DairyProfit Update for Dec. 31, 2012
PrintUpdated with USDA Ag Prices, market reports
Farm Bill, dairy policy proposal links
Congress may consider three bills today (Dec. 31) to extend the 2008 Farm Bill. One bill extends the Farm Bill until Sept. 30, 2013, but inserts dairy proposals included in the Dairy Security Act.
Bill 1 – 1-year extension of 2008 Farm Bill, incorporating components of Dairy Security Act (margin insurance, dairy market stabilization program). Repeals Dairy Product Price Support, Dairy Export Incentive and Milk Income Loss Contract programs.
Bill 2 – Extension of programs other than dairy through Jan. 31, 2013.
Bill 3 – Extension of Dairy Product Price Support, Dairy Export Incentive and Milk Income Loss Contract programs through Jan. 31, 2013.
House Sets Up Three Options to Extend Farm Programs.
Politicians May Avoid "Dairy Cliff" And $8/Gallon Milk.
“Dairy Cliff” Will Likely Be Avoided for Now After Lawmakers Reach Compromise.
Compromise is near on ‘dairy cliff’.
House Committee Chief Backs Plan to Avoid Milk Price Jump.
Congress Will Manage To Avert "Dairy Cliff".
GOP, industry rifts bring milk imbroglio to head.
3 bills take aim at milk prices.
IDFA: Congressional dairy fix a problem
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) said legislation proposed by Congressional Agriculture Committee leaders would still cause a problem in the marketplace because it includes a controversial new program designed to limit the milk supply. That proposal, championed by U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) yet resisted by consumer groups, food manufacturers and many dairy farmers, is known as the Dairy Security Act (DSA) and would require the government to intervene in milk markets to manipulate the supply of milk in order to keep milk prices artificially high.
“It is ironic that the threat of higher dairy prices for consumers, caused by the possible implementation of the 1949 Act, is being used to force Congress to pass a new program that will result in higher prices,” said Jerry Slominski, IDFA senior vice-president for legislative and economic affairs.
The new program is included in a bill that would extend most existing farm programs for one year; it was placed on the House calendar by House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK). That bill completely rewrites U.S. dairy policies, including the new program to control milk production, yet leaves all other agriculture programs unchanged. By insisting on its inclusion in the “fiscal cliff” legislation, its supporters are making it more difficult to pass that important legislation, should leaders come to an agreement on its details.
“The Dairy Security Act is a problem, not a solution,” Slominski said. “IDFA supports an extension of existing dairy policies in the current farm bill to give Congress time to complete action on a new five-year farm bill and to allow for consideration of the alternative to the Dairy Security Act offered by Representatives Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and David Scott (D-Ga.). We believe that alternative will pass if it is brought to the full House of Representatives for an up or down vote.
“A clean extension of the 2008 Farm Bill will avoid having the 1949 Act become relevant law and allow payments to dairy farmers when milk prices fall. The 1949 Act represents agriculture policies from the past and unless Congress passes a clean extension of the Farm Bill, Secretary Vilsack would be placed in the unenviable position of proposing rules to implement such policies. Although he will be able to delay any increase on consumer dairy prices for weeks if not months, Congress should still take action to avoid that situation,” Slominski concluded.
MFU: Extension current farm bill
Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) president Doug Peterson urged Congressional leaders in the United States Senate and House of Representatives to pass an extension of the current farm bill for nine months and continue to work on and pass a responsible five-year farm bill in the new Congress.
"With Congress at an impasse, a nine-month extension may be the only path to a five-year farm bill in the new Congress,” said Doug Peterson, MFU President. “An extension must be responsible and protect baseline funding and continue vital farm and consumer programs such as the Milk Income Loss Contract Program (MILC), crop insurance, child and elderly nutrition, and conservation.”
For a sample copy of DairyProfit Weekly, or subscription information, visit www.dairyprofit.com or phone: 800-334-1904, ext. 244.
Stay connected to DairyBusiness Communications on the go with the DairyBusiness News section on our HolsteinWorld APP for iPhone and Droid. Simply go to http://www.widgetbox.com/mobile/app/holstein-world-rblodgett
(Website) (Facebook) (Twitter)
MARKETS: Blocks up 2¢; Class III futures lower
Today's market closing prices:
Butter: unchanged, at $1.4975/lb.
Cheddar blocks: unchanged, at $1.76/lb.
Cheddar barrels: unchanged, at $1.71/lb.
Grade A nonfat dry milk: unchanged, at $1.5575/lb.
Extra Grade nonfat dry milk: unchanged, at $1.56/lb.
Class III milk: steady to -22¢ through December 2013. Based on current CME closing prices, the 2012 average is $17.44/cwt.; the 2013 average is $18.34/cwt.; and the 2014 average is $16.42/cwt.
Corn futures slightly higher; soybean, meal futures lower
Corn: steady to +4¢ through September 2014. The 2013 average is $6.63/bu.
Soybeans: -5¢ to -12¢ through November 2013. The 2013 average is $13.76/bu.
Soybean meal: -$3.10 to -$7.10/ton through December 2013. The 2013 average is $397.68/ton.
MARKETS: Blocks up 2¢; Class III futures lower
Today's market closing prices:
Butter: unchanged, at $1.4975/lb.
Cheddar blocks: unchanged, at $1.76/lb.
Cheddar barrels: unchanged, at $1.71/lb.
Grade A nonfat dry milk: unchanged, at $1.5575/lb.
Extra Grade nonfat dry milk: unchanged, at $1.56/lb.
Class III milk: steady to -22¢ through December 2013. Based on current CME closing prices, the 2012 average is $17.44/cwt.; the 2013 average is $18.34/cwt.; and the 2014 average is $16.42/cwt.
Corn futures slightly higher; soybean, meal futures lower
Corn: steady to +4¢ through September 2014. The 2013 average is $6.63/bu.
Soybeans: -5¢ to -12¢ through November 2013. The 2013 average is $13.76/bu.
Soybean meal: -$3.10 to -$7.10/ton through December 2013. The 2013 average is $397.68/ton.
