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Assure and Enhance a Sustainable Dairy Environment in South Dakota

Resolutions

Resolutions of the South Dakota Dairy Producers

RESOLUTION #1: RAW MILK SALES PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

WHEREAS, milk is an important part of a healthy diet for most Americans; and
WHEREAS, milk is made safe by virtue of certain long established processes including dairy inspections and pasteurization; and
WHEREAS, current state law allows for the sale of unpasteurized (raw) milk.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers supports strong dairy inspection programs with restrictions and limitations on the sale of raw milk.

RESOLUTION #2: HEALTHY CHOICES IN SCHOOLS

WHEREAS, the South Dakota Dairy Producers believes that the State of South Dakota should support a healthy school environment which improves access to foods which contribute to a healthy diet, such as high quality milk and
WHEREAS, the availability of high quality milk through various venues in our schools is key to supporting healthy dietary choices; and
WHEREAS, flavored milk is a healthy option for students to choose as a snack or with their lunch, and
WHEREAS, dairy options, including flavored milk, provide students with important nutrients including calcium and Vitamins A and D.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that the State of South Dakota encourage the presentation of healthy beverages including high quality milk and flavored milk, at competitive prices, in the school lunch line, alongside other healthy beverages sold in school vending machines or school stores throughout the state; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that every effort be made to present milk products in the most desirable packaging and at the most desirable temperature in school settings; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that school districts may not prevent the distribution or sale of flavored milk absent the finding that a particular product constitutes an unhealthy option which counters the health benefits of consuming the dairy product.

RESOLUTION #3: STATE SUPPORT FOR DAIRY RESEARCH AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT

WHEREAS, research and market development improves processor efficiencies and increases consumption of dairy products; and
WHEREAS, state assistance for research and market development for South Dakota’s dairy processing sector will provide job growth and dairy producer sustainability.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers urges support for research and market development from the state through the South Dakota State University and other entities, including check-off organizations, to grow a vibrant and diverse South Dakota dairy industry.

RESOLUTION #4: JOHNE'S DISEASE

WHEREAS, Johne's Disease is a threat and can be detected through testing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers requests that the state and federal governments provide   shared  funding for the cost of a voluntary testing program with the goal of establishing South Dakota as a Johne's-free state.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the state of South Dakota continue the Johne’s testing program and explore the development of a Johne’s disease vaccination program.

RESOLUTION #5: INSPECTION FEES

WHEREAS, dairy inspections benefit the consuming public by ensuring safety of food products;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that any additional South Dakota Department of Ag dairy program services to dairy farm families increase in inspection service fees be borne by consumers. Currently, SDCL 40-32-25 states, “may not exceed one cent per hundredweight on all milk purchased”.
RESOLVED, that SDDP supports any effort to fund the SDSU Animal Disease Research & Diagnostic Lab, only in an equitable means across all livestock species.

RESOLUTION #6: CORPORATE OWNERSHIP OF FARMLAND

WHEREAS, the South Dakota Dairy Producers believes that local, private ownership of farmland is necessary for building and maintaining healthy communities; and
WHEREAS, absentee ownership by corporations does not contribute to maintaining healthy communities; and
WHEREAS, certain business structures such as limited liability companies, farm producer corporations or other networking structures for producers to work together to attract outside capital and spread risk to afford the opportunity for locally owned, farmer managed dairies to succeed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers supports the current corporate farm law provisions.

RESOLUTION #7: FEDERAL FARM PROGRAM

WHEREAS, the enactment of appropriate funding through the Federal Farm Bill will extend programs which have had significant positive impacts on South Dakota dairy producers; and
WHEREAS, dairy products should continue to be a primary food source in all USDA food assistance programs, and
WHEREAS, alfalfa and other grass-based forages have a positive impact on the environment; and
WHEREAS, dairy producers need equitable returns and a safety net program which reflect the financial realities of the dairy industry; and
WHEREAS, the South Dakota Dairy Producers recognizes that there are limited resources to be directed to provide market stability for dairy producers.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers urges Congress to extend, fully fund and implement programs for as long as the Federal Farm Bill remains in effect.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers urges state directors whose role is to implement federal farm programs, to fully implement programs to the intent of Congress and the Administration.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that future farm policy should eliminate the penalty which farmers experience in moving cropland to alfalfa or other grass-based forages.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers will work with other organizations on a national and state basis to build consensus on provisions for dairy policy in the context of a new farm bill or other ag policy legislation, while safeguarding equity of producers as reflected by margins which are based upon nationally uniform milk prices and feed costs.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that national dairy policy should encourage domestic and export market growth and consumption of dairy products.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers supports revisions in the Federal Milk Marketing Orders to promote a pricing system that compensates producers fairly, and creates a more dynamic industry by moving away from end-product pricing formulas and make allowances.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that federal funding for dairy safety net programs should be administered so as to stabilize the economic performance of small and medium-sized dairies, while remaining available to cover financial risks for large scale producers.

RESOLUTION #8: FAIR MILK PRICE

WHEREAS, profitability continues to be a significant problem facing dairy producers; and
WHEREAS, there is a significant spread between the retail price of milk and the farm gate price for milk.
WHEREAS, certain processors are capturing significant margins in the market by means of labeling practices which imply that safe and approved animal treatment technologies are not perfectly safe.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that state and federal policymakers and dairy operators' milk processing partners work to secure a greater proportion of the milk price for milk producers.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the state prohibit unfair or inaccurate labeling practices which increase cost to consumers without providing a price benefit to producers.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that SDDP supports establishment of a national system to verify cold storage reports.

RESOLUTION #9: IMPORT QUALITY AND SAFETY AND EXPORT STANDARDS

WHEREAS, imported dairy products may not be inspected as stringently as are U.S. dairy products; and
WHEREAS, an inadequate inspection system may constitute a bio-security risk; and
WHEREAS, the movement of dairy products in international commerce calls for efforts to ensure that U.S. milk complies with certain minimal production standards; and
WHEREAS, international trade of dairy products should be governed by fair, reciprocal product standards.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED,
that the South Dakota Dairy Producers supports federal legislation to increase inspection of imports, enhance tracking, and to ensure that imported products adhere to the same regulations as U.S. products.

RESOLUTION #10: FLUID MILK STANDARDS

WHEREAS, the current fluid milk solid standards are inadequate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers supports raising the solids standards for fluid milk at least equal to the level of fresh milk from the farm and consider adopting California standards nationwide.

RESOLUTION #11: TRUTH IN LABELING FOR DAIRY PRODUCTS

WHEREAS, liquid extracted from grains, seeds, beans or leaves of various plants are being processed and marketed as “milk”; and
WHEREAS, these imitation dairy products are not nutritionally the same as real milk; and
WHEREAS, the labeling and placement of these products in the marketplace serve to confuse consumers regarding the relative benefits of these products; and
WHEREAS, it is a longstanding public policy to ensure that consumers receive accurate information regarding products they are purchasing for consumption.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that the term “milk” be reserved for foods that come from mammals.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that non-dairy products be labeled with information to ensure that consumers understand that imitation dairy products do not contain the same nutrient value as real milk.

RESOLUTION #12: TRADE POLICIES

WHEREAS, International trade policies have a significant impact on South Dakota dairy farm families.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that South Dakota Dairy Producers support the development of national trade policies which safeguard U.S. dairy production and economics.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the goal of U.S. trade policy and future trade agreements should be to expand access to profitable markets for exports of U.S. dairy and other agricultural products.

RESOLUTION #13: IMMIGRATION (Revised and adopted 2.3.17)

WHEREAS, the South Dakota Dairy Producers understands the importance of immigration reform for the dairy industry at the Federal level, and
WHEREAS, South Dakota Dairy Producers has been working with South Dakota’s congressional delegation on a reform package that protects South Dakota’s dairy families as an employer and their employees.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that immigration reform should be handled at the Federal level and not by individual states be provided the option to participate.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that South Dakota Dairy Producers supports a comprehensive immigration reform plan and establishment of a guest worker program to address immediate worker needs.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that South Dakota Dairy Producers do not support the federal E -verify system due to unreliable outcomes due to inaccuracies in the system and additional burden on the employer.

RESOLUTION #14: ENVIRONMENT

WHEREAS, the dairy industry’s carbon footprint per pound of milk produced has been shrinking since 1944; and
WHEREAS, there is little or no conclusive scientific evidence indicating that particulate matter from farm operations adversely affects public health.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED,  that the South Dakota Dairy Producers calls for the adoption of environmental regulations based on sound science and by means of a transparent process, and that regulations be administered in a practical manner so as to prevent undue hardship for dairy farmers and their families.

RESOLUTION #15: RISK MANAGEMENT TOOLS FOR MILK PRODUCERS

WHEREAS, there is an inherent risk in Farming – it is the only occupation that accepts the price for the product produced then pays for the delivery of that product to the buyer and can not pass the costs on into the food chain.
WHEREAS, South Dakota Dairy Producers require access to improved tools to help them manage the risks inherent in modern agriculture, including adverse weather and severe market fluctuations; and
WHEREAS, dairy producers who do not have access to adequate risk management tools will struggle to obtain financing for their dairy operations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers supports the development and implementation of strong/proven risk management tools to protect the financial viability of dairy operations.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers supports efforts to educate producers regarding the availability and efficacy of utilizing federal risk management programs.

RESOLUTION #16: FARM YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS INCLUDING 4-H AND FFA

WHEREAS, the 4-H Program and FFA have successfully served generations of rural youth with practical education and leadership training; and
WHEREAS, maintaining strong youth programs in South Dakota which focus on agricultural activities is vitally important to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers supports continued state and county funding to maintain 4-H and state and school district funding to maintain FFA Programs throughout South Dakota.

RESOLUTION #17: NEW AND EXISTING TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS

WHEREAS, new and existing technologies and products continue to be researched by Universities and private institutions allowing for the improved safe production of foods including milk; and
WHEREAS, the consumers of food/milk /milk products are assured of the safety and quality of those products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other responsible governmental agencies; and
WHEREAS, dairy producers are committed to the production of wholesome safe milk, excellent care of their animals and the sustainable use of our natural resources.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers supports the use of new and existing technologies and products by dairy producers when approved by the responsible governmental agencies.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that South Dakota Dairy Producers urges processors and marketers of milk to refrain from misleading claims about the safety and quality of milk.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that any attempt to disseminate misleading consumer messages denies dairy producers their freedoms to produce and market a quality product.

RESOLUTION #18: CARE OF ANIMALS

WHEREAS, the South Dakota Dairy Producers supports a vibrant livestock sector and believes in maintaining consumer confidence in the Nation’s food supply; and
WHEREAS, South Dakota dairy farm families provide quality care of their animals; and
WHEREAS, the foundation for the care of dairy producers animals is based on the values and integrity of the dairy producers whose way of life is dependent upon the health and well-being of their animals; and
WHEREAS, the South Dakota Animal Industry Board promulgate rules relating to animal traceability; and
WHEREAS, the South Dakota Dairy Producers will participate in initiatives such as Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM), Beef Quality Assurance/Critical Management Plan which seek to establish livestock care standards that are based on sound science, economic feasibility and are broadly accepted in the marketplace.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers urges its members to provide quality housing, nutrition, husbandry and veterinary care to all animals.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers will represent member interests in any rulemaking process relating to animal traceability standards or requirements.
FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Dakota Dairy Producers work with other entities to ensure the standards are being met and to educate non dairy farmers, including elected officials about current animal care practices.

RESOLUTION #19: INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OF RURAL COMMUNITIES AND MILK PROCESSORS

WHEREAS, a vibrant, diverse and growing dairy processing sector is vital to dairy producer sustainability; and
WHEREAS, local infrastructure needs such as roads, bridges, water supply and wastewater facilities affect the ability of milk processors to remain competitive; and
WHEREAS, ongoing operations and any planned expansion by milk processors located in communities whose infrastructure is inadequate to meet their operational needs will jeopardize jobs and economic impact in South Dakota and dairy producer sustainability; and
WHEREAS, state financial assistance is needed to ensure that municipalities can make timely improvements to public infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, it is in the interest of milk producers to work with milk processors and community leaders to seek resources to improve community infrastructure.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Dairy Producers respond to requests of milk processors and their communities to support funding to maintain or improve essential local infrastructure.

RESOLUTION #20: ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION

WHEREAS, animal identification benefit the consuming public by ensuring safety of food products; and
WHEREAS, animal identification also assists in the management of the dairy operation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:
RESOLVED, that any additional mandated animal identification costs be borne by consumers.

RESOLUTION #21: SDSU ANIMAL DISEASE RESEARCH & DIAGNOSTIC LAB (Proposed and adopted 2.3.17)

WHEREAS, the Animal Disease Research & Diagnostic Laboratory (ADRDL) in Brookings serves to protect the state's $7.3 billion livestock industry against disease; and
WHEREAS, the ADRDL helps protect both human and animal health, and by providing rapid testing and diagnosis of animal diseases; and
WHEREAS, the lab provides rapid testing and diagnosis of animal diseases and developing new diagnostic tests and treatment options, thus protecting our food supply; and
WHEREAS, the current lab was built nearly 50 years ago and badly needs updating, including sections related to food safety; and
WHEREAS, the livestock industry developed a plan to fund the 1993 expansion adding four new sections; and
WHEREAS, work of the ADRDL benefits all segments of the population; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, we support upgrading, expanding and equipping the ADRDL; be it further
RESOLVED, the majority of funding for this effort should come from a wide variety of sources, not just the agricultural industry.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION #22: 2018 FAMILY FARMSTEAD/HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION (Proposed and adopted 2.1.18)

WHEREAS, Agriculture is the number one industry in South Dakota and,
WHEREAS, Livestock production is a value -added enterprise, with wide economic impact and,
WHEREAS, the need for increased livestock production will always be a factor in the world economy and,
WHEREAS, the city and rural residential residents are negatively affecting the livelihood of farmers and ranchers in Agriculturally Zoned land and,
WHEREAS, the inconsistency of Zoning regulations from County to County is creating unnecessary burdens on producers looking to expand their farming and ranching operations,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
The South Dakota Dairy Producers support a Family Farmstead/Homestead Exemption from Local Zoning Regulations for Small and Medium Livestock facilities up to 999 animal units, except for municipal and Agriculturally zoned lot setbacks.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION #23: RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE RURAL VETERINARY MEDICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (Proposed 1.15.2019)

WHEREAS, agriculture is the largest industry in South Dakota with livestock representing 40% of the income; and
WHEREAS, vibrant agricultural communities are vital to the South Dakota economy and way of life; and
WHEREAS, veterinary medicine is an indispensable component in the support of agricultural communities and requires Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVMs) knowledgeable in food animal production practices and companion animal care and welfare; and
WHEREAS, veterinary medicine is an essential element of the one health initiative where the health and well-being of people are connected to the health and well-being of animals; and
WHEREAS, the education and recruitment of future veterinarians are crucial to the continued growth, strength and vitality of communities in South Dakota;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the South Dakota Dairy Producers association supports the establishment of a collaborative rural veterinary medical education program between South Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine for educating veterinary medical students dedicated to serving agricultural communities and fostering excellence in diagnostics, research and clinical practice.

Articles of Incorporation
Bylaws

Dairy Checkoff vs. State Trade Associations

Checkoff Comparison-SDDP

Dairy Checkoff

  • The dairy checkoff was created by farmers for farmers, and Midwest Dairy is still 100% funded by dairy farmers today.
  • Dairy farmers are required to contribute 15 cents per hundredweight of milk sold to the dairy checkoff. Of this, 10 cents are used by the local dairy checkoff, Midwest Dairy, and 5 cents are used by the national dairy checkoff, Dairy Management Incorporated.
  • Midwest Dairy covers 9 ½ states throughout the Midwest and is responsible for handling local dairy checkoff within this region.
  • Midwest Dairy is governed by 127 board members at eight local, or quasi-governmental organizations. Ultimately, a 34-membered Corporate Board consisting of dairy farmers is selected to guide Midwest Dairy.
  • Can only be used for:
    • Consumer education
    • Promotion of dairy for human consumption
    • Nutrition, product, food safety and consumer research
  • Cannot conduct research to increase on-farm or processing productivity.
  • Cannot influence government and legislature.
  • USDA provides oversight of the dairy checkoff.
  • For more information about Midwest Dairy checkoff, visit www.midwestdairy.com.

South Dakota Dairy Producers Association

  • South Dakota Dairy Producers Association has been a voice for dairy in South Dakota since 2009.
  • An individual’s involvement within the South Dakota Dairy Producers Association is voluntary. Individuals, or organizations, can choose to become either a Producer or Industry Member.
  • South Dakota Dairy Producers Association’s board of directors is comprised of nine members. The board is a blend of dairy farmers and industry representatives, with six dairy farmers and three industry professionals.
  • South Dakota Dairy Producers Association works to promote dairy in South Dakota, bringing dairy farmers together with suppliers and processors to represent all dairy farms, regardless of size, operating style or location. Our goal is to promote success and sustainability into the future.
  • South Dakota Dairy Producers Association’s strategy pillars include:
    • Membership
    • Policy Work
    • Value-Added Education and Information
    • Budget
  • USDA does not provide oversight of the South Dakota Dairy Producers Association.

South Dakota Dairy Producers Association and Midwest Dairy are two organizations with two separate boards. However, staff is contracted and shared between the South Dakota Dairy Producers Association and Midwest Dairy.