What a waste: Wisconsin dairy farmers forced to dump milk

[Jersey mike]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/04/03/coronavirus-forces-dairy-farmers-dump-milk-wisconsin-covid-19/2939959001/

About 7 o’clock Tuesday night, Golden E Dairy got the call that any dairy farmer would dread. They were being asked to dump 25,000 gallons of fresh milk a day because there was no place for it to go as the marketplace for dairy products has been gutted by the closure of restaurants, schools, hotels and food service businesses.

An hour later, the family-run farm near West Bend, Wisconsin, opened the spigot and started flushing its milk into a wastewater lagoon — 220,000 pounds a day through next Monday.


https://abc11.com/dairy-farmer-dumps-milk-no-one-is-buying-it-greanleaf/6078309/

[Robert]

A friend of mine is a farmer and like this story had a crop come in and left it in the field to rot.

 

[Jersey mike]

A friend of mine is a farmer and like this story had a crop come in and left it in the field to rot.

 

I should have included that the article was written April 3rd so today 4/6 is the Monday which is referred to in the article. That’s still a lot of product to have dumped but hopefully today they will be able to get back to processing and not meet further delays.

[Big Rig]

I am not sure why they are doing that...milk is in short supply here in my area along with ice cream...which I have been craving as the spring weather continues and ice cream shops are closed...

[cookiedough]

milk may be in short supply because the trucking industry cannot get it in fast enough not because there is a shortage of milk production.  People are hoarding foolish stuff that is not going to run out.  I went a few weeks ago needing 1 gallon of white milk and much to my surprise the local picnsave grocery store was out of most dairy items including milk.   I was in shock and pissed off at the same time.  Even  butter was gone on the shelves in that one store.  I asked one of the stockers and he said this is nuts out of most dairy items,  the trucks have not come in it.

Also,  eggs in the store are to the point will live without for awhile.  I am NOt paying 2.99 and one store 3.89 per one dozen eggs, unless absolutely necessary.

I use to work growing up in a small time 40-50 cow production local farmer outside of my hometown on weekends to help hay mostly and other farming basic duties, nothing serious like milking cows or planting crops, mostly driving tractors and doing hay.    Nothing better than taking a scoop of fresh cow milk outta the tank pretty darn rich and yummie.

[Wizzard]

Its a logistics problem. I have a BIL in the dairy industry. If who they supply it to does not pick it up there is nothing else they can do. They cannot store it. And cows have to be  milked daily. You cannot just stop and pick up again. They cannot sell raw milk locally since many states have laws regarding that. These guys are between a rock and a hard spot. I feel sorry for them.

[Gavin_Sons]

Its a logistics problem. I have a BIL in the dairy industry. If who they supply it to does not pick it up there is nothing else they can do. They cannot store it. And cows have to be  milked daily. You cannot just stop and pick up again. They cannot sell raw milk locally since many states have laws regarding that. These guys are between a rock and a hard spot. I feel sorry for them.

Cows get milked twice daily. If they stop milking then the cow dries up and they have to wait until she has another calf. So milk and dump it or give away as much as you can. There is nothing better than a fres glass of milk straight from the cow.

[Valkorado]

 
Send it to me!

[Wizzard]

Its a logistics problem. I have a BIL in the dairy industry. If who they supply it to does not pick it up there is nothing else they can do. They cannot store it. And cows have to be  milked daily. You cannot just stop and pick up again. They cannot sell raw milk locally since many states have laws regarding that. These guys are between a rock and a hard spot. I feel sorry for them.

Cows get milked twice daily. If they stop milking then the cow dries up and they have to wait until she has another calf. So milk and dump it or give away as much as you can. There is nothing better than a fres glass of milk straight from the cow.

I agree with you but there is a history of some real bad allergic reactions to raw milk in some people, therefore the liability risk is too great for these guys. When you have over 1k gallons of milk in a tank that you cannot get trucked out, how many people you think are going to drive to a farm to get it anyhow. In 24 hours no less.
https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/dangers-raw-milk-unpasteurized-milk-can-pose-serious-health-risk

[Gavin_Sons]

I'd take a 50 gallon drum full 

[..]

Sad

[f6gal]

Yet I can't find milk in the stores.   

[shadowsoftime]

no problem getting milk,eggs,butter,ice cream, bread, vegetables, snacks,etc.

[GiG]

Man, it felt good to get a ride in today!  
Saw the Calder Dairy tanker truck down on the newly resurfaced Huron River Drive new the Carleton Farm. Don't know if it was full or not, but I rode that 15 mile section of road twice   (now Valk related)

Growing up in Lincoln Park, Calder had home delivery in these trucks, and lines would wrap around this building in the summer for ice cream. They have the best. No really, they do for sure. Ask anyone...

[hubcapsc]

Growing up in Lincoln Park, Calder had home delivery in these trucks, and lines would wrap around this building in the summer for ice cream. They have the best. No really, they do for sure. Ask anyone...

Reminds me of Granddaddy taking us all down to get a Ripco bar 

-Mike "Ronceverte Ice and Produce Company"

[Jersey mike]

Our regular supermarkets have been cleaned out of ice cream and frozen snack goods. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products have been in pretty good supply.

We get milk delivered once a week and our supplier hasn’t missed a beat. As a matter of fact on Saturday I called and added an extra 1/2 gallon of regular whole milk and it was in the milk box this morning. When I called Saturday the man asked if there was anything else we needed from them because they carry/supply other perishable and non perishable goods such as Eggs, butter, OJ, bread, English muffins, plastic trash bags, iced teas and so on.

We’ve been having milk delivered for over 20 years and it’s been great, it amazes some people we tell that there is still a “milkman”.

Hope you all are doing well and it’s a sad thing to see such a waste of good food especially when there are folks going without.

[f6gal]

Our regular supermarkets have been cleaned out of ice cream and frozen snack goods. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products have been in pretty good supply.

We get milk delivered once a week and our supplier hasn’t missed a beat. As a matter of fact on Saturday I called and added an extra 1/2 gallon of regular whole milk and it was in the milk box this morning. When I called Saturday the man asked if there was anything else we needed from them because they carry/supply other perishable and non perishable goods such as Eggs, butter, OJ, bread, English muffins, plastic trash bags, iced teas and so on.

We’ve been having milk delivered for over 20 years and it’s been great, it amazes some people we tell that there is still a “milkman”.

Hope you all are doing well and it’s a sad thing to see such a waste of good food especially when there are folks going without.

Milkman?  Really?  I remember a milkman from my early childhood.  I had no idea they are still around.  I remember a breadman too.

[cookiedough]

Its a logistics problem. I have a BIL in the dairy industry. If who they supply it to does not pick it up there is nothing else they can do. They cannot store it. And cows have to be  milked daily. You cannot just stop and pick up again. They cannot sell raw milk locally since many states have laws regarding that. These guys are between a rock and a hard spot. I feel sorry for them.

Cows get milked twice daily. If they stop milking then the cow dries up and they have to wait until she has another calf. So milk and dump it or give away as much as you can. There is nothing better than a fres glass of milk straight from the cow.

I like it coming out of the vat (in the cow parlor if you call it that) vs. straight from the cow.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

Our regular supermarkets have been cleaned out of ice cream and frozen snack goods. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products have been in pretty good supply.

We get milk delivered once a week and our supplier hasn’t missed a beat. As a matter of fact on Saturday I called and added an extra 1/2 gallon of regular whole milk and it was in the milk box this morning. When I called Saturday the man asked if there was anything else we needed from them because they carry/supply other perishable and non perishable goods such as Eggs, butter, OJ, bread, English muffins, plastic trash bags, iced teas and so on.

We’ve been having milk delivered for over 20 years and it’s been great, it amazes some people we tell that there is still a “milkman”.

Hope you all are doing well and it’s a sad thing to see such a waste of good food especially when there are folks going without.

Milkman?  Really?  I remember a milkman from my early childhood.  I had no idea they are still around.  I remember a breadman too.

Milkman ? Yeah, we had it. It sucked ! But, real milk at $4 a gallon in the early 70's was too expensive for our family with 4 kids.

(Actually we had a real milkman when my Dad was stationed in Alabama in '63)

[Valkorado]

Our family had a milkman when I was a young kid.   I'd pay good money to have fresh milk delivered to the doorstep again, especially now.   I'd be in for four gallons a week at least!

[Willow]

I grew up with a milkman that came into the kitchen each week, took the empty bottles and placed the new bottles in the refrigerator.  He delivered raw milk; unpasteurized, unhomogenized; directly from the farm.  Actually, if my memory serves correctly I think that ended in my mid teens.    

[Jess from VA]

I grew up with a milkman that came into the kitchen each week, took the empty bottles and placed the new bottles in the refrigerator.  He delivered raw milk; unpasteurized, unhomogenized; directly from the farm.  Actually, if my memory serves correctly I think that ended in my mid teens.    

So like in 1927?   

I remember several milkman jokes from my youth.  They all involved someone's mom.   

[Willow]

I grew up with a milkman that came into the kitchen each week, took the empty bottles and placed the new bottles in the refrigerator.  He delivered raw milk; unpasteurized, unhomogenized; directly from the farm.  Actually, if my memory serves correctly I think that ended in my mid teens.    

So like in 1927?   
...

Close.  You're within forty years.

[Valkorado]

The raw stuff can put a serious hurtin' on ya.  Just sayin'.

https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2012/09/is-raw-milk-safe-e-coli/

Yes, I've had it before and didn't die, actually purchased it straight from a local rancher many years ago.  Cream on top!   Some swear by it, I wouldn't seek it out nowadays.  In many states it's even illegal.

[Willow]

The raw stuff can put a serious hurtin' on ya.  Just sayin'.
...

LOL!  And that helps explain the differences in our perspectives.  I grew up drinking raw milk every day and I am perfectly healthy.  My information and experience; your information and experience.   

[Gavin_Sons]

The raw stuff can put a serious hurtin' on ya.  Just sayin'.

https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2012/09/is-raw-milk-safe-e-coli/

Yes, I've had it before and didn't die, actually purchased it straight from a local rancher many years ago.  Cream on top!   Some swear by it, I wouldn't seek it out nowadays.  In many states it's even illegal.

I have a ckose friend that grew up on a dairy farm. I have spent many days milking cows. I have drank gallons upon gallons of raw milk. Yes some people has free severe allergic reactions to it. Just finished my last gallon i got late last week.

[Wizzard]

I too grew up milking a cow and drinking raw milk. Still love it but that is a personal thing. I understand that being regulated and why. Used to come home from school and grab a huge stack of chocolate  chip cookies and a quart of cold raw milk  before I went out to do chores or go to the field.
And nothing made homemade ice cream like the fresh cream from the cow. 

[Valkorado]

I too grew up milking a cow and drinking raw milk. Still love it but that is a personal thing. I understand that being regulated and why. Used to come home from school and grab a huge stack of chocolate  chip cookies and a quart of cold raw milk  before I went out to do chores or go to the field.

 

From FDA

https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/dangers-raw-milk-unpasteurized-milk-can-pose-serious-health-risk

[Wizzard]

I too grew up milking a cow and drinking raw milk. Still love it but that is a personal thing. I understand that being regulated and why. Used to come home from school and grab a huge stack of chocolate  chip cookies and a quart of cold raw milk  before I went out to do chores or go to the field.

 

From FDA

https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/dangers-raw-milk-unpasteurized-milk-can-pose-serious-health-risk

If you read my posts I do NOT endorse raw milk.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I’ve never had “raw milk”. Does it taste different ?

[Valkorado]

I’ve never had “raw milk”. Does it taste different ?

I thought it was delicious, purchased ours cream on -- very sweet thick milk.  I'm with Wizzard, it's personal in taste and should also be personal in choice.

This is in contrast to purposely disobeying stay at home orders during a pandemic, for example (see how I tied that in?).   

Drinking raw milk doesn't put the general public in danger, it only puts the consumer at some risk.  So to those of you who love it, drink it up!

[Willow]

Valkorado, I simply (and lightheartedly) pointed out that you and I have different perspectives.

The personal attack was beneath you.

[Valker]

brucellosis is the disease in cattle that gives humans undulant fever. Pasteurization kills that. I love raw milk with lots of cream, but I ask about the Brucellosis checks beforehand.

[Valkorado]

Valkorado, I simply (and lightheartedly) pointed out that you and I have different perspectives.

The personal attack was beneath you.

And I was just trying to point out to folks who consume raw milk that the behavior can put a serious hurt on 'em.  It could even put a real hurting on you, whether you want to believe it or not.  Even in your perfect health.  You seemed to LOL at the suggestion.
 
I just once again felt like the information I presented was being poo-pooed by you as misinformation.   Perhaps I had the wrong impression.

The fact that raw milk is considered dangerous by the FDA is not a matter of perspective.
 
Still, I will apologise and say, "drink up"!  

I'll agree that we sometimes disagree.  Maybe, as moderator you should try to look for such instances less -- especially if your purpose is merely to point those disagreements out!

[Willow]

Valkorado, I simply (and lightheartedly) pointed out that you and I have different perspectives.

The personal attack was beneath you.

And I was just trying to point out to folks who consume raw milk that the behavior can put a serious hurt on 'em.  It could even put a real hurting on you, whether you want to believe it or not.  Even in your perfect health.
 
I just once again felt like the information I presented was being poo-pooed by you as misinformation.   Perhaps I had the wrong impression.

The fact that raw milk is considered dangerous by the FDA is not a matter of perspective.
 
Still, I will apologise and say, "drink up"!  

I'll agree that we sometimes disagree.  Maybe, as moderator you should try to look for such instances less -- especially if your purpose is merely to point those disagreements out!

Truthfully I don't drink bovine milk these days.  I drink almond milk although it is difficult for me to imagine someone dealing with their tiny utters.

I do try to disagree respectfully.  There are a few exceptions with whom I simply choose not to engage, and those few do put out some really stupid thoughts.

You and I mostly disagree about only the severity of the COVID-19 epidemic.  I hope that one subject doesn't interfere with our being friends.

[Valkorado]

You and I mostly disagree about only the severity of the COVID-19 epidemic

Not even sure I have any bones to pick with you on that!  We definitely agree it ain't no Spanish Flu!   

water under the bridge...

[Wizzard]

I’ve never had “raw milk”. Does it taste different ?

When you grow up drinking cold raw milk, nothing you can buy tastes as good. Best way i can describe it

[Wizzard]

brucellosis is the disease in cattle that gives humans undulant fever. Pasteurization kills that. I love raw milk with lots of cream, but I ask about the Brucellosis checks beforehand.

My BIL is a Veterinarian. Here is what he told me about this
Other than in Wyoming and Montana in some beef and deer, brucellosis is largely eradicated. But crypto, TB, salmonella, ecoli.. there are still some very dangerous pathogens that can be an issue.

[Willow]

I’ve never had “raw milk”. Does it taste different ?

When you grow up drinking cold raw milk, nothing you can buy tastes as good. Best way i can describe it

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[Jopson]

I am a dairy farmers in SE South Dakota. The dumping milk has come about because we have lost our 2 biggest national buyers overnight pretty much. Schools and restaurants are two of the biggest national purchasers, and with all this schools closed and the majority of restaurants shut, there’s suddenly no home for all that milk. This has created the oversupply, there is also several milk processing plants throughout the country that have had to close for employee safety from Coronavirus, this is what has caused the shortage in the stores. There is very little dairy products being exported too, with China being one of our biggest international buyers. Cheese plants and milk drying plants that are still open throughout the country are working flat out to try keep up with the excess milk but can’t and as we all know, milk doesn’t have a very long storage life. The biggest kicker for us though is that fact that the prices we get paid for milk has plummeted in the last month too, and we are now probably getting paid 30% under the cost of production, this coming off the back of a very costly trade war where dairy was one of the biggest financial casualties. The dairy industry is in rough shape at the moment and it’s only going to get worse unfortunately....

As a side note, I see a few comments here about farmers selling raw milk to people, unfortunately selling raw milk is illegal in most states and could cost us our producer license if caught. I’ve drunk it all my life and so have my family, and we’ve all turned out normal ish!