TheDairySite Newsletter - 25 September 2009

TheDairySite Weekly Newsletter

Friday 25th September 2009

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Welcome to this week's newsletter

Editorial - Truce in the EU Milk Delivery Strike

In a rare example of unity, farmers across the European Union have joined together in increasing numbers of the last two weeks in halting milk deliveries and it seems their action may have worked.

A week ago, more than 80,000 European dairy farmers were revolting, and politicians from Austria, Luxembourg and France were backing them up.

The European Agriculture Commissioner, Mariann Fischer-Boel, said in a speech that she recognised the problem of volumes in the market. However, the president of the European Milk Board, Mr Schaber, commented that the Commission's proposals fall short of removing surplus milk volumes effectively from the market to enable milk prices to recover to a livelihood-securing level and to ensure high-quality milk production.

The milk strikes now appear to have had the desired effect because there is now a pause in the action.

President Sarkozy, Chancellor Merkel and President Barroso have committed themselves to finding an effective solution for the milk market. However, industry leaders supporting the strikes have said that protests will continue and that if no serious and clear political decisions are made, milk delivery strikes will immediately start again.

A special reunion of the EU-Agricultural ministers concerning the milk price crisis is scheduled for 5 October.

Jackie Linden

This Week's Feature Articles

We have 5 new features this week:

Practical Aspects of Feeding Grass to Dairy Cows
Research that has been carried out by Teagasc at Moorepark Farm, Ireland have shown that fresh grass is one of most productive and viable feeds. Complete grass systems are operated in New Zealand and Australia - should other countries be adapting these grass management techniques to increase milk yields. From the 43rd University of Nottingham Feed Conference, TheCattleSite junior editor Charlotte Johnston.

Body Condition Scoring Management
Body condition scoring now will ensure optimal weights and condition at calving next Spring.

US Dairy Industry Faces Environmental Challenges
The dairy industry faces increasing environmental challenges particularly with regard to air and water quality.

Tackling Lameness Efficiently
Preventing and managing lameness in the dairy herd was up for discussion at the Dairy Event this year, reports TheCattleSite Junior Editor, Charlotte Johnston.

US Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook - September 2009
The United States is expected to import 13 per cent more beef than last year, according to the USDA ERS Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook for September 2009. However, imports from Australia have fallen from earlier in the year, as Australians have incrementally recovered some of their markets that were affected by the global financial crisis and recession.

Company News

Boehringer to Acquire Fort Dodge Assets from Pfizer
GLOBAL - Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health has entered into an agreement to acquire certain assets of Fort Dodge Animal Health from Pfizer. The acquisition will strengthen Boehringer Ingelheim's position as a vaccine supplier among the world's top animal health companies.

Global Dairy Cattle Industry News