.wisfarmer.com/story/opinion/editorials/2017/10/24/nfu-rule-should-have-been-no-brainer/796921001/

Milk Shake Up

The number of dairy cooperatives in Wisconsin continues to shrink, leaving dairy farmers in the state with fewer options for selling their milk, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s most recent cooperative statistics reports. The number of agriculture cooperatives headquartered in Wisconsin dropped from 180 in 2000 to 113 in 2015. Of those, dairy cooperatives headquartered in Wisconsin dropped from 31 to 21 in that same period. By Becca Carballo.

Opposition to Trans-Pacific Partnership evident in dairy producer survey

Responses to a recent survey sent out by Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) indicate dairy farmers throughout the state are against passing the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in its current form. The survey, which was sent to all dairy producers in Wisconsin, is the first of its kind to ask dairy farmers directly about their views on the TPP.

#Dairy Freedom Act is bad farm policy

The comprehensive farm and food bill that is being taken up by Congress — after a year of absurd delays that illustrate the absolute dysfunction of the House — is an imperfect measure. But it can be made better or worse with amendments.