The Sad State of the Dairy Economy

Everyone knows that the world economy is in crisis. People are struggling to pay bills, get or keep a job or just putting food on the table for their family.

But do you know how it is affecting your rural neighbors...the American Dairy Farmer?

Dairy farmers across the country are facing 'an unprecedented financial catastrophe'! At a time when inputs (feed/grain for the cows, gas used to help grow food, electricity used to milk and care for animals, etc) and expenses are at the highest levels ever. Producers are being paid for the milk their cows produce at about $10-11 per hundred weight...a level they got paid for milk about 30 years ago. And 30 years ago inputs and expenses were much lower. (Just to put it into perspective about a year ago milk was about $18 per hundred weight).

Dairy farmers are losing money every day they stay in operation. WHY you may ask? Because they must and WANT to feed and care for their animals. Yes, Dairy Farming is a business, but most who are in the dairy business are passionate about producing a high quality, natural, nutritious, American made food product - MILK! And they DO CARE fully about their animals well-being. Today, Dairy farmers are struggling to put feed in front of their cows and food on their family's table. (99% of Dairy Farms in the U.S. are family owned!)

Do you want to push American owned family businesses out and import all of your food products?

I am not necessarily saying that the government should 'bailout' the dairy producers like they did with the banks and car companies...but my question for you the average American citizen. 'Where do you want your food produced?'

Do you want it locally grown in the U.S. or are you happy to import it like we do with oil and so many other goods and products.

The U.S. food supply is the SAFEST in the world as well as the cheapest. Don't you think we as American's could pay a little more for our food to know it was produced in the U.S. where farms are inspected by government officials and where processing plants are inspected by them as well.

Well the government has heard the cry of the American Dairy Farmer and yesterday their was a hearing. Here is a link to the opening statements from the House Agriculture Committee - Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry – Public Hearing - To review economic conditions in the dairy industry.

Here is good overview about what was said at the hearing. The problem is their is full agreement that there is a problem; but no consensus on solutions.

My closing comment for the day - Support an American Dairy Farmer and Drink Milk, Eat Cheese and Enjoy Yogurt! And enjoy the American grown product today...as who knows where it will be produced tomorrow.