KDDC 2019 Annual Report

1. Annual Report Featuring KDDC Sponsors
See inside
Don’t Forget the Young Dairy Producer
Conference & KY Dairy PartnersAnnual Meeting
View the agenda on page 4
Milk MattersK D D C A n n u a l R e p o r t
w w w. k y d a i r y. o r g
KENTUCKY
Supported by
H.H. Barlow
W
ebster’s Dictionary defines contrast as “noticeably
or strikingly different”. The year 2019 was a certainly
a year of contrast for KDDC and Kentucky’s dairy
industry. The best and most notable difference in 2019 is that the
year ended with much improved milk prices from $2 to $3 higher
than January 2019. This has provided some much needed relief
for our Kentucky dairy farmers, after four long years of heavily
depressed prices.
2019 brought a change in leadership for KDDC as Maury Cox retired
on March 1st after twelve great years as executive director. As a token of
gratitude, Maury was presented with a much-deserved premium fishing
rod to enjoy in his retirement. Our organization remains thankful for his
devoted service to the dairy industry.
I was hired as executive director on May 1st. I bring to the role over
47 years of experience in the Kentucky dairy business as a farm owner/
operator and
dairy co-op
board member
as well as 32
years in dairy
feed sales. In
2003, I was the
first dairyman
appointed to
the Kentucky
Agricultural
Development
Board. During
this time, I led
the formation of the Kentucky Dairy Development Council, or what we
now affectionately refer to as KDDC. That effort, and my devotion to
this new role as executive director are born out of an enduring love for
the dairy industry and a determined passion to continuously improve the
future of Kentucky dairy farmers and our allied industry partners.
One of my first actions in this role was to hold a board and staff
planning meeting to outline the 2019 KDDC plan and set a group of
measurable goals to guide our actions. Out of this meeting, multiple
new programs were created and we quickly moved to action to drive
Kentucky dairymen’s future success.
Our headliner program was the Dairy Margin Insurance Incentive
Program.In 2018,the Federal Farm Bill created a new insurance program
for dairy farmers. This insurance functions similar to crop insurance by
establishing a safety net for dairy farmer income. We identified the need
to increase Kentucky dairy farmer participation in this great program.
Working with the Governor’s Office for Agriculture Policy (GOAP), we
established an incentive program to pay ½ of the insurance premium up
to $1,000.The program was completed in late September.To date, we’ve
had 160 participants and $115,219 in premiums paid out. For the next
five years, these 160 dairymen will have a safety net for their income.
(For those 160 dairymen, their dairy margin…the difference between
feed cost and milk price…If that margin falls below $9.50, insurance
payments will kick in.) This is a real safety net for our dairymen and
we’re excited to be a part of this new program!
Another endeavor included sponsoring a value-added conference in
Bowling Green in July with 70 attendees. Kentucky has 10 “on-farm”
processing operations selling a variety of products manufactured from
their own milk and sold direct to the consumer. There are at least 10
more of these operations in
the planning phase across
the state. This is one more
way that dairymen can
ensure their future success.
Country View Creamery
in Todd County is a prime
example of these new
operations. It highlights
the great potential of this
direct-toconsumer strategy.
A large group of our Amish and Mennonite dairymen joined together to
build this facility and started producing and selling cheese in November.
As the marketing venture grows, it will create a better market for milk
produced within that community.
Yet another identified goal was the need for a baseline assessment of
Kentucky’s dairy farmers. So, we surveyed all of our dairymen through
2019 KDDC Year in Review
Cont’d on pg. 2

2. KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund
KDDC Annual Report • Page 2
a mailing. We had 37% participation and got a good accounting of how
dairymen across the state are positioned at this time. One question was
“What are your plans in the next five years?” I’m very happy to announce
that only 9.5% plan to exit dairying. This is a definite indication that
Kentucky dairying has a future.
Additionally, we compiled a performance summary showcasing KDDC
successes over the last 14 years. This is a great tool to prove our value,
highlighted by the 8.8 million dollars paid out to Kentucky dairy farmers
over the last 11 years. This is through our Milk Incentive Leadership
Kentucky (MILK) program which is a joint venture of KDDC with milk
processors, half coming from the Kentucky Agricultural Development
Board and the other half coming from milk processors.There are over 200
dairies in the state participating in this program where premiums are based
on achieving milk quality improvements.
Annually dairy farmers everywhere are celebrated, and 2019 was
no different. We were
thrilled that Governor
Matthew Bevin signed
a proclamation for June
Dairy Month,honoring the
hard work of our dairymen.
Officials including
Governor Bevin and
Agriculture Commission
Ryan Quarles posed for a
celebratory photo in front
of our capitol in Frankfort.
On September 9th, I
appearedbeforetheInterimJointSenateandHouseAgricultureCommittee
at the Capital Annex in Frankfort. I gave a 30 minute presentation on the
state of the dairy industry in Kentucky and KDDC’s critical involvement
in the industry. I received over 45 minutes of questions, illustrating the
interest our legislators have in our industry. The report was well received
and Co-Chairmen
Hornback and
Heath sent a letter
the next day to
Speaker Pelosi
urging the passing
of USMCA. Also,
out of that visit,
Senate Bill 81 has
been filed in the
2020 legislative
session to address false labeling of alternative beverages claiming to be
milk. This bill will improve dairy consumption since consumers will be
better informed about the difference between real milk and imposters.
KDDC is very thankful to have this legislative support.
Engaging with the seven milk processors across Kentucky in a more
meaningful way was also among the top initiatives for 2019. Staff visited
the processing plants and participated in the state milk quality conference
at Lake Barkley in August. It is attended by all processors. I personally
engaged with each one and began a dialogue with them on how we can
work together more closely in the future.
A series of informational meetings was held at four different locations
across the state to provide education in both economic and production
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3. KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund
KDDC Annual Report • Page 3
factors that
face our dairy
farmers. The
feedback from
our dairymen
indicates that
these meetings
were very helpful,
and we hope to
continue them.
Our dairy
partner’s meeting
in February was attended by over 250 participants. This two day
meeting gives dairy folks across the state a forum to network with
each other and with our allied partners, and to share information
and ideas for dairy’s future.
We had another successful bus trip to World Dairy Expo which
has been a great educational tool for the farmers, students and dairy
staff that attend. We also toured seven farms as a part of our trip.
I have personally visited all but two of our directors on their own
farms to continue to stay close to the backbone of our industry, the
actual cow, and the farmer.
Thankfully, the pace of dairy liquidation has slowed in 2019.
Farm milk prices have improved,but there are still many factors that
have caused the whole Southeast to really drop in milk production.
A Southeast Task Force has been created to explore ways to alleviate
the distressed situation. KDDC has taken a leadership role in this
task force. I am on the five-member executive committee and
KDDC director Freeman Brundige is on the thirteen-member
steering committee. We started meeting in November 2019 and
have plans in 2020 to create an action plan to address Federal Order
Reform, market conditions and new product development and
innovation. This ten state endeavor is very important to level the
playing field for Kentucky’s dairymen and our southern neighbors.
Our intent is to develop real action plans with follow-through,
instead of just meeting and talking the problem to no avail.
We are excited about what we’ve accomplished together and
have great plans for 2020. I am most excited about creating young
dairymen peer groups in our four areas across the state to foster new
leadership in our state’s dairy industry.
There are still challenges ahead…We must acknowledge that
two of our milk companies, Dean Foods and Borden’s, have filed
Chapter 11 reorganizational bankruptcies. At present they are
continuing operation,but this does cause great concern.KDDC will
constantly monitor the situation and work diligently to protect our
farmer’s markets and secure their future.
In conclusion, many new things happened in 2019. I am pleased
with the accomplishments, but much, much work lies ahead.
I promise KDDC will be engaged in a significant way as we
enter a new decade. We are so thankful to have the Agricultural
Development Board as a partner in this endeavor.
I look forward to continuing to report on our progress and
achievements in our next triannual report. Please forward any
questions, comments, or concerns directly to me at kddc@kydairy.
org or at 859.516.1189.
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7. www.mccormickna.com
McCormick is a trademark of Argo Tractors S.p.A.
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Shaker Equipment Sales, LLC
Daniel Smith, Owner/Sales Manager
270-991-6287

9. G R A S S R O O T S I N S U R A N C E E D U C A T I O N A D V O C A C Y L E A D E R S H I P S E R V I C E
Since 1919, Kentucky Farm Bureau has been a steadfast advocate for farm
families and rural communities across the Commonwealth who are the backbone
of our economy and our way of life. As we move forward into our second century
of service, we will continue to ensure the challenges and issues facing Kentucky
agriculture are addressed by our leaders in Frankfort and Washington, DC.
Why Farm Bureau? Because Kentucky farmers deserve a strong and unified voice.
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10. KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUR
EFor more information contact KDA:
Eunice Schlappi, Dairy Marketing Specialist
Eunice.Schlappi@ky.gov
502-782-4122
www.kyagr.com
Photo taken at LeCows Dairy

11. Cowherd Equipment & Rental, Inc.
For More Information:
Cowherd Equipment & Rental, Inc.
1483 Old Summersville Rd.
Campbellsville, KY 42718
270-465-2679
270-469-0398
Penta 4030
Tire Scraper Jamesway
Pumpeller
Silage Defacer
Cowherd Dairy Supply
For chemicals, supplies and more from our
dairy to yours, Cowherd’s has all of your dairy
needs.
For More Information:
Cowherd Dairy Supply
1483 Old Summersville Rd.
Campbellsville, KY 42718
270-465-2679 or
270-651-2643
Hagedorn Manure Spreader Penta 6730 Penta DB40
Roto-Mix Roto Grind 760
Anderson Pro Chop 150
Dion Chopper Dion F64 Head Artsway 7165 Hustler SL 360
Mueller Tank J & D Headlocks
Boumatic Feed Pusher Boumatic Parlors

12. Todd County Animal Clinic
Todd County Animal clinic is located in Elkton, Kentucky. Dr. John Laster and
his staff provide large and small animal veterinary services. We provide
boarding and grooming capabilities as well. We strive to provide excellence
in medicine, excellence in service, and a positive impact in our community.
We are locally owned, locally employed, and locally committed. Come see
the difference hometown medicine can make.
205 East Main St.
Elkton, Kentucky
Call (270) 265-5556
Trenton Farm Supply2470 Cemetary Road • Trenton, KY 42286
“Sales and service for your farm & dairy needs”
270-466-3180
J MILLER
Hay Equipment

14. The Most Cow- and Farmer-Friendly Milking System on the Market
The Lely Astronaut A5 robotic milking system is energy efficient, lowering your cost per
pound of milk produced with outstanding reliability and uptime. A full network of specialized
Lely certified service technicians and farm management support advisors are always
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Columbia, KY
270-384-9843
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270-392-1909
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270-392-1908
Russellville, Kentucky
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South Central Bank offers innovative
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• ATMs
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17. www.kysoy.org
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18. Maryland & Virginia
Milk Producers Cooperative Association
Serving our Member-Owners Since 1920!
www.mdvamilk.com
800-552-1976
Wilson Trucking
Alan Wilson
Somerset, KY
606-875-7281
Contact:
David McGlothlin, Richmond, KY
859-544-3944
Stuart James, Anna, IL
618-697-1316
YourGenetics,Reproductionand
UdderHealthResource Central Farmer’s Supply of
Green County
901 Columbia Hwy.
Greensburg, KY 42743
270-932-5101
Ben Koostra
Professional Engineer
NRCS Technical Service Provider
Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP) ∙
livestock manure management ∙ water quality BMPs ∙
Ky Division of Water permitting and compliance ∙
water management ∙ energy efficiency
Lexington, Kentucky ∙ 859-559-4662 ∙ limestonecooper.com
Double S Liquid Feed Services, Inc.
Mark Miller
Salvisa, KY
859-613-3547
888-444-2138
Proud of our dairy
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800-928-FEED
Genetics Plus—David McGlothlin
859-544-3944

19. Kentucky Corn Growers
Association
PO Box 90
Eastwood, KY 40018
800-326-0906
www.kycorn.org
KDDC would like to
thank all of our sponsors
for your help and support
over the past year!
Bank of Jamestown
We are a locally-owned, community bank located in
south central Kentucky on beautiful Lake Cumberland.
Chartered in 1899, our goal as a progressive bank is
to provide outstanding customer service and prompt
decision making from “Hometown” people.
www.bankofjamestown.com
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20. 176 Pasadena Drive
Lexington, KY 40503
859.516.1129 ph
www.kydairy.org
Milk Matters KDDC Annual Report
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Dairy Calendar of Events
FEB 25
Young Dairy Producers Conference, Sloan
Convention Center, Bowling Green, KY 8:30 A.M.
– 4:30 P.M. CT
FEB 25
Dairy Awards Banquet and Auction, Sloan Con-
vention Center, Bowling Green, KY 6:00 – 8:00
P.M. CT
FEB 26
KY Dairy Partners Meeting and Industry Trade
Show, Sloan Convention Center, Bowling Green,
KY 8:00 A.M – 3:00 P.M
FEB 26
The Dairy Alliance Board Meeting, Sloan Conven-
tion Center, Bowling Green, KY
FEB 27
Dr. Woodall – DR. Laster Meeting, Hopkinsville,
KY
MAR 18
State 4-H Dairy Jeopardy (Contest Reg-
istration Deadline March 6th) Barren Co.
Extension Office
MAR 18-19
Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin Busi-
ness Conference, Madison, Wisconsin
MAR 27
KDDC Board Meeting, Adair Co. Extension Of-
fice, 10:00 C.T.
APR 01 4-H Cow Camp, KFEC, Louisville. KY
APR 02-03
Kentucky National Show and Sale, KFEC, Louis-
ville, KY
MAY 17-19 Alltech Ideas Conference, Lexington,KY