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The 14th Annual Illinois Dairy Summit in Freeport recently
featured the Illinois Milk Producers Association and the
University of Illinois Dairy Extension. The groups discussed
possible ways to tackle the forecasted increase in production
expenses and drop in farm income.
IMPA Manager Tasha Bunting said it is also a chance for dairy
farmers to find out what the U of I dairy farm is up to.
“Another thing that the dairy farmers always look to is some of
the research that comes out of University of Illinois and the
dairy farm and different ways that they might take some of that
research and implement it on their own farms,” Bunting said.
Dairy producers have been at odds with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture over plans to revise the Federal Milk Marketing
Order program that sets the minimum prices that dairy farmers
receive for their milk. Critics of the current milk pricing
structure contend it is outdated.
In the coming months, the USDA is expected to consider testimony
from all stakeholders as it attempts to modernize the FMMO
program that reflects the current landscape of the country’s
dairy industry.
Industry officials also warn that a sharp decline in the number
of dairy cows available to replace older cows could limit any
meaningful growth in domestic milk production over the coming
years. The USDA’s latest cattle report showed the number of
dairy replacement heifers is at a 20-year low.
IMPA has served the Illinois dairy industry since 1933 and
represents more than three-fourths of the milk marketed in the
state.
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