Local dairy farmers discuss issues in Washington

Local dairy farmers David and Addi Foster recently had a chance to visit the nation's capital to meet with congressional leaders and discuss issues currently impacting the dairy industry.

As members of Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.'s Young Cooperator Program, the Fosters also attended the 2010 National Milk Producers Federation's Dairy Policy and Legislative Forum.

"It's (NMPF) the co-op of co-ops for the dairy industry," David said.

The Fosters went through an interview process and filled out an application, and were chosen by a panel of judges to attend the forum and represent the DFA's Central Region for the next two years. The couple were among nearly 30 dairy farmers who attended the national conference, where they learned about legislative issues affecting the dairy industry and had a chance to visit with their congressional leaders.

While in the nation's capital, the Fosters met with staff members from the offices of Sens. Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback, and Rep. Lynn Jenkins.

"Through face-to-face interaction with their legislators, these YCs are building relationships that will benefit them for years to come," Randy Mooney, chairman of DFA's Board of Directors and NMPF's Board, said in a news release.

The Fosters urged legislators' support of dairy policy reform and the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act. They also expressed concern over the Clean Water Restoration Act and dairy trade with New Zealand as part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement.

One of the main issues discussed at the conference is how the NMPF is working to restructure the entire pricing system for milk in the U.S. after a weak economy in 2009 caused lower prices and an oversupply of milk in the market. A new pricing system could better balance supplies of milk and demand for the product, David said.

David added, the U.S. is "best suited among countries that produce and/or export milk" to benefit the most from a potential shortage of milk in the future.

"I've seen numbers, trends and facts that lead toward a supply deficit," he said. "And the global population keeps growing ... we have the most to gain if we position ourselves properly. I think there will be more demand for dairy products than is currently being produced."

As part of the conference, YC participants had the chance to attend a reception for legislators, legislative staff and other milk marketing cooperative members and staff. The Fosters also attended NMPF's regular board meeting and observed discussions and a subsequent vote on the Foundation for the Future, a plan that outlines dairy policy reform.

DFA's Young Cooperator program fosters interaction between young dairy farmers 18 to 40 years of age who are involved as owners, partners or hold distinct management responsibilities on a DFA-member dairy farm operation. The program facilitates the development of leadership skills, enabling young cooperators to improve their industry, their cooperative and their lives, according to a news release.