This year is nearly over, and we can perhaps be forgiven for breathing a sigh of relief. Drought, uncertain regulatory future, and supply chain issues from the epidemic have lingered. In spite of this however, CDQAP and our industry, regulatory and law enforcement partners did make considerable headway on some historically stubborn issues this year.
Region 1 & 2 Water Boards – To assist North Coast and Bay Area producers in completing obligations under their annual reports, CDQAP partnered with the respective water boards and trade groups to offer in-person and online training.
New Water Regulations – With draft requirements for a new Dairy General Order pending, the exact shape of future Central Valley water regulations is uncertain. Based on initial public discussions however, CDQAP has already engaged industry, regulators and UC Cooperative Extension to develop outreach. Offerings for 2023 will focus on how producers can determine their Whole Farm Balance for nitrogen, options to address a nitrate imbalance, and accessing financial support for facility improvement. In the coming years, matching funds will be available from several sources, including CDFA, USDA EQIP, and USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities.
Alternative Manure Management – CDQAP supported delivery of AMMP outreach, funded by a state grant to CDRF and UC Cooperative Extension. A comprehensive website includes videos describing various technologies and the experiences of producers who have used them. Included is data on expected methane reduction and installation costs.
Responding to Activist Trespass – CDQAP continues to work with national organizations and CMAB’s Dairy Communicators’ workgroup to distribute timely information to help protect your farm and employees from potential undercover activists.
Processor Cybersecurity – In 2022, several western dairy processors were victims of ransomware attacks, demanding payment in return for regaining control of their computer infrastructure. CDQAP and CMAB convened a task force with cybersecurity experts from regional, state, and federal agencies. The group met in person with California processors. The project culminated with a secure, industry-only webinar. Highlights from the webinar are available.
Animal Health & Food Safety Emergencies – In 2022, while we were mostly spared catastrophic natural disasters, CDQAP did send out industry advisories related to heat events and windstorms with associated facility power loss. In addition, CDQAP helped industry navigate regulatory challenges involving best practices for emergency on-farm milk disposal necessitated by a mechanical failure at a processing plant in Northern California.
Emergency Biosecurity – Partnering with USDA and CDFA, CDQAP worked to help ensure industry’s ability to ship milk during a quarantine due to a disease outbreak like Foot and Mouth Disease. An Enhanced Biosecurity Plan Builder was published in 2022, and includes instructional videos, templates, and links to additional resources.
Emergency Mortality Disposal – CDQAP continued to partner with CDFA and dairy trade organizations (including Ag Council, CDC, MPC, and WUD) to draft state-wide and county-by-county emergency carcass disposal plans. In addition, CDQAP partnered with USDA, CDFA, and the University of Maine to deliver a compost training and demonstration.
Livestock Medications – In 2023 the FDA will require nation-wide veterinary oversight of livestock antibiotics. While important in other states, the change won’t affect producers in California. Since 2018, with the passage of Senate Bill 27, CDQAP has worked within the dustry and CDFA to achieve dairy industry leadership on the issue.
Editor’s Note: This article and information originally appeared in the CDQAP Quality Assurance Update Newsletter released December 2022.
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