Tag: dairy
Flavored milk may be making a school lunch comeback
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is working to bring back 1 percent flavored milk to the National School Lunch and School Breakfast program.
Canadian milk pricing strategy shuts out U.S. dairy farmers
In 2016, U.S. dairy farmers saw the value of milk fall to its lowest level since the recession. Now they’re facing an additional challenge from Canada.
Virginia dairy producers discuss improvements to farm bill safety net
The American Farm Bureau Federation is working to ensure a better safety net for farmers, and asked Virginia dairy producers for their input.
Public schools milking students’ increased consumption of dairy products
Some Virginia public schools are increasing dairy offerings at breakfast and lunch, and hungry students are gobbling them up.
USDA to measure financial well-being of dairy farmers
Representatives of the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service are visiting dairy farms across the nation in January.
Dairy promotions boost milk, yogurt consumption in some schools
Virginia dairy farmers have long supported promotional programs for milk and dairy products, and the need for them is greater than ever.
Commodity prices concern farmers, not consumers
It’s been a year since corn and wheat prices tumbled on the Chicago Board of Trade. Milk prices took a steep nose dive last November.
USDA expands safety net for dairy operations
Dairy farms participating in the Margin Protection Program can update their production history when an eligible family member joins.
Study finds Virginia dairy industry’s economic impact is significant
Virginia’s dairy industry accounted for about $2.3 billion in economic output in the commonwealth last year and employed nearly 8,000 people.
June honors dairy products and farmers who provide them
Pour a cold glass of milk, and toast Virginia’s dairy producers during National Dairy Month. Milk is the official beverage of Virginia and the state’s third-ranked farm commodity in terms of cash receipts. Virginia is home to 640 dairy farms and an estimated 95,000 dairy cows.
New dairy campaign: Time to get real about milk
The Milk Processor Education Program, or MilkPEP, is responding to dairy critics with a new campaign, “Get real about milk” and a related website at milktruth.com. The campaign is using the hashtag #MilkTruth.
Dairy production, herd size see notable increases
U.S. milk production is up nearly 4 percent from a year ago, and so is production per cow and the size of the nation’s collective dairy herd.
Virginia marks Farm-to-School Week
Virginia’s public elementary, middle and high schools serve 670,000 lunches, 250,000 breakfasts and 7,240 afterschool snacks each day.
Agriculture in the digital age: Yes, there’s an app for that
When you think of farming tools, you may think of tractors, cultivators, combines and other heavy equipment. In today’s digital age, a farmer is just as likely to be using another tool.
Jardenea: Passion and technique meet in D.C.
Last week Sara and I had the privilege of visiting Jardenea at the Melrose Georgetown Hotel in Washington, DC. They invited us in to try their new fall menu.
Enrollment for new dairy farm risk management program to begin Sept. 2
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that starting Sept. 2, 2014, farmers can enroll in the new dairy Margin Protection Program.
McAuliffe helps roll out Resource Management Plan program
Gov. Terry McAuliffe helped kick off a campaign to encourage farmers to enroll in Virginia’s new Resource Management Plan program on Aug. 25.
Share agriculture resources with your favorite teacher, school
While back-to-school shopping this year, don’t forget your favorite teacher or school.
Farmers and state vet: Antibiotic use in livestock safe, necessary
Virginia livestock producers treat their animals with antibiotics when they are sick, but meat and milk from animals with antibiotics in their systems doesn’t end up on store shelves.
New livestock pavilion ready for use during State Fair
The brand-new 40,000-square-foot First Bank & Trust Pavilion is ready to house cattle during this year’s State Fair of Virginia, which will open Sept. 26 and run through Oct. 5.
Livestock and live music headline Rockbridge Regional Fair and Farm Show
It’s time for the Rockbridge Regional Fair, which makes its annual return to the Virginia Horse Center July 16 – July 19.
Seven reasons why saturated fats should be valued, not vilified
For many people, the word “fat” strikes instantaneous fear of heart disease and weight gain. Add the word “saturated”, and the brain sounds alarm bells. But, if Mother Nature made saturated fat so delicious, how could it be death-inducing?
Relay Foods to add 25 jobs in Charlottesville
Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today in the City of Charlottesville that Relay Foods (www.relayfoods.com) will expand its corporate headquarters and Charlottesville fulfillment center to accommodate increased local demand for its products and to support the company’s entry into new markets, including those beyond Virginia.
Dinner Diva: Can vegetarians and Paleoistas co-exist in one cave?
When you make the decision to go Paleo, it could get complicated, especially if you have a vegetarian in your cave to feed.
Advisory on Marva Maid Milk products dated May 30-June 2
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) advises consumers to not consume any Marva Maid Dairy milk in ½ pint containers with sell by dates from May 30 through June 2, 2014.
Report shows the importance of dairy in Virginia
With a reminder that milk is the official beverage of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Governor Terry McAuliffe has proclaimed June as Dairy Month in the Commonwealth.
Farmers markets — and asparagus — are springing up this month
Some Virginia farmers’ markets will open this month, while others have been open year-round. At many markets, shoppers will find Virginia-grown asparagus.
Things you can learn about agriculture in a first-grade classroom
Although I had the advantage of understanding where food comes, when I came to work for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) 18 years ago, I realized I didn’t fully understand the complexity, diversity and far-ranging economic importance of Virginia’s largest industry, agriculture.
Dinner Diva: Focus on what you CAN have
When people first hear the Dinner Diva’s gone Paleo, they almost always say the same thing: Oh I know this Paleo diet is supposed to be healthy, but I could never give up [bread/potatoes/pasta/corn/dairy/etc.].
Report: Virginia agriculture, farm sector growing
The amount of land in farms in Virginia increased by more than 229,000 acres, to a total of 8.33 million acres. The average farm size also grew by 10 acres, to 181 acres.
Game plan for a safe Super Bowl
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services wants you to have a safe Super Bowl XLVIII party—safe food, that is.
Critical 2014 farm bill passes House, farmers pleased
Farmers across the country are applauding the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of H.R. 2642, the five-year Agricultural Act of 2014. The farm bill, which the House approved 251-166, now heads to the Senate, which is expected to vote on it next week.
Shenandoah Processing to invest $2.2M, bring 102 jobs to Harrisonburg
Shenandoah Processing LLC, a newly-formed, locally-owned company located in Harrisonburg, will reopen a former Pilgrim’s Pride poultry processing facility and create 102 new full-time equivalent positions.
