June is dairy month! First and foremost, it’s good to mention that and raise a glass of your favorite milk beverage – whole, 2%, skim, lactose free, regular, chocolate, or another flavor. You have so many options that the hard-working men and women, young and old alike, make possible for the public to enjoy 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
As of this writing, farmers are reporting good planting conditions. Many have their corn entirely done, and most have nearly completed their first hay cutting. Due to less than perfect moisture however, many report that this year’s first harvest will be less tonnage than normal. Like many of us, when farmers are in the fields, it is both hectic and rewarding. There’s a true sense of accomplishment when a field is tilled, planted, mowed, chopped or baled.
Dairy farmers were hit on a few fronts with the current crisis. Lack of labor, new guidelines to follow, dumping of milk and of course, prices that took a huge drop. There is a lag in things as that huge drop has hit milk checks in the past few weeks, with a rebound on the way. Let’s hope it stays on the upswing for them as we salute all our dairy producers.
Our feed dealers and manufacturers are reporting good sales, but because of the aforementioned issues above, managing receivables is extremely difficult. One feed manufacturer reported that due to the entire loss of 1 milk check, many producers were unable to make payments. That loss stemmed from the sale of 1 company to another. We can only hope that the state producer security fund will quickly take care of this issue.
The last thing I want to leave you with is the perspective that we gain from the adage, “what’s in it for me (WIFM)?” Otherwise known as the radio station WIFM, this adage plays in our head sometimes when we hear a story or see something that needs doing. Right now, let’s think both of the person in the mirror and more importantly those whom we are communicating with. During this crisis, many people will need to stay under self-quarantine due to preexisting health conditions, compromised immune systems or just the real fear of getting sick. We all need to understand this perspective and respect it. In addition, we are all in this world together, each attempting to make a living for their family. Sometimes we lose sight of someone just trying to do their job to the best of their ability. I encourage you to put yourself in their shoes before you make judgements about them.
In the words of the desk sergeant in the old Hill Street Blues TV Show as he dismissed his men and women for the day, “hey let’s be careful out there.”
Over and out for June.