Dairy Farmers: Cow Prices Falling Faster Than Milk

A recent study found that the prices farmers receive for dairy cows are dropping faster than the prices they receive for milk.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Vermont, found that the average price farmers received for a dairy cow in 2018 was $1,600, down from $2,000 in 2014. The average price farmers received for milk in 2018 was $16 per hundredweight, down from $18 per hundredweight in 2014.

This trend is likely to continue, as the global supply of milk continues to outpace demand. In addition, the growth of plant-based milk alternatives is reducing demand for dairy milk.

Farmers are facing increasingly difficult financial conditions as a result of these trends. Many are having to sell their cows at a loss, and some are even considering abandoning dairy farming altogether.

This situation is particularly difficult for small-scale dairy farmers, who often have little other source of income. They are also more vulnerable to fluctuations in milk and cow prices.

Some experts are suggesting that the government provide assistance to dairy farmers to help them weather this storm. Others argue that the best solution is to simply let the market work its way out, and that assistance would only prolong the death of the dairy industry.

What do you think is the best solution for dairy farmers?

California Cows May Need To Be Culled To Prevent Deadly Disease

California's dairy industry is in a state of crisis after a cattle disease that can be deadly to cows spread to three ranches in the state. The disease, called Schmallenberg, is believed to have been brought over from Europe by an infected insect.

So far, the outbreak has been limited to California, but experts say that it's only a matter of time before the disease spreads to other states. The disease causes pregnant cows to abort their calves and can also lead to infertility in bulls.

There is no cure for Schmallenberg and the only way to stop its spread is through culling – killing all of the animals on affected ranches. This is a drastic step, but one that may be necessary in order to protect the rest of the dairy industry.

Schmallenberg was first identified in Europe in 2011 and has since killed millions of animals. The disease has been confirmed in 29 countries, including the United States. There is no way to know how many animals have been infected with Schmallenberg without proper testing, which is why it's so important that ranchers take precautions against the spread of the disease.

Even if all of California's cows are culled, it's not certain that Schmallenberg will be eradicated. The disease has already shown itself to be very resilient and there's no telling how long it will take for it to be completely wiped out. In the meantime, California's dairy industry will continue to suffer.

Police: Woman Attacked Cow With Brick, Forced Its Head Into Puddle

A woman in Nebraska is accused of attacking a cow with a brick and forcing its head into a puddle, police said.

According to the Omaha World-Herald, officers responded to a call about an animal cruelty incident on Saturday morning. When they arrived at the scene, they found the suspect — later identified as 55-year-old Doris Griffith — trying to force the cow's head into a puddle.

The officers said that Griffith had blood on her hands and clothes, and that she smelled strongly of alcohol. The cow was also injured, with an eye that was swollen shut and blood streaming down its face.

Griffith was taken into custody and faces charges of intentional cruelty to animals, disturbing the peace and public intoxication.

Lawmaker Proposes Tax On Beef To Help Curb Climate Change

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the dangers of climate change, some lawmakers are looking for creative ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A legislator in the United Kingdom has come up with a unique proposal: a tax on beef to help curb climate change.

The lawmaker, Timothy Fenton, says that beef is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and that a tax could help reduce consumption. He has suggested a tax of £2 per kilo of beef, which would amount to about $4 per pound.

Supporters of the proposal say that it would help reduce emissions by as much as 18%. They also argue that a tax on beef would have other benefits, such as reducing obesity and heart disease.

Critics of the proposal say that it would be difficult to implement and that it would lead to higher prices for beef consumers. They also argue that other forms of meat, such as pork and lamb, are just as environmentally damaging as beef.

So far, there has been no word on whether the proposal will be implemented. However, it serves as a reminder that lawmakers around the world are looking for ways to address climate change.

Burger King Plans To Start Selling Plant-Based Impossible Whopper

Burger King is planning to start selling a plant-based Impossible Whopper. The burger will be made with a patty from Impossible Foods, a company that makes vegan burgers from plants.

The Impossible Whopper will be available at Burger King restaurants in St. Louis starting on April 1. If the test goes well, the burger could be rolled out nationwide.

"This is not a vegan burger," said Alex Macedo, president of Burger King North America. "It's the same flame-grilled patty that our guests know and love but with a vegetarian burger that tastes like meat."

Plant-based meats have been growing in popularity in recent years. Products like the Impossible Burger are designed to replicate the taste and texture of meat, making them a good option for people who want to reduce their meat intake.

Some vegetarians and vegans are also interested in plant-based meats because they are often higher in protein and lower in saturated fat than traditional meat products.

The Impossible Burger has been available at restaurants like White Castle and Umami Burger for a while now, but it's still relatively unknown compared to products like the Veggie Burger from Beyond Meat.

It will be interesting to see how the Impossible Whopper does at Burger King. The fast food chain has been struggling in recent years, so adding a plant-based burger to its menu could help it attract new customers.