Dairy Cares — California is leading the nation toward a 100 percent clean energy future. Multiple state policies are working to achieve a cleaner, more efficient energy grid and transportation sector. The state’s dairy farmers are also world leaders in energy-smart practices. They’re reducing usage, electrifying equipment, generating renewable energy, and producing carbon-negative transportation fuel. California has already made great …

CDFA’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) provides financial assistance for the implementation of non-digester manure management practices on California dairy and livestock operations, which will result in reduced emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas (GHG) 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in its potential to warm the atmosphere. Eligible practices for funding through AMMP include: pasture-based management; alternative manure treatment and …

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is establishing new programs and efforts to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and producers who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions. The new initiative—USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers—will reach a broader set of producers than in previous COVID-19 aid programs. USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new …

Working with National Football League (NFL) players and Discovery Education, the dairy checkoff is unveiling initiatives that provide fresh opportunities for consumers and youth to engage with dairy and learn about the industry’s sustainability story. The efforts include the Smoothie Blitz, created in partnership with the checkoff-led Fuel Up to Play 60 program, and a new Undeniably Dairy “Farming to …

A bit of seaweed in cattle feed could reduce methane emissions from beef cattle as much as 82 percent, according to new findings from researchers at the University of California, Davis. The results, published today (March 17) in the journal PLOS ONE, could pave the way for the sustainable production of livestock throughout the world. “We now have sound evidence …

In 2019, California’s farms and ranches received more than $50 billion in cash receipts for their output. This represents a slight increase over reported cash receipts compared to the previous year. California agricultural exports totaled $21.7 billion, an increase of 3 percent from 2018.  Top commodities for export included almonds, pistachios, dairy and dairy products, wine and walnuts. California’s agricultural …

GENEX, a global dairy and beef cattle genetics cooperative, offers a scholarship program for individuals pursuing an undergraduate degree in an agricultural field. “We are committed to supporting the next generation of farmers and ranchers,” states Terri Dallas, GENEX Vice President of Member Relations. “Through our collegiate scholarship program, our goal is to provide financial support to college students to …

The National Dairy FARM Program (FARM) has published its 2020 Year in Review. Serving as the annual summary of the achievements and program developments of the FARM Program, the Year in Review showcases successes and challenges during a year of change and uncertainty. “As the industry shifted with the pandemic, we adapted the program to fit farmer’s and program participant’s …

Despite significant disruptions in trade throughout 2020, the United States exported nearly 2.4 million metric tons of dairy goods last year–a record-setting mark, according to data released today by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) issued the following statement: “Last year was yet another banner year for U.S. …

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation (OEFI) is seeking public comments on recommendations for proposed new manure management practices to be potentially included in its Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP). Proposals for new practices were accepted through a Request for Proposals (RFP) between July 6, 2020 and September 4, 2020. There were several important requirements needed to submit a …