Dick,
Because of our soft dollar Germany and Austria are of little issue. They
only send products which demand a high price, which we either can't or
don't make here. Moldova I assume is much like Ukraine where I spent
some time and they are a developing country who will use much of their
own product as their economy improves.
However you statement was-------US farmers are too stupid to organize
and block the tons of milk powder arriving here daily from NZ, which
destroys our price. Dick------
That's where our current soft dollar is helping and which desperately
hurt agriculture during the 1990's.
With the CWT program every time cheese drops below a set price on the
CBT we kick in some dollars to export cheese. It's all dairy farmers
dollars. And assuming all the rules are followed US processors can't
re-import that cheese so a US shortage follows with an increase in
cheese price on the CBT that our US processors must pay.
Your other statement was------Again, ton's of kids visit this farm on
various grazing and Extension programs, and while they're excited about
the farm and our Jerseys, they all feel that they need a more profitable
career. Next step? Dick----
Profitable compared to what? What did you tell these kid that dampened
their spirits to be dairy farmers? When they visit my farm I tell them
it is a great way to live and raise a family. We have all the comforts
that our city cousins have, and while we may work a little longer each
day we can always plan for any special event we want to attend and no
boss tells us we can't have the time off. We have the chance to teach
our children, grandchildren & even neighbor kids the benefits of sound
work ethics. And if we're saying the right things were teaching the love
of nature and our God given opportunities to be free to do what we love.
The statement I made which you didn't comment on was----Dick, Actually
it's the fault of guys like me, you and FW as well as Dave G. if we
don't get the next generation involved in dairy farming.-----
We're the generation nearing retirement and what have we done to keep
the opportunity for that profitable lifestyle available for the next
generation?
When people like Brad Cowan and Bernie VanDalfsen talk about the
profitability of grass based dairy farming I know there is potential
here in the US for the next generation to be competitive with the world.
Dave Forgey
Stay Competitive? Dave, my one trip abroad showed me dairy farms in 3
different countries, none of which even vaguely resembled the quality
and production of USA farms. But Dave, they were all financially
'content', as the Gov's of Germany, Austria and Moldova appreciated both
the value of their food for home, and the additional income from exports
to the USA, when necessary. The 'necessity' was defined by the financial
greed of our 'processors'. Dick
