Dear National Farmers Union members,

As you are well aware, a lapse in funding has caused a government shutdown affecting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and several other federal agencies. Among other consequences, this has shuttered the doors of your county Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices.

Digest Highlights

• Poll shows consumers want FDA to end misleading ‘milk’ labels
• Newton: Take a look at Dairy Margin Coverage program
• Court rules against Iowa ‘ag gag’ law
• ECONOMICS: Northwest dairy profitability to remain a struggle
• 2018 a solid year for farm equipment sales
• Weather, trade tariffs impact crop inputs
• INDUSTRY: Chobani launches nondairy, plant-based products
• FirstEnergy Foundation grant aids ‘Fill a Glass with Hope’ milk program
• STATES: Hawaii’s Big Island Dairy to cease operations
• Idaho dairy safety program earns nationwide recognition
• Vermont offers dairy education program grants
• New Hampshire proposal would create state label, dairy fund
• Iowa land values post modest decline
• Interest rates move higher in Dallas Federal Reserve District
• Pacific Northwest ag land values stable

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) annual analysis shows dairy consumers remain safe when it comes to animal drug residues in milk.

Annual goals, whether outlined at a company’s annual meeting or a personal New Year’s resolution, all have the same challenges. With a full year allotted to accomplish them, the sense of urgency is diminished, and those involved become complacent.

When building a dairy barn, choosing between natural and mechanical ventilation can be a tough decision; however, a novel design brings the two methods together to create a controllable environment with big time cow comfort payoffs.

Two farm kids are making a name for themselves in Nashville as a duo who pays homage to their dairy farming roots.

Since teaming up just a couple of years ago, the Dairy Daughters have opened for big names like Diamond Rio, Love and Theft, and the Bellamy Brothers, bringing to the stage a raw authenticity combined with incredible singing, song-writing and instrumental talent.