January 9, 2009

Welcome to Weekly Update, a publication of Western United Environmental Services (WUES), designed to bring you valuable information and helpful tips for compliance with the waste discharge requirements of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. We strive to provide your dairy with quality service, while at the same time saving you money as you face the challenges of compliance. Each week you will find features on compliance issues, regulatory changes or common questions, as well as workshop notices and introductions to the WUES technicians. If you have missed any of our past issues, they can be found on our website at www.wuenvironmental.com.

WUES announces new engineering partner

Western United Environmental Services is pleased to announce that RBF Consulting has joined its list of preferred providers. RBF Consulting is a full service engineering firm, offering civil engineering design services, planning services, GIS planning, design and mapping services, and survey and construction management services. With 15 offices in the Western United States, including locations in Sacramento, the Bay Area and Southern California, they are well positioned to serve the needs of WUES clients. More information can be found on their website at www.rbf.com.

If you haven't yet done so, now is the perfect time to select an engineering partner to assist in preparing the Waste Management Plan required for your Annual Report. The WMP is a new requirement this year, and must be signed off by a California certified engineer. Selecting an engineering partner early allows plenty of time to properly evaluate your needs, propose solutions and establish a time-line for the project. WUES clients can now choose from three engineering partners: Conestoga Rovers & Associates in Fresno; RBF Consulting, with offices throughout California; and Sierra Engineering Services in Irvine. Although Preferred Partners offer a discount to WUES members, prices are determined by the individual partners, so producers are encouraged to shop early for the best fit.

MILC could kick-in for February production, says NMPF – Sign up is underway for the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program. National Milk Producers Federation projects MILC payments will begin in February and average $1.10 per hundredweight through September, 2009. Farmers who sign up by the end of February may choose to receive payments beginning with their February production however, National Milk cautions producers who expect to exceed 2.895 million pound cap in the eight months may want to hold-off on the start date. Right now projections are the payment rate will be 93.63 cents in February, $1.6375 for March production, $1.5831 in April, $1.3827 in May, $1.2247 for June, $.9239 in July, $.7325 for August milk and $.3754 in September. So your best bet is to get as much of your production under MILC from March through June. <more> Jan. 6, 2009 Brownfield Ag News

Tough year ahead – WUD hosted an industry meeting in December, 2008 to discuss the issues facing the dairy industry. The concerns identified at that meeting will form the basis of a series of meetings to be held in the coming months, aimed at providing an opportunity for all producers and processors in the state to educate themselves and participate in the decision-making process. Invitations will be sent once the final slate of dates and topics has been determined. A tentative schedule includes the following:

• Tuesday, February 3 – Supply management and plant capacity
• Wednesday, March 18 – Federal milk marketing orders; competitiveness of California with respect to out-of-state milk; stability of the California system
• Tuesday, March 31 – Innovation and the need to encourage growth in value-added products that bring higher returns for producers meeting domestic and global demand; the global marketplace and how California can align itself to best meet the demand

This series of meetings will provide an unprecedented opportunity for all California dairy producers. In these challenging times, producers are encouraged to take an active role in helping to determine the future of the California dairy industry by participating in fully exploring each topic.

WUD will be reaching out to all California dairy families and trade associations for their participation and suggestions. Invitations will be mailed and will include a survey designed to gather information on each of the topics. Finally, an array of articles will appear in the Weekly Update that will provide factual background data and thought-provoking information. We look forward to your participation.

CALENDAR OF MONTHLY MONITORING ACTIVITIES

JANUARY

To receive more information on WUES, please contact your WUES Environmental Technician or WUES Office:

• Phone (209) 238-3818
• Fax (209) 238-3808
• Email: info@wuenvironmental.com
• www.wuenvironmental.com