ROZLINE x (EX-91-EX-MS-GMD-DOM) Delta-Lambda x (EX-91-EX-MS-GMD-DOM) Denver
Early PAZZLE daughters are calving and pairing impressive mammary systems with their stylish frames. PAZZLE combines two prestigious maternal lines and offers a 250HO12961 DOC-free pedigree. Building upon the excitement, he was mated to some of the industry’s favorite cows to create an elite lineup of high Type sons. Move the needle forward by incorporating PAZZLE and his sons into your matings!
4-H Dairy Judging Camp enrollment deadline: Karla Deaver deaverk@missouri.edu
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
On June 5th Missouri Dairy Board member Kaleb Rodgers and his wife Erin greeted over one hundred dairymen and guest to their Twin Knobs Dairy in Van Zant, MO. Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture Chris Chinn presented the June is Dairy Month proclamation, which was celebrated with a milk toast.
Legislative director Tony Benz does a fantastic job behind the scenes. We helped the Missouri Farm Bureau get one of their top priorities passed. Their new health care plan may help dairy farmers in the state with health care costs. We also have in the state budget money for competitive grants for dairy farmers in Missouri. This is pending the governor’s approval. We will be coming out with more information on this once the governor signs the budget and the rules are written. Join MO Dairy today to make sure your voice is part of directing the future of dairy production in our state! Join at modairy.org only
Keeping your cattle safe from black vultures
By: Dan McMurtry and Tanya Espinosa, USDA
Historically, Missouri has been home to one species of vulture, the turkey vulture. However, a second species, the black vulture, while native to Missouri, is slowly moving to areas they have not occupied in the past. While most dairies operate a bit differently than traditional cow-calf operations, it is important that dairy managers know how to keep their cattle safe from the increasing threat that black vultures pose.
While turkey vultures consume carrion, black vultures often prey on newborn calves. Black vultures can easily locate newborn calves, and multiple birds will attack the newborn. Though mama cows will attempt to defend the calf, black vultures are relentless. If the cow is all alone and tires, there is not much the mama cow can do to prevent black vultures from killing the calf.
Turkey vultures, characterized by their signature red head, can be seen from March to December, and sometimes all year long in southern Missouri during mild winters. Turkey vultures consume carrion and have not been documented to kill livestock. They are commonly seen along roadways feeding on roadkill or soaring high in the summer skies. Juvenile turkey vultures lack the signature red head which may confuse people when they are seen. During the months of July through October, many juvenile turkey vultures can be seen flying high above or perching on nearby trees. Because juvenile turkey vultures have dark heads, the key to determining the species is seeing the color pattern underneath the wings. The bottom half of the wings of turkey vultures are light colored or gray and the top half is black. Black vultures, including juveniles, have black wings with the white at the very tips. These white tips are easily spotted when they are soaring above.
Like many large bird species, black vulture numbers have increased in Missouri over the last 30 years. Snow goose numbers are up 254%. Turkey vultures are up 118%, Canada geese are up 141%, bald eagle are up 556%,
There are many methods that dairyman and other cattle producers can do to reduce and minimize the damage that black vultures cause.
Non-lethal long-term methods
Early calving
Black vulture populations are higher in Missouri during the spring, summer and fall months. Most black vultures don’t return until mid-March or April. Dairyman that plan their birthing season in late February or early March may prevent interactions between black vultures and newborn calves. For cattle producers in southern Missouri, black vultures are a constant presence all year long.
Herder mentality
Dairy operations normally do a very good job having more of a herder mentality than most traditional cow-calf operations. Most dairy operations have eyes and hands on their cows twice a day, which is a big benefit in protecting your cattle from black vultures. Traditional cow-calf operations sometimes
struggle during calving season as they don’t have eyes on their cows as frequently. Traditional cow-calf operations with black vultures on their property should increase their herder mentality during calving seasons to protect their newborn calves from predation and provide more overwatch over their herd.
Have good fencing
Having good fencing is a common husbandry practice with all cattle operations. While fencing keeps livestock in a certain area, it also allows cattle producers to pull their bull. This helps to manage and reduce the calving season.
Short calving season
By having good fencing and pulling their bull, cattle producers are able have a shorter calving season, meaning less time needed for eyes on each cow daily and less time for potential black vulture interaction. Ninety percent of interactions with black vultures occur when the calf is 15 days old or less. Fifteen days is the magic number for reducing the vulnerability to black vultures. For the first few days after calves are born, they sleep much of the day and curl up into a ball while the mama cow grazes out of sight. When calves are fifteen days old, they can get up and run away from vultures and keep up with the herd, which provides additional protection.
Establishing a calving pasture
Establishing a calving pasture close to your residence, if possible, is a good animal husbandry practice regardless of whether you have black vultures. Being able to easily see and tend to your cows during calving season can reduce travel time and increase cow monitoring. This same method is also helpful to prevent black vulture predation. Being able to monitor black vulture presence multiple times per day and respond quickly can save your calves. Livestock producers do need to be very cautious about having too many cows in too small an area as it could trigger the onset of scours or the spread of other diseases. Having great cow health, colostrum management, calf nutrition, clean calving areas and vaccinations are ways to prevent the spread of disease and scour among the herd.
Remove dead livestock
Removing dead livestock is a common husbandry practice and reduces flies, odor, the spread of disease and predator interactions. For black vultures, removing dead livestock removes a free meal that could potentially attract hundreds of birds, putting newborn calves at risk.
Remove dead trees/roosting sites
Reducing vulture habitat is also effective in reducing vulture presence. Large landowners don’t need to remove every dead tree on the property but removing dead trees in and close to your calving pastures can help reduce the possibility of vulture predation. No one wants vultures to roast above their cows during calving seasons, just waiting for a new calf to be born.
Non-lethal short-term methods
Effigies
The use of effigies, generally a deceased bird hung upside down from trees or other structures, along with using other methods, has been shown to be very effective in keeping vultures away from pastures. Although a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permit is needed to use a migratory bird in this manner, this method is a worthwhile investment in time
and energy. Birds legally removed by permit are allowed to be suspended from trees or other structures. Permits can be obtained from the US Fish and Wildlife Service or the Missouri Farm Bureau.
Pyrotechnics/harassment
Pyrotechnics are specialized fireworks used to harass a variety of species. If used in conjunction with lethal control, pyrotechnics are a must have in every farm truck in areas with black vultures. Pyrotechnics come in many shapes and forms. The most common ones use a small single shot starter pistols or Launcher, that shoots either bangers or screamers. Bangers go out about 150 feet and make a loud bang, and screamers go out 250 feet, leave a trail of smoke, and make a loud scream. There are also specialized shotgun shells that are fired from a break breach barrel shotgun and go 300 to 400 feet in the air and make a louder noise. Many times, with lethal control, the birds learn very quick and stay just out of range and when this happens, pyrotechnics help to scare them off.
Lethal short-term methods
Lethal control
Like most bird species, black vultures are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. To legally remove black vultures, a permit from the U.S. Fish Wildlife Service (USFWS) is required. Cattle producers experiencing depredation can apply for a permit to lethally remove a small number of birds. A USFWS permit costs $100 for each farmer and lasts from April 1st to March 31st. In Missouri, there is a second option for obtaining a permit. The Missouri Farm Bureau has a USFWS permit and is able to sub permit farmers and ranchers experiencing damage from black vultures. A phone call to the Missouri Farm Bureau at 573-893-1416 can start your application for your permit. It is very important to remember that lethal control can only be used in conjunction with harassment. Simply removing birds without the use of harassment is a violation of the permit and subject to a monetary fine. Lethally removing migratory birds without a permit is a federal violation.
For additional information on black vultures, call USDA Wildlife Services at 573-449-3033 x10.
The Holstein Foundation’s premier leadership program, the Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI), is now accepting applications for Class 14. The engaging, hands-on program is open to young adults ages 22 to 45 with a keen interest in the dairy industry. Applications for YDLI Class 14 are due August 1, 2025, and can be found at www.holsteinfoundation.org.
The interactive, three-phase program focuses on strengthening young adults in the areas of interpersonal communications, growth mindset, team culture, influence, advocacy, embracing change, community involvement, and more.
missouri holstein
JUNIORS
Thank you to all those who donated to the food booth. A big thank you to Janice Perry, Jeanne Luttrell, Jodi Wright and Lorna Farrell for helping in the concession stand.
GOOD LUCK JUNIORS
Good Luck to Juniors competinG at ationaL HoLstein convention in st Louis, mo • June 23-26
Extemp Speaking & Dairy
Jeopardy- Case Melzer
Prepared Speaking-Sophie Geppert
Folding Display- Amanda Brooks, Hope McClellan
Banner-Kimber Wilson
Scrapbook- Kason Wilson
Missouri State FFA Dairy Results
Congratulations to Missouri’s FFA Members
Dairy Production Placement
Addison Tharp Republic FFA
Dairy Production Entrepreneurship
Sophia Geppert, North Callaway FFA
Dairy Cattle Evaluation-CDE
1st Place: Neosho FFA, Ava Hines, Chelsea Haslip, Jesse Davis, Maydson Fare
Pictured from left to right: Ava Hines, Chelsea Haslip, Jesse Davis, Maydson Fare, Sara Morgan (Advisor) Dairy Cattle Evaluation
Pictured from left to right: Mason Berner, Addi Wiest, Connor Gray, Nancy Vargas, Cole Jackson(Advisor) Dairy Foods
Sophia Geppert: North Callaway FFA Chapter named State FFA Vice President
Addison Tharp
Protecting Your Dairy Herd from Fraud
Essential Tips and Red Flags
by by Katie Graham, Fraud Risk Officer Farm Credit Services of America, Frontier Farm Credit, AgCountry Farm Credit Services
Fraud is a challenge faced by all industries, including the dairy sector. Staying informed about fraud schemes and using common sense prevention strategies, such as the three guiding principles to fraud prevention, helps ensure your business is well protected. Learn more about the three guiding principles for fraud prevention, schemes impacting the Dairy industry and how to report fraud, should the unfortunate occur.
Understanding the common schemes and implementing robust prevention strategies is crucial. Here are three guiding principles to help safeguard your dairy business from fraud:
1. Verify Directly
Always verify the information you receive directly with the source. Bad actors often impersonate trusted entities such as financial institutions, popular retailers, or government agencies. For example, you might receive an email that appears to be from your bank, advising there is an issue to resolve. Once you click the link provided, it instructs you to log in to your account. This is a common social engineering tactic called Phishing. It is important not to engage with these types of communications, rather contact the financial institution directly, using an established phone number to inquire about the email.
In the dairy industry, verifying information is particularly important when dealing with suppliers and customers. For instance, if you receive an invoice with updated banking details, always confirm the changes with the supplier through a known contact method. This extra step can prevent fraudulent transactions and protect your business from financial loss.
Additionally, verifying information directly can help prevent fraud in online marketplaces. When purchasing dairy equipment or supplies online, ensure that the seller is legitimate.
2.
Resist Pressure to Cut Corners
Bad actors often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making hasty decisions. They might claim that immediate action is required to avoid severe consequences. In the dairy industry, this could involve urgent requests for payment or changes in banking details. Always take a moment to pause and think before acting. Rushing can lead to costly mistakes. Check reviews, ask for references and verify the seller’s contact information including their phone number and address. It’s equally important to understand if the equipment listed for sale is a private party sale or a business sale and if the equipment is within the seller’s possession, if not, why. Be curious, ask questions and always request a live video inspection of the equipment if it cannot be inspected in person. For example, if you receive an urgent email from a supplier requesting immediate payment to avoid shipment delays, take a moment to verify the request. Contact the supplier directly using a known phone number or email address. This simple step can help you avoid falling victim to a scam.
Resisting pressure to cut corners also applies to internal processes within your dairy business. Ensure that all employees are trained to follow proper procedures and protocols, even when under pressure. This includes verifying the authenticity of requests for sensitive information and
following established guidelines for financial transactions. By maintaining a culture of vigilance and adherence to procedures, you can reduce the risk of fraud.
3. Be Aware of Red Flags
Recognizing red flags is essential in preventing fraud. Common red flags include unsolicited requests for sensitive information, urgent demands, and offers that seem too good to be true. For example, if you receive an email offering dairy equipment at a significantly reduced price, be cautious. Verify the legitimacy of the offer before making any payments.
Other red flags to watch for include requests for remote access to your device, unsolicited emails with attachments, and changes in banking information. Bad actors often use these tactics to gain access to sensitive information and carry out their schemes. By being aware of these red flags, you can take proactive steps to protect your business.
Common Fraud Schemes: Social Engineering
Social engineering is a tactic used by bad actors to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information. Here are four common methods:
1. Baiting: Offering something enticing to lure you into a trap.
2. Phishing: Sending emails that appear to be from reputable sources to steal sensitive information.
3. Smishing: Using SMS messages to trick you into providing personal information.
4. Vishing: Making phone calls pretending to be from legitimate organizations to extract information. Bad actors exploit the inherent trust and helpfulness of people. They create scenarios that compel you to act quickly, often using fear tactics. For example, a pop-up window claiming your device has a virus might prompt you to call a number or click a link, granting the bad actor remote access to your device.
In the dairy industry, social engineering can take many forms. Bad actors might impersonate suppliers, customers, or even employees to gain access to sensitive information. They might send emails requesting changes to banking details or ask for confidential information.
Red Flags to Watch For
• Unsolicited Requests: Be cautious of unexpected requests for sensitive information.
• Urgency and Sob Stories: Bad actors often create a sense of urgency or tell a compelling story to elicit pity.
• Payment Requests: Be wary of requests for payments via gift cards, cryptocurrencies, or wire transfers.
• Remote Access Requests: Never grant remote access to your device unless you are certain of the requester’s identity.
• Impersonation: Bad actors may claim to be from government agencies or large retailers.
• Unexpected Emails: Be cautious of emails with attachments or requests to change banking information.
Reporting Fraud
If you suspect you are a victim of fraud, take the following steps:
• Discuss with Trusted Individuals: Talk to a family member or friend about the situation.
• Contact Your Financial Institution: Report any suspicious activity immediately.
• Notify Credit Bureaus: Dispute any unrecognized lines of credit.
• Report to Authorities: Contact local authorities and report the fraud to relevant agencies such as the FTC or IC3.
Reporting fraud is crucial to protecting your business and preventing further incidents. If you suspect that you have been targeted by bad actors, take immediate action to report the incident. Contact your financial institution to report any suspicious activity and notify credit bureaus to dispute any unrecognized lines of credit. Additionally, report the fraud to local authorities and relevant agencies such as the FTC or IC3.
By applying the guiding principles, verifying information directly, resisting pressure to cut corners, and being aware of red flags, you can protect your dairy business from fraud. Educating your team about these tactics and maintaining vigilance can create layers of friction that deter bad actors. Remember, when bad actors encounter resistance, they are more likely to move on to an easier target. Stay informed, stay cautious, and keep your dairy business safe from fraud.
Katie is a seasoned fraud professional with nearly 20 years of expertise, currently serving the agricultural industry as the Fraud Risk Officer at AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit Services of America, and Frontier Farm Credit.
MISSOURI NEWS
Marilyn An McLean was born on Sept. 2,1935. She passed away November 20 2024. Marilyn attended grade school at Central Point, graduated from Central Senior High School in 1953. Marilyn married William Floyd McLean on January 6th, 1954 which they shared 85 loving years together until his passing ni 2012. Marilyn and Floyd had two daughters, Linda An Whitman (husband, Rick Whitman) and Julie Ann McGuire, (husband, Mark McGuire - deceased). three grandchildren- Chad Michael Whitman, wife Laura, Kalie Ann McGuire, James William McGuire, three great grandchildren; Elijah Louis Whitman, Finley Louis Whitman, Anderson Louis Whitman, which she loveddearly and was always so proud of her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Marilyn and her husband along with her brother-in-law and sister-in-law operated a registered Holstein dairy farm in Seymour for 43 years. She worked hard on thefarm.She had great love for Holsteins and John Deereequipment. Floyd depended on her to know every bull, cow and calf’s name and ear tag number. There was alwavs a roast, potatoes and carrots for our Sunday meal. Marilyn worked at the Sevmour Shoe Factory, the Seymour Apple House and McBee Binders in Springfield, Missouri. After working a4 0 hour week away from home, coming home to help with the chores, and the many timeless hours sewing a new dress or outfit for her two daughters in the evening. In the summertime she was called a second mom to nieces and nephew; Lary, Tony, Rex, Tracey, Kristen, Jennifer and Diana. They loved being part of the farm chores. She was an avid Nascar and Kansas City Chiefs fan. She made the best coconut cream pies, and always had the best sweet tea for her guests. Marilyn will be truly missed by family many nieces and nephews and countless friends.
Lloyd “Tub” Lee Boyd
The passing of Lloyd Lee Boyd (Springfield, Missouri) leaves a void in the hearts of many, as we bid farewell to a loving soul who departed on February 21, 2025 at the age of 82. Lloyd with his brothers, Noel and Lawrence, owned and operated Boyd Brothers, Bolivar, Missouri using the prefix Dixie-Lee and were nationally and internationally known for quality Holstein cattle. Breeding the well-known cow Dixie-Lee Aspen-ET EX-92 and her high TPI son DixieLee Aaron-ET. Dixie-Lee Holsteins sold over 100 bulls to U.S. A.I. organizations and numerous bulls to foreign countries. Boyd Brothers received the Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder Award in 1989 presented by the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors.
Lloyd was predeceased in death by his parents, Lawrence L. Boyd and Willa “June” Boyd (Stewart); and his brother Noel Boyd. He is survived by his siblings, Larry Boyd (Shawna) and Barbara Austin (Bill); his nephews, Ken Austin (Ceci), Tim Austin (Sarah), Cole Boyd and Blake Boyd (Morgan); and his sister-in-law Rita Boyd. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Hope High School FFA.
Darrin L. Adwell
May 19, 1971 — February 17, 2025
Ravenwood, Missouri
Darrin Lee Adwell, 53, of Ravenwood, Missouri, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Darrin was born on Wednesday, May 19, 1971, in Maryville, MO, and passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 17, 2025, on his farm near Ravenwood, MO.
Darrin is survived by his devoted parents, Don L. Adwell and Ruth E. Adwell of Ravenwood, MO. He also leaves behind his cherished wife, Linda Adwell, and their children, AJ and Austin Adwell, all of Ravenwood, MO. He is also survived by his stepsons, Solon Rawson of Phoenix, AZ, Kalvin Rawson of Maryville, MO, and Gage and Chase Stephenson of Ravenwood, MO.
Darrin was a brother to Kristi (Todd) Schiebel of Conrad, IA, Rhonda (Bret) Pulse of Forrestdale, MO, Anita (Joe) Bacon of O’Fallon, MO, and David (Jesse) Adwell of Lathrop, MO. and brother-in-law to Shanda Furr of St. Joseph, MO, Darcy Coulter of Smithville, MO, Melanie Coulter of Maryville, MO, and Dustin Coulter of Conception Jct., MO, and his mother-in-law, Marilyn Coulter.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Victor and Thelma Miller, Woodrow and Velda Adwell, his father-in-law, Jim Coulter, and his sister-in-law, Tricia Files.
Darrin’s life was marked by his dedication to his family, his faith, and his community. He attended Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, MO, for one year before transferring to Northwest Missouri State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science. Darrin was a passionate farmer, working on his own farm in Ravenwood, MO. For the past seven years, he also served as a school bus driver for NEN schools, where he was known for his kindness and dedication to the students.
A man of deep faith, Darrin was an active member of his church, serving as a deacon, elder, and on the Ravenwood Christian Church Board. He also held the position of Christian Campus House Board President for several years. Darrin was baptized on September 24, 1982, and his faith was a guiding force throughout his life.
Darrin had a zest for life and a love for his family that was evident in everything he did. He enjoyed snow skiing, laughing, and socializing at every opportunity. He was a compassionate listener and always made time for others. Darrin also served on the NEN School Board, where he worked to improve the educational experience for all students. He enjoyed listening to his wife and children with their musical talents, singing and playing a variety of instruments.
Our Dairy Family
We are so honored to be able to share your lives through the Pulsator. If you have an announcement you would like to share with our dairy family across the state please contact Jodi Wright or Shannon Kleiboeker, so we can include you in our next Pulsator. Jodi: (417) 743-2921 jwright@missouriholstein.com Shannon:mopulsator@gmail.com
2025 4-H Dairy Cow Camp
4-H Dairy Cow Camp 2025 was another record year with over 60 campers. A large portion of campers were from a Middle School ag program. Youth worked in pairs or groups with calves as we partnered with the Missouri Holstein Association Tag Sale again. What an outstanding way to teach youth about the dairy industry. See how you can help out cow camp below with a donation of equipment you might not be using anymore!
NEEDED
Used Clipper Donations.
Would you like to help cow camp kids? Have you shown in the past and have clippers sitting in the barn or a box just gathering dust?
Missouri 4-H Cow Camp is in desperate need of clippers and blowers for use during cow camp. Also, accepting donations for clipper repair. Contact Karla Deaver to donate at deaverk@missouri.edu. Everything is welcome!
Our fifth year hosting the All-Breeds tag sale had exceptional quality of Holsteins, Red and White Holsteins, Guernsey, Ayrshire and Jersey. The cow camp participants did an outstanding job working with the heifers and getting them ready for the show and sale. With a large group of youth from a middle school FFA this year we enlisted some help from a few adults and older youth to polish up the heifers for photos and videos. A special thank you to: Molly Archer, Libby Shaver, Emma Parrigon, Lily Bluel, Larry Wright, Lora Wright and Robert Perry for all of their hard work. I appreciate everyone coming together to make the sale a success.
Topping the sale at $4000 was Lot 7 a Master Winter calf consigned by Wrightvale and purchased by Blackjack. Next high sellers tied at $3100. Lot 2 was a Red and White Alex Spring Calf consigned by Grant Groves of Groves-Vu. This Red March calf descended from Luck-E Advent Asia 3E-94 and was purchased by Robert & Janice Perry, Republic. Lot 8 also sold for $3100. A VIP Jersey Winter calf that went back to the EX92% Juno Queenie family, same family as the 2025 All-American MS Ronde Rosabella-ET shown by Mia Smith of Wisconsin. This sweet Jersey went to Cobie Kleiboeker, Kimber Wilson and Brynn Grewe of Missouri and Wisconsin. The sale averaged $2400. Thank you to all of the bidders and buyers. Our consignors gave some of their best and we showcased a great lineup. We look forward to seeing all of these kids and calves throughout the summer growing and learning together.
Thank you to our Consignors and Buyers!
SouthernNationalHighlights
Southern National Jersey Show
Barnabas Elsa of SLJ- Aged Cow: 1st Jr, Senior and Grand Champion; Treasure & Maelee Clark & Caleb Peterson
Vierra Rock Show-ET- Unfresh Summer 2 Year Old: 1st Open, Junior Champion; Fallenleaf Jerseys
MM Kid Rock Panorama-ET-Senior 3 Year Old: 1st Open; Fallenleaf Jerseys
Southern National Holstein Show
Robthom Marina Pety-5 Year Old Cow: 1st Open, Senior and Grand Champion, Best Udder, Best Bred & Owned, 1st Junior, Reserve Senior Champion; M, L&H Angelo, F A&A Ling, M Turner, M Streets
Duckett Lambda Hulu-ET-Winter Jr 2 Year Old: 7th Open; Wright and King
Graber Warrior Delta-Sr 2 Year Old: 7th Open, 5th
Jr; Nolan Miller and Raygan Dougherty
R-Vision Altitude Chablis-Jr 3 Year Old: 3rd Open; Tim & Leah Ziemba, Barbara Ziemba, Matthew Day & Smith-Crest
JL-KEL-Land Unstpabul Mango-RC-Jr 3 Year Old: 5th Open 4th Jr; Lila Wantland
Summit Genetics is here to help you take your herd’ s genetics to the summit of success and profitability.
June is Dairy Month, which honors a long-held tradition in MFA’s trade territory and recognizes the contributions of hardworking dairy farmers
MFA’s mission is to help our farmers succeed by providing expert knowledge, timely service and innovative products such as MFA feeds with Shield Technology. Shield uses unique ingredients to boost rumen function and animal health. The results speak for themselves.
To learn more about what Shield Technology can do for your herd, contact your local MFA Agri Services Center or affiliate or call (573) 876-5244.
Dairy Farmer Resources
UNDENIABLY DAIRY GRANTS: Turn great ideas for promoting the dairy community to consumers into reality.
PROMO CENTER: Bring dairy to life at your next event with a wide variety of FREE promotional materials including poster sets, coloring books, farm tour booties, and more.
LEADERSHIP GRANTS: Interested in furthering your skills to become a leader in the dairy industry and to better share your dairy story with consumers? Apply for a leadership grant!
Expected Impacts of USDA’s Final Decision on Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs)
Adauto Brasilino Rocha junior
Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs) adopt a classified price system to calculate minimum milk prices that should be paid to producers. The milk classes are:
• Class I – Milk used for beverages (e.g., fluid milk, eggnog, UHT milk).
• Class II – Milk used for soft products (e.g., yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, ice cream, puddings, mixes, and some baked goods).
• Class III – Milk used for hard and spreadable cheeses, as well as butteroil and anhydrous milkfat.
• Class IV – Milk used for butter, dry milk products, and canned milk (evaporated or sweetened condensed).
In simple words, before the month begins (usually by the 23rd), USDA uses prices observed for dairy products in the prior two weeks to estimate the fair price that should be paid for milk, by class of utilization, in the upcoming month. It is done by estimating the value of milk components, and then using the values of these components to price milk. On January 16, 2025, USDA will implement six changes that impact the formulas used to estimate minimum milk prices and their parameters. While most of the changes will be valid after June 1st, 2025, one of them will increase composition factors and will be implemented after December 1st, 2025.
Amendment 1: Make Allowances
When using dairy product prices to estimate the value of milk components, a portion of the price per pound of product is discounted to account for the processing costs. It is known as manufacturing (or make) allowance. The remaining portion is used to estimate the component values, which will be used to price milk.
The updated allowances (Table 1) will increase between 5 and 7 cents per pound to reflect increased processing costs. It implies that, under the final rule for the FMMOs, a higher portion of product value will go to processors, and a smaller portion will be available to calculate component values. It will likely have a negative impact on minimum milk prices.
Table 1. Make allowances under the current FMMO and the final rule approved.
Amendment 2: Composition factors
The second change will update skim milk composition factors for protein, other solids, and nonfat solids (Table 2). These factors represent the quantity of each of these components that is assumed to be present in skim milk when estimating minimum prices.
Table 2. Skim milk composition factors under the current FMMO, and the final rule approved.
Amendment 3: cheese prices
Class III skim milk price is estimated based on the value of protein and other solids content. Class IV is estimated based on nonfat solids content. Therefore, the increase in these factors contributes to offsetting part of the allowances increase presented in table 1.
In the current version of the FMMOs, cheese price used in price formulas is calculated as the average of the price per pound of the 500-pound barrel cheddar cheese and the 40 pounds block cheese. This average is used to estimate protein and butterfat value in cheese, impacting Class III milk prices. In the Final Rule, only the 40-pound block cheese price will be used in the estimates. Between January 2020 and 2024, the block cheese price has been higher than the barrel cheese price 63% of the time period, presenting an average difference of 9.5 cents per pound. With that, removing barrel cheddar cheese price from formulas is expected to have a positive impact on Class III and Class IV milk prices most of the time.
Amendment 4: skim milk
The amendments will change the formula used for Base Class I Skim Milk price and the location differentials. The 2018 Farm Bill modified the Base Class I skim milk price ($/cwt) from the higher of Class III and Class IV Skim Milk price to the average of the two plus 74 cents. After June 1, 2025, the formula will change back to the “higher of”.
An analysis of data from 2020 to 2024 shows that, had the formula not changed with the 2018 Farm Bill, Base Class I skim milk price would have been greater 70% of the time. 50% of the time, prices per hundredweight would have been at least 49 cents higher, and the average difference for the period would have been 83 cents per hundredweight.
Amendment 5: ESL milk
The Class I milk will now include an extra category, the Class I Extended Shelf Life (ESL) milk. Class I ESL represents around 10% of the Class I (fluid) milk pooled and refers to the fluid milk that goes through additional processing, such ultra pasteurization or microfiltration, to extend the shelf life beyond regular pasteurized milk. The ESL adjusted Class I skim milk price will be given by the addition of an adjustment factor to the Base Class I skim milk price. The ESL adjustment factor will be calculated as the difference between the current month “average of” and the current month “higher of” the Class III and Class IV milk skim prices, plus the average difference between the “higher of” and the “average of” prices for the preceding 13-36 months. If the amendments had been in effect from 2020 to 2024, it is estimated that ESL prices would have been higher than the standard Class I skim price 68% of the time, and the average difference would be 32 cents per hundredweight.
Amendment 6: location differentials
Class I location differentials represent a portion of money added to the base Class I milk price to give the final (location specific) Class I milk price. Location differentials are county specific, and they are being increased in all US counties. The highest increases in price differentials will happen for the Southeast Order (F.O. 7), which covers the southern portion of Missouri. The lowest ones will happen in Arizona (F.O.131), Pacific Northwest (F.O. 124), and the Western portions of the Central (F.O. 32, which covers the northern portion of Missouri) and Southwest (F.O. 126) Orders.
Impact
on Minimum milk prices for the period 2020 to 2024
Under the amendments, the base Class I price is expected to be increased. Class II, III and IV milk prices are expected to decrease slightly. It indicates that the increase in make allowances has a negative effect on prices, most of the time, higher than the positive effect from the increase in composition factors. 50% of the time, base Class I price would have been at least 23 cents per hundredweight higher. Class II and IV would have been at least 57 cents per hundredweight lower, and Class III 16 cents per hundredweight lower.
The difference in uniform prices for each FMMO (Figure 1) was estimated as the weighted average milk price using data on monthly milk utilization by class for each FMMO obtained from USDA reports. Except for the Federal Orders 30 (Upper Midwest), 51 (California), 124 (Pacific Northwest), and 131 (Arizona), impacts on monthly uniform price would be positive for most of the time during 2022 and 2024.
Figure 1. Minimum, median and maximum impact of amendments on monthly uniform milk prices between January 2022 and December 2024.
Summary of implications for producers
The conclusions below are based on simulations using historical data to estimate how the amendments would have affected milk prices had they been in place in recent years. While actual future impacts will depend on market conditions and handler decisions, these results offer useful insights into likely outcomes:
• The full effects of the amendments will be observed only after the end of 2025, since the changes to composition factors take effect starting in January 2026.
• Returning to the “higher of” formula would have generally increased Class I milk prices for producers, especially continued on next page
during periods with a wide spread between Class III and Class IV prices. An example is the period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shocks like that are unlikely to happen ina the short term, but our estimates show the predominance of a positive effect over the period analyzed, and this change would also introduce slightly more volatility in Class I pricing.
• The amendments would have led to small, mostly negative impacts on Class II, III, and IV milk prices. However, the average effects on these classes were low in absolute value.
• Class I milk prices would have increased in most historical scenarios. The degree to which this raises uniform prices would depend heavily on how much Class I milk is pooled; marketing orders with a higher share of fluid milk would likely see greater increases in uniform prices.
• The amended FMMO structure may create stronger incentives for selective pooling of Class III and IV milk. Such behavior could reduce the volume of lower-priced milk in the pool, leading to unpredictable impacts on uniform prices.
The process of amending the FMMOs is dynamic, and producers and other stakeholders have a voice during hearings and voting. If a new rulemaking process arises, University of Missouri faculty can assist in analyzing proposed changes and estimating the impacts of alternative rules.
Professor
DICK LITTLEMemorial Grant 2025 Winner
Nora will receive $1000 towards the purchase of a Holstein at the Missouri Heifer Tag Sale. Below are excerpts of Nora’s winning essay.
Hello, I’m Nora Penn from Edina, MO. In five year’s I will be a senior in high school. Before I graduate high school, I want to have bred and own a dairy heifer that can successfully compete at a national level show. I also plan to become an active FFA member, with a goal of going to state in dairy cattle judging. My senior year of high school I plan to apply to College of the Ozarks and major in Animal Science.
I find it rewarding and satisfying taking care of dairy cattle. While my dairy herd is small now, I want to grow it over the next few years. By growing my dairy herd, this will give me the opportunity to possibly be a dairy farmer, or open the door to having a career in the dairy industry.
Adauto Rocha Junior Assistant Extension
CAFNR University of Missouri
Missouri Holstein Associ A tion Me M bers 2025
Name Address City, State Zip Phone
Out of State Members
*Bench, Callie & Lane 5971 Terrapin Creek Rd Harrison, AR 72601
(870)622-6634 amberbench@gmail.com
Crawley, Tim & Nikki 13585 Crawley Rd Gravette, AR 72736 (479)524-2893 tlcrawley@centurytel.net
Useful Farm Products, D. Strouse PO Box 4350 Homosassa Springs, FL 34447 (888)771-3276 usefulfarm@gmail.com
Northeast Central District
Borman, Judy 4704 Co Rd 240 Kingdom City, MO 65262 (573)220-3577 judyborman@gmail.com
Brandt, Alfred 269 Swan Creek Lane Linn, MO 65051 (573)897-2120 brandtdairy@gmail.com
Brown, Marilyn 17354 St. Hwy 15 Memphis, MO 63555 (641)208-6641 mebrown@netins.net
Clayton , Anthony 3405 W. Truman Blvd, Suite 101 Jefferson City, MO 65109 (573)659-8560 tony@claytonagri-mktg.com
Denbigh, John 2103 N. Hawthorn Dr. Columbia, MO 65202 (573)999-2676 denbighjr12@gmail.com
Estes, Amy Jo 2217 Estes Rd Rosebud, MO 63091 (573)338-4559 amyjo.estes@gmail.com
Geppert, Kate 4728 Co Rd 240 Kingdom City, MO 65262 (573)808-5607 ksgeppert@gmail.com
Hackmann, Mike 10220 Hwy D Marthasville, MO 63357 (314)422-9723 mwhackmann@landolakes.com
Hoelscher, Larry 5410 Wardsville Rd Jefferson City, MO 65101 (573)645-4646 larrybphoelscher@gmail.com
Huber, Loren 49836 Dairy Avenue Baring, MO 63531 (660)892-1308 lnmhuber@marktwain.net
Kilmer, Phillip 39130 Rocky Branch Rd Latham, MO 65050 (660)458-6859
Martin, Elmer & Elizabeth 19292 State Route C Memphis, MO 63555 (660)341-2530
Musser, Anthony 29893 State Route P Arbela, MO 63432 (660)341-4643
Oberholtzer, Clifford 28829 State Route A Rutledge, MO 63563 (660)216-6184 clholsteins@gmail.com
Oberholtzer, Lamar 10568 State Hwy 15 Memphis, MO 63555 (660)341-3532 farmerlamar1999@gmail.com
Parsons, Roy & Daisy 19475 W 180th St Eagleville, MO 64442 (314)602-1050 rodapar@grm.net
Penn, James & Julie 52390 State Hwy 6 Edina, MO 63537 (660)342-0250 jpenn@cbofe.com
*Callie & Lane Bench
*Samuel
*Sophia
*Nathan, Nora
Purina Animal Center 100 Danforth Dr. Gray Summit, MO 63039 (636)742-6151 dasegelhorst@landolakes.com; cjoslin@landolakes.com
Steevens, Barry 5020 Hwy PP Columbia, MO 65202 (573)474-8058 steevensb@missouri.edu
Vedder, Cliff & Tracey 1007 Maupin Ave. New Haven, MO 63068 (573)680-9155 clifvedder@gmail.com
* Michael, Brady, Maria Zerr, Raymond 8759 Co. Rd. 151 Williamsburg, MO 63388 (573)254-3568
Northwest District
Northwest MO State University 800 University Ave Maryville, MO 64468 (660)562-1155 jhusz@nwmissouri.edu
South Central District
Best, Shirley 6340 Lilly Rd Houston, MO 65483 (417)967-6799 bsunrise@centurytel.net
Brooks, Carol 8569 Gourley Rd. Mountain Grove, MO 65711 (417)926-3258
Brooks, Charles & Susan 8613 Gourley Rd. Mountain Grove, MO 65711 (417)259-3634 brookssus98@gmail.com
*Ella, Hattie Schoen, Corvin 339 County Road 519 Oak Ridge, MO 63769 (573)986-8041 corvin43@yahoo.com
Schoen, John 447 Co. Rd. 519 Oak Ridge, MO 63769 (573)934-3548 schoenfarms1@hughes.net
Strieker, Cliff 1310 Cherokee Jackson, MO 63755 (573)243-1969 cstrieker_kaba@yahoo.com
Walther, Josh & Tricia 1913 St. Hwy FF Jackson, MO 63755 (573)275-0304 tjwalther2016@yahoo.com
Southwest District
Bilyeu, Ryan 2897 W. Jackson Ozark, MO 65721 (417)838-1093 rbilyeu@cofo.edu
Bluel, Reagan 7884 Lawrence 2200 Monett, MO 65708 (417)772-4231 bluelrj@missouri.edu
Calvin, Marilyn 9899 Lawrence 1107 Mt Vernon, MO 65712 (417)461-3410 calvindairy@centurytel.net
College of the Ozarks PO Box 17 Point Lookout, MO 65726 (417)838-1093 rbilyeu@cofo.edu
Davidson, Lance 1811 N. Bristol Ave. Springfield, MO 65802 (417)224-1902 ldavidson@genex.coop Day, David 4394 S 60th Rd Bolivar, MO 65613 (715)205-0931 masteradeen2000@yahoo.com
*Kelby & Abby Schoen
*Lily
*Danel & Lucy Day, Matt 4308 E. Whitehall Springfield, MO 65808 (717)658-4515 triday32001@yahoo.com
*Madison, Daylin Deaver, Ken & Karla 5472 Lawrence 2100 Stotts City, MO 65756 (417)316-0191 deaverk@missouri.edu
DeLong, Ron & Patty 1094 Elm Springs Rd Marionville, MO 65705 (417)224-3535
*Dixon, Diesel 19287 Hwy J Conway, MO 65632 (417)844-7217 stildreamndairy@hotmail.com
*Dougherty, Raygan 9972 N Farm Rd 65 Walnut Grove, MO 65770 (417)872-8077 raygandougherty@icloud.com
*Diesel Dixon
*Raygan Dougherty Erwin, Dylan PO Box 17 Point Lookout, MO 65726 (417)838-1093 derwin@cofo.edu
Ewing, T. Jason & Erica 4784 St Hwy PP Fordland, MO 65652 (417)689-2016 jewing@holstein.com
*James, Jayden
Foster, Richard & Sandra 19749 County Road 121 Weaubleau, MO 65774 (417)327-5357 fostercattlefarms@gmail.com *Paxton
Graber, Nathaniel & Rose 3095 Lawrence 2090 LaRussell, MO 64848 (417)437-5850 nrg@privategarden.org
Groves, Brad & Gail 2937 State Hwy 413 Billings, MO 65610 (417)880-7012 GrovesView@gmail.com
Groves, Lonnie 3394 State Hwy 413 Billings, MO 65610 (417)844-1726
Groves, Grant 143 Barnett Rd Billings, MO 65610 (417)844-3061 grovesgrantcaseih@gmail.com
Wright, Larry & Jodi 11449 Lawrence 2220 Verona, MO 65769 (417)743-2921 jwright@missouriholstein.com Wright, Lora 3259 Jasmine Rd Clever, MO 65631 (417) 343-2581 wrightlora29@gmail.com
West Central District
Bennett, Roger 312 SW 5th Street Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816)699-0070 rc.bennett@yahoo.com
Chamberlin, Crystal 24501 Hi Lonesome Rd Cole Camp, MO 65325 (660)287-1941 hoop_star50@hotmail.com Chamberlin, Mark & Gwen 24501 Hi Lonesome Rd Cole Camp, MO 65325 (660)287-1940 chilltop@iland.net Culpepper, Leslie Moreland 21925 S. Jefferson Pkwy Harrisonville, MO 64701 (816)806-5382
