Plan to Help Keep CA Dairies Afloat Gains Traction
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Costa joined fellow Valley Representative David Valadao in introducing legislation that would allow California dairy producers the option to enter into the Federal Milk Marketing Order. Currently, California operates under its own state-based order that establishes the price milk processors pay based on the dairy products they make, but many dairy producers have expressed concerns that they are paid less for their milk than producers in federal order states. The California Federal Milk Marketing Order Act is similar to the approach Costa advocated for during the Farm Bill negotiations last Congress.
“Far too many dairies in California have been forced to shutter their operations due to high feed prices and low returns on their products,” said Costa. “Having grown up working on a dairy, I know the industry’s unique challenges and am deeply committed to help dairymen and women keep their operations afloat. Our legislation will put control back in dairymen and dairywomen’s hands and give them the option to choose what works best for their business.”
The bipartisan legislation would not require California to enter the Federal Milk Marketing Order. Instead, it would allow producers the option to petition the Secretary of Agriculture for entrance into the Federal Order. Two-thirds of producers would have to vote in support of the change before California could transition to the new order.
Heiskell Buys Out LOL Feed Interest Here
TULARE, CA J.D. Heiskell & Co. announced March 5 that it has purchased the 50% interest in Golden State Feed & Grain (GSF&G) held by Purina Animal Nutrition, its partner in that joint venture since the inception of the business in August of 2010. Purina is a Land O Lakes company. Heiskell will now hold 100% interest in the feed operations in both Pixley and in Guernsey near Hanford where the Penney Newman facility is located.
Golden State Feed & Grain serves livestock producers and dairy farmers in California with mixed feeds, rolled grains, mineral mixes, commodity blends and a variety of animal health and nutrition products. Heiskell plans to retire the GSF&G brand over the coming months and will transition all employees and products into the current J.D. Heiskell & Company business platform in California. Customers and vendors should notice little change in the business relationship they have had with GSF&G other than the name of the business. Rick Bowen, the current General Manager for the venture, will continue to serve in the same capacity for Heiskell.
“We want to thank the Purina Animal Nutrition team for their support and professionalism as a partner during the life of the business venture,” said Heiskell President and CEO Ryan Pellett. “In addition we are excited about the loyal and committed group of employees that create excellence daily at GSF&G and look forward to having them as members of the Heiskell team going forward.”