July 31, 2009

Welcome to Weekly Update, a publication of Western United Environmental Services (WUES). We realize you look to us as a reliable source of information on the Waste Discharge Requirements from the Regional Water Board. We strive to provide your dairy with quality service, while at the same time saving you money as you face the challenges in complying with the WDRs. Previous editions of the Update can be found at www.wuenvironmental.com.

Western United Dairymen and the Natural Resources Conservation Service

to Partner in $17,300,000 Program to Assist Central Valley Dairy Farms

Meet Water Quality Rules

Western United Dairymen (WUD) and the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are partnering in a new project to support dairy producers in the Central Valley.  The program is entitled the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) and will help producers comply with the Central Valley Water Board’s General Order.   This partnership authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill will augment the current EQIP funding, is specifically targeted to dairies, and will be available in Central Valley dairy counties.  It will help fund Waste Management Plans (WMPs) and water quality infrastructure improvements for enhanced water quality protection. WUD, NRCS, dairy farmers, and California Registered Professionals will work together to comply with the regulations. All dairy producers in the Central Valley are eligible to apply.

Western United Dairymen CEO Michael Marsh stated, “WUD is proud to partner with the California NRCS in service to the dairy producers of the Central Valley as they struggle with tough and expensive new regulatory requirements in these stressful financial conditions.  If we all pull together wherever we can, we can keep our California dairy farms strong.”

A successful applicant will receive funds to hire and work with a California Registered Professional to prepare a Waste Management Plan for their dairy.  Projects to improve manure management will also be eligible for funding.  There will be a total of $17,300,000 available over a three-year time period, with $5,800,000 in funding available this year.

This partnership project will be administered by NRCS through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP.)

The application period will be announced soon.  Please watch for further information as program details are worked out.  In the interim, interested producers may contact WUD staff: Paul Martin at (707) 763-8874, Paul Sousa at (209) 527-6453, or the WUD field representative in your area.

Vilsack announces temporary hike in dairy support prices

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Friday announced that the Obama Administration is taking immediate action to support struggling dairy farmers by increasing the amount paid for dairy products through the Dairy Product Price Support Program (DPPSP). USDA estimates show that these increases, which will be in place from August 2009 through October 2009, will increase dairy farmers' revenue by $243 million. 

"The Obama Administration is committed to pursuing all options to help dairy producers," said Vilsack. "The price increase announced today will provide immediate relief to dairy farmers around the country and keep many on the farm while they weather one of the worst dairy crises in decades." 

The increase announced today will raise the price paid for nonfat dry milk from $0.80 per pound to $0.92 per pound, the price paid for cheddar blocks from $1.13 per pound to $1.31 per pound, and the price of cheddar barrels from $1.10 per pound to $1.28 per pound. This increase in the support price will have an immediate effect upon dairy farmers' bottom line. Temporarily raising the price of these dairy products increases the price that dairy farmers receive for their milk. 

USDA estimates that today's announcement is expected to increase the all milk price received by dairy producers.  The increase will result in the government purchase of an additional 150 million pounds of non-fat dry milk (NDM) and an additional 75 million pounds of cheese.

CALENDAR OF MONTHLY MONITORING ACTIVITIES

AUGUST

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