Iowa State Dairy Association

 

2008 Policies

 

ANIMAL HEALTH & WELFARE

 

AHW-1                   Diagnostics Lab Funding

2008

     WHEREAS, the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine is one of the crucial links in evaluating and controlling livestock diseases in Iowa and education of food supply veterinarians. 

     WHEREAS, the Iowa legislature appropriated $2 million in recurring direct appropriation to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ISU VDL) in FY 2008 with intent language to increase this to $3 million in FY 2009, and $4 million in FY 2010 (House File 2540).

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the ISDA lobby the Iowa legislature to assure implementation of the intent language as written and if possible, move toward full appropriation of the $4 million in the current session.

 

AHW-2                   Importing Livestock

2004  

     WHEREAS, importing livestock and agricultural products from other countries can have some implications if these animals or products are infected with animal diseases.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that there be higher tariffs or taxes on these animals or products to secure the value and safety of US livestock and their byproducts.

 

AHW-3                   Slaughter Law

2004

     WHEREAS, Iowa Code 172E.2- "Marketing Practices - dairy cattle sold for slaughter", was put in place to prevent known and identified dairy cattle with Johne's from being re-introduced to another dairy herd, and

     WHEREAS, the above stated code requires livestock marketers accepting dairy cattle from sellers who have expressed written condition that the dairy cattle are to be moved directly to slaughter and that the dairy cattle shall be segregated with other livestock to be moved directly to slaughter until sold to a packer.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association work with the Secretary of Agriculture to see that the Iowa Code 172E.2, as it reads, is vigorously enforced.

 

AHW-4                   Forage Quality

2004

     WHEREAS, the Iowa State Dairy Association recognizes the importance of the breeding and development of forages containing highly digestible nutrients.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association request Iowa State University, other research institutions and commercial breeders to place continued emphasis toward the breeding, development and introduction of forages that are acceptable for dairy rations and grazing systems

 

AHW-5                   ISU Extension

2005

     WHEREAS, agriculture is a high technology business and the largest industry in Iowa, and

     WHEREAS, technology is constantly developing and changing, and

     WHEREAS, Iowa State University Extension Service plays an important role in the adoption of developed technology from an unbiased position.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association support the continuation of the Iowa State University Extension Specialists to circulate the adopted technology information on a timely basis.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association urges that agriculture be given the highest priority possible in applied research and education efforts of Iowa State University.

 

AHW-6                   Iowa Livestock Health Advisory Council (ILHAC)                                                                 

2005                                                   

     WHEREAS, the Iowa Livestock Health Advisory Council was formed to monitor disease research of food-producing animals at Iowa State University,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association support the current definition of the term livestock utilized in Section 267.1, Subsection 1, Code 1985, and further, that the Iowa State Dairy Association support the current composition of membership of the Iowa Livestock Health Advisory Council, specifically excluding the canine, equine, ratite, bison and elk species.

 

AHW-7                   ILHAC Appropriations

2008

     WHEREAS, Iowa’s $8 billion animal agriculture industry is critical to the economy of Iowa and food animal infectious diseases and pre-harvest food safety is a significant concern to Iowa livestock producers and consumers,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association request from the Iowa State legislature to increase the allocation from $220,000 to $1,220,000 annually towards the ILHAC fund. 

 

AHW-8                   ISU Animal Health Research

2005

     WHEREAS, the Iowa State Dairy Association recognizes the importance of quality research in the areas of animal health,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association support and encourage the efforts of Iowa State University in the areas of Bovine health and genetics.

 

AHW- 9         Johne's Disease

2008

   WHEREAS, Johne's disease confirmation within a herd can only be confirmed through testing, and

    WHEREAS, testing for Johne's can be costly to the producer,

    WHEREAS, USDA is providing funding to help establish a Johne’s control program in Iowa, and

    WHEREAS, the Iowa State Veterinarian has input in the program, and

    WHEREAS, vaccination for Johne’s has proven to provide many benefits for producers’ infected herds.

    THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the ISDA support the Iowa State Veterinarian amend the agreement and request from USDA to include reimbursement of vaccination costs for these producers.

    THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The ISDA encourages the state vet to recommend vaccination as a control of Johne’s.

 

AHW-10                 Stray Voltage

2005

     WHEREAS, stray voltage can cause serious complications for a dairy herd, including reductions in milk production, animal health issues and in severe cases death, and

     WHEREAS, utilities should be held accountable for stray voltage.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports current Iowa Code Section 1, Subsection 657.1 as it relates to stray voltage.

 

AHW-11                 Drugs and Treatment of Livestock

2005

     WHEREAS, the Iowa State Dairy Association recognizes the need for the use of vaccines and medications in animal production. 

     WHEREAS, the Iowa State Dairy Association also realizes producers should at the same time strive to keep consumer confidence in our products by their responsible use.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we continue to make available vaccines and medications, for animal use, to livestock producers and those deemed for "prescription use only" continue to be available to producers whom have established a valid VCPR (Veterinary - Client - Patient Relationship) for the purchase and administration of such medications.

 

AHW-12                 Embryo Transfer

2007

     WHEREAS, embryo transfer is a viable practice in the dairy industry,

     WHEREAS, the ISDA views embryo transfer as a non-surgical procedure,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the ISDA supports allowing a person to perform non-surgical procedures and animal husbandry practices for a fee with proper training and/or certification.

 

AHW- 13                AG RESEARCH FUNDING

2008

     WHEREAS, Iowa is the leader in the bioeconomy, and

     WHEREAS, additional baseline resources are needed at ISU for research on optimizing the use of feedstuffs from the Biofuels industry, better integrating the livestock industry into the bioeconomy and assuring environmental stewardship

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the ISDA support that the Iowa legislature appropriate funding to ISU for faculty positions, research programs, and extension programs focused on the bioeconomy. 

 

EDUCATION

 

ED-1                       Public Education

2004

     WHEREAS, the general public is not adequately informed about the operation of a dairy farm, and

     WHEREAS, dairy producers' income is dependent on being good stewards of the land, managers of the livestock, and producing a safe and wholesome product, and

     WHEREAS, the dollar earned by the dairy producer has a very substantial return for the whole community.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association should utilize existing materials and develop new materials as necessary to increase public awareness of the dairy industry's concern for economic impact, food safety, and environmental stewardship.

 

ED-2                       Producer Education

2004

     WHEREAS, many dairymen and women do not have a clear understanding of the milk pricing system.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association provide and develop materials to help dairymen and women understand milk pricing.

 

ED-3                       June Dairy Month

2005

     WHEREAS, it is important to support and promote the dairy industry during June Dairy Month,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association work with the Midwest Dairy Association to support June Dairy Month and increase promotion efforts during this time.

 

ED-4                       Iowa Dairy Story

2005

     WHEREAS, it is important to educate the youth of today on the dairy industry and dairy operations,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association helps to promote the Iowa Dairy Story developed by the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation,

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the association work to develop a traveling dairy story for individual farm tour situations.

 

ED-5                       Post-Secondary Dairy Education

2006

     WHEREAS, the Iowa State Dairy Association understands the importance of quality entrepreneurial post-secondary education for dairy science,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports broad-based dairy curriculum programs in the state, private and community colleges of Iowa.

 

ED-6:     ANIMAL WELFARE

2008

     WHEREAS, social issues affecting dairy producers have the ability to be very costly, and

     WHEREAS, it is important for producers to control their destiny and protect their freedom to farm,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the ISDA supports programs, activities and organizations that promote telling the public the positive message about animal care and welfare in the dairy industry. 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL

 

ENVR-1                 Environmental Issues

2005

     WHEREAS, producing wholesome dairy products requires a high quality, safe raw milk supply, and

     WHEREAS, raw milk quality, in part, depends upon an abundant safe water supply, and

     WHEREAS, as good environmental stewards, dairy producers constantly seek to minimize any adverse impact their farms may have on the environment.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports the following:

    1) realistic standards based on sound scientific data to address air and water quality issues;

    2) programs for specific watersheds oversight;

    3) voluntary, incentive and assistance-based programs for dairy producers affected by federal environmental mandates - laws & acts;

    4) voluntary programs implemented by producers using appropriate best management practices rather than mandatory programs;

    5) adequate funding to provide education and technical assistance to help dairy producers develop effective cost-efficient conservation plans; and

    6) federal financial and technical support for state and local environmental programs.

    7) that reliable and research based information be presented before implementing water quality programs.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association opposes the following:

    1) costly, prescriptive programs which do not provide the flexibility dairy producers need to manage nutrients and address concerns specific to their farms; and

    2) federal legislation which will hamper state and local efforts of environmental contamination control.

 

ENVR-2                 EQUIP

2005

     WHEREAS, the Iowa State Dairy Association understands the importance of being good stewards of the land.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Iowa State Dairy Association work for EQUIP support costs to be extended to pits under livestock housing rather than only open air lagoons.

 

ENVR-3                 Manure Application

2007

     WHEREAS, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is considering banning liquid manure application on soybean fields, and

     WHEREAS, this recommendation is based on one study that involved hog manure, and

     WHEREAS, one study is not significant information to make a statewide policy,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the ISDA requests more information on different soil and manure types be used in science-based decision making by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

 

FOOD SAFETY & NUTRITION

 

FSN-1                    Milk Vending

2004

     WHEREAS, it is important to have healthy alternatives to soda and junk food available to all school students.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association builds support for and encourages Iowa schools to offer milk, cheese and yogurt through vending machines on the school premises.

 

FSN-2                    School Milk Program

2004

     WHEREAS, there are proven and immediate health benefits to children with increased milk consumption and there is a definite need for increased milk in their diets, and

     WHEREAS, over 70% of adolescents fail to meet calcium recommendations.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports federally funded school breakfast, lunch and special milk programs for all K-12 children. 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that these programs be required to offer whole milk and a choice of 2%, 1%, skim or flavored milk and yogurt products.

 

FSN-3                    Nutrition Education

2008

     WHEREAS, programs exist to educate children and teachers on the nutritional health benefits of dairy products.

     WHEREAS, the State of Iowa mandates all schools to have nutrition policy to improve Iowa’s school children’s health,

      THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association works with and encourages the National Dairy Council and local promotion and dairy council groups to participate more actively in teaching the health benefits of dairy products through school programs.

 

FSN-4                    Ruminant Products

2004

     WHEREAS, the feeding of certain restricted ruminant products to livestock can cause serious animal and human safety concerns.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports the exclusion of restricted ruminant products in dairy livestock feed, as stated in the federal rule 21 CFR Part 589. It is important to note that the following products have been exempt; milk protein, blood protein, talo and gelatin.  These proteins are allowed to be fed to ruminates because they are inherently safe.

 

FSN-5    Pathogens           

2008

     WHEREAS, product safety is of utmost importance to the dairy producer, and

     WHEREAS, pathogen & toxin contamination in feedstuffs harms the safety of the dairy products the animals produce,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association encourages all dairy producers to take the needed steps to insure that their dairy cattle feed does not contain feedstuffs with pathogen & toxin contamination.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association support pathogen & toxin testing before feedstuff shipments arrive in Iowa.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, as coproducts become increasingly available for dairy feedstock the ISDA encourages the development of science based screening to ensure the safety of newly developed byproducts. 

 

FSN-6                    Imported Product Safety Standards

2008

     WHEREAS, U.S. dairy products are required to meet the strictest inspection standards for food safety, and

     WHEREAS, we as dairy producers must protect the integrity of U.S. standards with respect to product consumption.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports and encourages that all imported dairy products are required to meet the same safety standards as U.S. dairy standards.

 

FSN-7                    Livestock Identification

2005

     WHEREAS, Iowa dairy producers understand the importance of an identification process that would help eliminate the problems of disease isolation and the tracing of ownership, and

     WHEREAS, the public needs to understand the efforts the dairymen and women are taking to insure public safety, and

     WHEREAS, government employees leave their government position with vital information every year that could create profound chaos in the livestock market and industry, and

     WHEREAS, Iowa dairy producers provide information with expectations of proper food safety and confidentiality of that information.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports a standardized national Cattle ID System.

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association use available funds to educate the public as to the benefits of this program to the consumer.

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, in regards to the Freedom of Information Act, that legislation should address this issue to make sure this information is not made accessible to the public.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this program revolves around the integrity of the producer to I.D. and keep accurate information, producers must have a provision to recoup cost from the marketplace.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that imported product that doesn't meet United States AIP regulations will not enter the US food chain.

 

FSN-8                    Country of Origin Labeling

2004

     WHEREAS, federal legislation has been passed to implement a voluntary country of origin labeling program on many meat products sold retail, and

     WHEREAS, labeling will be mandatory in the near future.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports the Country of Origin Labeling program and that the association will be involved in the implementation and recommendation process.

 

FSN-9                    Bio-Security

2008

     WHEREAS, the measures taken to avoid entry of a disease causing pathogen into a cattle herd are of utmost importance to producers,

     WHEREAS, there is an increasing risk of intentional sabotage to U.S. animal agriculture,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports and encourages dairy producers and dairy processors to develop and carry out an aggressive Bio-security plan, which would involve local law enforcement on their farms and plants.

 

FSN-10                  Dairy Inspection

2007

     WHEREAS, dairy producers understand the importance of maintaining product safety and integrity.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the ISDA supports continuing the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) grading and inspection programs.

 

FSN-11                  Raw Milk Marketing

2007

     WHEREAS, the sale of raw milk is illegal in Iowa

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The ISDA supports Iowa’s current law on raw milk and federal legislation that prevents the sale and distribution of raw cow’s milk directly or indirectly to consumers, including cow-share or similar leasing programs.

 

MARKET DEVELOPMENT & STABILIZATION

 

MDS-1                   Beef Check-Off Program

2007                                                          

     WHEREAS, the Beef Check-Off program is state based, is accountable and is producer controlled.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the ISDA considers the operation of the Beef Check-Off Program as vital to the beef and dairy industries and supports the Beef Check-Off program.

 

MDS-2                   Dairy Check-Off

2006

     WHEREAS, dairy products are increasingly important and effective marketing of dairy products enhances the value of our dairy products.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports the National Dairy Check-Off program.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports efforts requiring National Dairy Check-Off dollars from all imported dairy products.

 

MDS-3                   New Market Development

2004

     WHEREAS, developing new dairy based products and value added dairy products expands the markets for dairy goods.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports and encourages research and development of new and value-added dairy products.

 

MDS-4                   9-H Law

2005

     WHEREAS, laws have been set in place to safe-guard the Iowa farm economy from corporate entity control.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports the 9-H law as it reads today.

 

MDS-5                   Farm Programs

2005

     WHEREAS, the Iowa State Dairy Association feels that the federal government's involvement in agriculture through feed grain programs, is often detrimental to the dairy and cattle industry, and

     WHEREAS, government programs of the past have benefited one segment of agriculture without considering the impact on another, and

     WHEREAS, government programs will have an impact on the dairy industry.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association work with Legislators, USDA, Farm Bureau and other agricultural commodity groups in formulating and administering future farm policy.

 

MDS-6                   Dairy Relocation Efforts

2005

     WHEREAS, the Iowa State Dairy Association understands the importance of Iowa being a viable dairy industry in the nation, and

     WHEREAS,Iowa State University, Northeast Iowa Community College and Dort College are educating young people to enter the dairy industry as a viable business, and

     WHEREAS, these young people are investing as entrepreneurs in this industry.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,  that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports the growth of the Iowa dairy industry.  However, we do not support the use of tax dollars in any relocation efforts.

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,  that Iowa State University Extension, Northeast Iowa Community College, interested communities and beginning farmer programs work in a coordinated effort to link young producers with opportunities to enter the industry.

 

MDS-7                   Renewable Fuels

2005

     WHEREAS,the Iowa State Dairy Association understands the importance of the use of Ethanol and other renewable fuels,

     WHEREAS,the use of Ethanol and other renewable fuels benefits rural economic development,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,  that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports the use of Ethanol, Bio-diesel, Methane Fuel and other renewable fuels throughout Iowa.

 

MDS-8                   Supply Management Program

2005

    WHEREAS, the Iowa State Dairy Association understands the importance of the balance between the supply and demand of raw milk in determining the price received at the farm.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,  that we support producer based supply management programs, i.e CWT Programs.

 

MDS-9                   Beginning Farmer Tax Credit

2007

     WHEREAS, it can be challenging for new and beginning dairy producers to compete in the dairy industry,

     WHEREAS, there is a new Agricultural Asset Transfer Tax Credit to assist beginning and retiring farmers,

    THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the ISDA supports and educates others about this program.

 

MDS-10                 Ethanol Byproduct Standardization

2007      

     WHEREAS, the ethanol industry is important to Iowa’s economy

     WHEREAS, ethanol byproducts can play an important role in dairy nutrition,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the ISDA encourages the ethanol industry to develop a more standardized byproduct.

 

MDS-11                 Producer Modernization Incentives

2007      

     WHEREAS, dairy producers in Iowa want to be competitive in the industry, and

     WHEREAS, Iowa dairy producers are an asset to Iowa agriculture, and

     WHEREAS, building and expansion are costly,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the ISDA propose to Iowa legislation, an investment tax credit for producers modernizing and expanding their existing dairy operations. 

 

MILK PRICING

 

MP-1                      Base Milk Price

2004

     WHEREAS, dairy producers are not receiving equitable base milk prices, especially when compared to retail milk pricing.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports a higher base milk price for dairy producers.

 

MP-2                      Vertical Integration

2004

     WHEREAS, Iowa dairy producers are concerned about pending and future mergers, acquisitions and consolidations of agri-businesses, and

     WHEREAS, often these mergers, acquisitions and consolidations lead to a reduction in competition.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association support closer monitoring of mergers and acquisitions in the processing, packing and retailing industries and the vigorous enforcement of anti-trust & monopoly laws.

 

MP-3                      Foreign Competition

2005

     WHEREAS, Iowa dairy producers understand the importance of competition within the dairy industry, and

     WHEREAS, all producers understand the importance of trade and should be treated equally.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association opposes unfair foreign competition in the US dairy market.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the ISDA support the limiting of foreign importations of dairy products, i.e. MPC and other reformulated products.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that there should be no import of animals from countries where subsides directly or indirectly give such cattle imports an unfair advantage over domestically-produced cattle.

 

MP-4                      Federal Orders

2007      

     WHEREAS, the Federal Milk Marketing Order system was put in place to assure producers would receive a price for their raw milk that corresponds with the value of sales of manufactured products, and                      

     WHEREAS, the intent and purpose was to restrict processors from paying producers minimum prices while incurring maximum return, and

     WHEREAS, the Federal Milk Marketing Order must be voted in or out by producers,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the ISDA supports the Federal Milk Marketing Order system remaining as a viable program for producers that links the price paid to producers with sales of milk products used by processors.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

MISC– 1                                Taxation

2008

     WHEREAS, the ISDA recognizes the need for taxation to provide essential public services, we also recognize the means, segments, and rates being taxed influences areas of growth or exit of farms and small businesses.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the ISDA be diligent in watching the state legislation from implementing taxes that would be detrimental to the vitality of rural Iowa. 

 

MISC -2                                 Property Taxes

2008

     WHEREAS, property taxes have been a means by which local governments have used to produce revenue when the state cuts reduced funding.

     WHEREAS, property taxes place a huge burden of expense, regardless of profit or loss, on farms and small businesses.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the ISDA strive to reduce property taxes for farms and small businesses to promote growth in rural communities and maintain and enhance credits for farmers and small businesspersons. 

 

MISC –3                                Iowa Dairy Policy

2008

     WHEREAS, Iowa has over 2000 dairy producers, and

     WHEREAS, it is important for producers to have consistent dairy policy in place in order for proper representation at a statewide level.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Iowa dairy producers support ISDA dairy policy as the official policy for Iowa’s dairy producers. 

 

PRODUCT STANDARDS

 

PS-1                       Somatic Cell Count

2004

     WHEREAS, milk quality at the farm directly affects dairy products quality and shelf life, and

     WHEREAS, the health of the dairy cow determines the quality of the product produced.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association encourages producers to lower SCC and to produce higher quality milk.

 

PS-2                       Minimum Standards

2005

     WHEREAS, it would benefit each dairy producer to increase the solids content as it would improve the nutrient value, while improving the taste of the product for the consumer.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association encourage the raising of minimum solid standards for consumer milk.

 

PS-3                       Dairy Products Identity

2004

     WHEREAS, we support the use of 100% domestic real dairy products, and

     WHEREAS, soy beverage IS NOT a qualifying dairy product.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports the use of the word MILK only in reference to REAL dairy products.

 

PS-4                       Butter Identity

2005

     WHEREAS, product identity is of utmost importance to the dairy industry and the products we produce,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports the use of the word BUTTER, only in reference to REAL Butter.

 

PS-5                       MPC- Dairy Product Standards

2005

     WHEREAS, unfair importations of MPC's and other reformulated dairy products displaces our dairy products,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association supports MPC and other foreign dairy products to be identified as REAL dairy products and tariff accordingly.

 

PS-6                       Cheese Standards

2006

     WHEREAS, the Iowa State Dairy Association supports the resistance of lowering standards set for cheese,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iowa State Dairy Association encourages high cheese standards in order to continue providing a quality dairy product.

 

PS-7                       Organic Advertising

2007

     WHEREAS, organic dairy product marketing and advertising negatively portrays normal milk products,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the ISDA promotes a dialog with organic producers, processors, and marketers to minimize negative marketing claims. 

 

PS-8                       Labeling

2008

     WHEREAS, misleading marketing is harmful to all dairy products

     WHEREAS, it is important to convey a positive image for dairy products

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the ISDA supports the enforcement of current labeling laws in the state of Iowa.

 

REGULATION

 

REG-1                    Eminent Domain Exemption

2007

     WHEREAS, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the Kelo decision that allowed broadened private takings of private property, and

     WHEREAS, it is important to the Iowa dairy industry that private property rights be preserved from private takings to expand private industry.

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the ISDA encourage legislators to make definitions in Iowa law consistent and to disallow condemnation for private economic development.

 

REG-2                    Immigration Reform

2008

    WHEREAS, illegal immigrants are coming to Iowa,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the ISDA supports enforcing illegal immigrant laws as they exist in Iowa and the United States, and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the United States create a guest-worker program that ensures the continued availability of immigrant labor for all of agriculture.

 

REG-3                    Uniform Regulations

2007

     WHEREAS, there are numerous statewide livestock regulations already in place in Iowa, and

     WHEREAS, regulations should be based on scientific data and not emotion,

     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the ISDA supports uniform regulation of the livestock industry across the state based on sound science.

 

REG-4    Separation Distances

2008

      WHEREAS, existing family dairy farms that need or want to expand will find it difficult to grow with increasing separation distances,

      THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the ISDA does not support increasing separation distances.