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Dairy Industry: Activist Alert and Updates
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FARM SECURITY: Direct Action Everywhere will be holding an online assembly, “Cancel Animal Ag: Online Open Rescue,” on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 1pm PDT (4pm EST). Details on the Facebook page state this will be the “world’s first coordinated, international Online Open Rescue – the finale action of the Animal Liberation Online Assembly.” It also mentions that the pandemic has stopped mass gatherings, but “people around the world are still saving lives.”
We do not know what this will entail, but all farms and plants should be on alert for potential infiltrations or online attacks as part of this event. As a reminder, review your office, plant and farm biosecurity and security procedures including: locks on gates and doors & key code access, security cameras, motion detectors, and fence heights. You may also contact local law enforcement to notify them of the potential activity so they can assist. For farms with an online presence, you may need to deactivate comments or reviews on your pages to avoid negative attacks. If you have questions on preparation or responding to animal activists, contact Allie Rieth (rieth@winnersdrinkmilk.com or 317-443-2296).
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Checkoff Updates
- Health Professionals Webinars: After launching the first webinar series for health and wellness leaders, the “Digital Dairy Series- A Download From Leaders In Sustainable Nutrition and Agriculture”, ADAI has reached 370 Registered Dietitians, Physicians, Chefs and School Foodservice leaders. This series will continue to run once per week through June Dairy Month, to enlighten and connect with healthcare professionals on dairy’s value in nutrition, consumer choice and sustainable food systems. Share with health professionals you know! Registration information and details here.
- Virtual Farm Tours: Along with experts across the country, ADAI provided insight for farmers interested in hosting their own virtual farm tours for Hoard's Dairyman. Check out more virtual tours on our YouTube page.
- COVID-19 Retail Patterns: DMI CEO Tom Gallagher says the checkoff will monitor sales patterns of fluid milk, cereal and frozen pizza, which have experienced positive sales shifts amid the pandemic. The checkoff leader delivered his insights to media members during a recent news conference.
- Dairy Nutrition Research: The checkoff’s National Dairy Council supported research that found consuming dairy every day is linked to a lower risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and other health issues.
- Checkoff Partner Taco Bell Adds New Dairy Drink for Summer: DMI scientist Mike Ciresi led the development of the dairy creamer featured in Taco Bell’s new Pineapple Whip Freeze. He collaborated with Emil Nashed, head of Global Innovation Partnerships R&D, the DMI Dairy Product Research Team and the Midwest Dairy Center to bring this product to life.
- What is Checkoff? A Farmer Explains: Oregon dairy farmer Derrick Josi shares a video explaining national and local checkoffs, their purpose and how they work on his TDF Honest Farming Facebook page.
- Affordable Health Coverage for Hoosiers in Agriculture Coming Soon: Due to the rising costs and lack of affordable options, Indiana Farm Bureau will soon be offering its members access to more affordable health care options, INFB Health Plans will benefit members in all 92 counties who do not have access to group insurance plans or who work somewhere primarily for health benefits. This includes farm owners, those who work on farms, agribusiness professionals and rural entrepreneurs with fewer than two employees or who do not qualify for significant Affordable Care Act subsidies. More information, including frequently asked questions, can be found HERE.
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The Winning Hoosier Heroes Are Here!
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If you are a dairy farmer whose operation has been impacted by coronavirus, you are likely to be eligible for direct support through USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). CFAP provides support to producers who have suffered a five percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19.
Dairy farmers can apply for assistance now. Call and set up an appointment with your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to determine your eligibility and to apply for this assistance.
Due in large part to the efforts of our partners at National Milk Producers Federation, the USDA has raised the initial proposed payment limit for the program, and allowed farmers using other risk management tools this year, such as the Dairy Margin Coverage program, to also receive payments through the CFAP.
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