Springing into a mood swing continued from page 8 said to me, ‘It is kind of like a basketball team Those off-farm factors are creat- living and dying by the three-pointer.’ ” ing frustration. Producers feel power- Closer to home, it’s federal dairy policy less as environmental regulations encroach reform and the 2012 Farm Bill. There’s on their businesses. Will the Food & Drug little confi dence in Administration show Congress. Producers up for a drug residue “Our future could easily are split over the Dairy violation due to an include one or two sons Security Act – it either employee’s mistake? coming back to the farm, goes too far or doesn’t Lack of immigration go far enough. Supply reform and proposed and that will almost cer- management is an rules restricting young tainly include some type emotional hot button. workers add labor con- of expansion. The spec- “We do have a lot cerns. of concerns about dairy ter of 2009 still gives us policy,” Troxel said. Adding anger fear. We’ll watch, read “We have little confi - is the social impact of and listen – and we’ll dence our legislators getting slapped in the still get up and milk cows will improve the situ- face by animal right- ation.” every morning.” sists and retail outlets producers’ moods is related to forage sup- plies – both quantity and quality – impacted by last year’s hurricanes. Many producers face the prospects of running out of corn silage by May 1. That may mean buying high-priced feed, something they haven’t had to do before. Credit access is a question. And, while the growth of the yogurt indus- try adds hope, it seems to have actually result- ed in a drop in the mailbox price relative to the national average, she said. “The mood is tenuous,” said Wisconsin dairy producer Bill Averbeck “Even though the economy is slowly improving, and 14% of the U.S. milk production is currently exported, the potential for a negative impact could be devastating to the markets. Volatility and the (the Chipotle ad), who duration of any low milk prices have to be on want a bigger say in the minds of many producers. Risk manage- how animals are managed and food is pro- ment is going to be essential.” duced. There’s a growing impression “the pub- “There is fear and uncertainty looming in the industry,” said Liz Doornink, responsible lic” believes we can feed and save the world with backyard gardens for business devel- and small organic pro- opment at Stewart- “While the overall ducers. Peterson, Inc., based in mood of dairymen has Wisconsin. “The more been upbeat for the Creating uncer- established produc- tainty is whether the ers see this as another past 18 months, (the challenge to face, and recent) decrease in milk export market will hold. “Producers are con- although they are con- prices has created a cerned that while strong cerned, they still feel great deal of concern.” exports have kept prices positive.” In addition to milk -- John Ellsworth strong, it could cost us if exports begin to dwindle prices and input costs, or trade agreements are not set in place,” said Dorrnink said, “there are issues of permitting, Matthew Lange, who owns Lange Dairy activists, governmental regulations and con- Development, LLC, Albany, Wis. “A farmer sumer perception.” -- LuAnn Troxel There is hope- fulness. New dairy product innovation is adding excitement. Planting season is always a period of renewal. Many are eager to learn about risk manage- ment tools, and looking for empathetic suppli- ers who will stand with them as partners. Producers are watching all signals coming into their management GPS units, recalculat- ing for the short-term, but also looking further down the road. “Our future could easily include one or two sons coming back to the farm, and that will almost certainly include some type of expan- sion,” Troxel said. “The specter of 2009 still gives us fear. We’ll watch, read and listen – and we’ll still get up and milk cows every morning.” Ë ID-03RR Stretch Bore Liner The first and only Long Life Stretch Bore Liner on the market. The ID-03RR is guaranteed to exceed the service life of any other stretch bore liner by 30%. The ID-03RR will out perform Maximize profitability and udder health using your current the ID-03RR featuring Conewango’s newest brand in terms of proprietary rubber formulation. Healthy teat slippage, milk out, ends. Less Mastitis. Lower somatic cell counts. or break in. Now at a cost similar to that of a standard, single piece liner. Conewango Products Delivers Quality, Reliability, and Consistent Performance Call Toll Free Today 800-828-9258 Online at www.conewango.com 10 April 2012 WESTERNDAIRYBUSINESS A Nationwide Service is available to change 03 Liners, ensuring maximum benefit is derived from your investment. Guaranteed or your money back ID-03RR Conewango Stretch Bore Liner SD-03P Plastic Conewango Shell www.dairybusiness.com