Milk Money

Funding for the Future

Milk Quality

Dirty udders contribute to Mastitis. How does udder hygiene on your dairy score?

A message from Dr. Ruegg

As many of you are aware, external funding for the Milk Money program has been provided by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board and is subject to annual discussion and review by their board of directors. Last year the funding for Milk Money was the subject of great debate and the program eventually received funding from the WMMB after dairy industry stakeholders voiced their support of the program.

Since last year, we have been working to broaden the base of financial support. We formed a Milk Quality Task force that has met three times to attempt to develop a vision for Wisconsin milk quality and a plan for future funding of the Milk Money program. On the recommendation of the task force, we are in the process of putting together a funding plan that will solicit funds from a broader section of the industry. Implementation of such a plan takes time and must be aligned with the budgeting process of the potential industry partners.

At this time, our hope was to have the results of that funding proposal completed by the end of 2007.

Unfortunately, our financial support from the WMMB runs on a July 1 to June 30 budget and they did not include funding for Milk Money in this year's budget. It is possible that the program will be reintroduced for funding at the mid-June WMMB board of directors meeting. However, as of now, the funding status for Milk Money beyond June 30th is uncertain.

As of today we are continuing to recruit and support Milk Money teams, develop new tools and promote the production of high quality milk.

We are hopeful that we will be able to continue to offer this program.

Over the last few years, more than 450 Wisconsin dairy farms have worked on improving milk quality using the Milk Money program. Milk Money teams have been registered in 63 of 72 Wisconsin counties. Enrollment of five or more teams has occurred in 36 counties. On an individual basis, over 1,200 agribusiness professionals have participated in at least one Milk Money Team.

Milk Money has evolved into a statewide milk quality improvement program that extends beyond an individual dairy's team, however. Extension agents, veterinarians, dairy field reps, nutritionists, and equipment dealers participating and learning in the team environment most certainly guarantee that the milk quality improvement message reaches other clients and customers as they interact on a daily basis. Additionally tools such as the web site, this e-mail newsletter, farm visits, recruitment mailings and outreach through farm shows are provided by the Milk Money staff.

Progress toward the vision of improved milk quality statewide has been steady even under the stress of an uncertain future. We thank you for your support of that progress and hope we can count on it in the future.

The Editor

The latest version of Milk Money Team forms are now available on line. Please use the forms found here with any new team that is formed.

Notice that there are some new offerings for producers on the Registration Form, including up to 20 Individual Cow Cultures.

Thanks.