Organic Dairies Hurting and Consumer Prices for Wheat Products Soar
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**Skyrocketing production costs, especially for organic feed, have pummeled organic dairies for the past two years, forcing some to sell their cows and leave the business.
But California’s organic dairies are beginning to see a glimmer of relief.
Last month, the USDA offered up to $100 million in financial aid through a newly created Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program.
The funds are expected in the late spring or summer, targeting small to medium-sized operations.
**Consumer prices for wheat-based products were up substantially in 2022 compared to 2021, as indicated by the Consumer Price Index.
USDA's Economic Research Service reports the prices of various wheat products were up more than 10% from 2021.
The increase outpaced the inflation rate in the broader "all food" category, which was up 9.9%, more than double the average increase of the previous decade.
**Building on 80 years of partnership, John Deere announced a donation of $1 million to the National FFA.
The donation will support the growth of future leaders, feed agriculture's talent pipeline, and honor the organization's community service efforts.
John Deere is the longest-running sponsor of the National FFA Organization and continues to advocate for FFA, its members, and advisors.
National FFA Foundation President Molly Ball says, "For more than 80 years, they've been unwavering in their support.
