November 2006

Trade Shows and Tax Write-Offs (American Nurseryman, Nov. 1, ’06). Mark E. Battersby, financial and tax consultant and business author, writes, “Usually all that is required to qualify for convention-related tax deductions is that you are able to show, if asked, that attendance to the trade show, meeting, convention or other event benefited your . . . business. How and at what expense you get to the convention site are legitimate deductions if you are away from home overnight or long enough that you need to stop for sleep or rest. . . . The tax deduction for meals is considered ‘entertainment,’ however, and is limited to 50 percent of the actual amount spent. . . . In order to claim any tax deductions, (you) must be able to prove the expenses actually were paid or incurred.” Read a version of this article at http://www.acmanet.org/CM/1006/feature_n1006.cfm.

New Website About Dairy Farmers (Country Focus, Nov. ’06). A new website created by dairy producers educates consumers about the humane handling of cattle, as well as stewardship of land. The site, www.dairyfarmingtoday.org is funded by the dairy promotion checkoff.”

Internet has lots of dairy information (Hoard’s Dairyman, Nov. ’06). “A number of new, informative dairy-related websites have been created during the past couple of years providing consumers, dairy farmers, and others with a ready resource on a variety of dairy topics.” A few of the sites mentioned are: www.dairycheckoff.com; www.3aday.org; www.whymilk.com; and, www.nationaldairycouncil.org

New dairy housing plans available (Dairy Herd Management, Nov. ’06). “Penn State Housing Plans for Milking and Special-Needs Cows, NRAES-200, is a new 100-page, coil-bound book that includes 13 idea plans for free-stall barns, 11 idea plans for housing special-needs cow (pre-fresh/maternity pen areas, convalescence areas and post-fresh housing facilities), and eight idea plans showing building component details (floor surfaces, feed barriers, watering locatins, free-stalls, curtain sidewalls and ventilation openings.) Cost is $23, plus shipping and handling.” Ordering information available at PS Housing Plans or call 800-562-3618.”

Today rbST—What’s Next (PA Dept. of Agriculture, Nov. ’06). Sec. of Agriculture Dennis Wolff writes in his November column, “Thirteen years ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of rbST after extensive scientific research. It was proven that rbST is species-specific to bovines and deemed completely safe for human consumption. . . . Recently, several dairy processors began labeling and marketing milk as produced on farms not using synthetic hormones, attempting to gain more of the market share of milk sales. . . . In some states, a gallon of milk from herds not using supplemental hormones is selling for nearly twice the dollars per gallon of ‘regular’ milk. Who is collecting that extra money while the farmer is still receiving the same price? . . . We recommend that dairy producers, if asked to sign a document committing to not use rbST, seriously consider the effects it will have on their business if not offered a fair compensation.” Read Sec. Wolff’s complete column at http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?a=390&q=142047.

Vermont ag chief urges producers to go BST-free (Dairy Herd Management, Nov. ’06). “Steve Kerr, Vermont’s Agriculture Secretary called on the state’s producers to stop supplementing their cows with bovine somatotropin. He says it makes sense because two of the largest milk processors in the area, Dean Foods and H.P. Hood, have already announced that they will no longer accept milk from cows supplemented with BST. However, Herr agrees that producers should be paid a premium for giving up a valuable technology. He intends to meet with Dean and Hood to negotiate this.”

Dairy Management Study Coming (Lancaster Farming, Nov. 25, ’06). “USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be conducting a survey of dairy producers throughout January to determine the relationship between dairy management practices and health attributes of milk cows. The National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) Dairy 2007 project will take a closer look into food safety, environment, and disease prevention. . . Pennsylvania will survey approximately 456 randomly selected operators to represent our state’s industry in the final results. . . . The Pennsylvania Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the same organization the conducts the monthly milk production and biannual cattle surveys, will conduct the Pennsylvania portion of the study. All individual data will be kept strictly confidential as required by law.” Read more at the USDA website: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/content/
printable_version/dairy2007brochure.pdf

Dairy Outlook (Nov. ’06). Penn State’s Dr. Ken Bailey notes in his “Conclusions” section: “Milk producers should quickly assess their marketing plans for 2007. Such a plan would likely involve locking in a portion of 2007 milk production at current prices. That makes sense given there is much uncertainty at the moment regarding what milk prices will actually be in 2007. This uncertainty is due to changing markets for feed, protein, and international supply and demand. Again, the bottom line is now would be a good time to consider the futures market if 2007 Class III milk futures prices exceeds the five year average. And they certainly do!” Read the complete Dairy Outlook at http://dairyoutlook.aers.psu.edu/.

Reasons Abound to Pursue Career in Farming (Lancaster Farming, Nov. 11, ’06). Dr. Dave Kohl, Prof. Emeritus, Virginia Tech lists his “Top Ten” reasons for young people to consider farming. The top three are: 1) Minimal competition from your peer age group; 2) The opportunity to implement some of the latest technology breakthroughs in biotechnology and computers into your business model; and, 3) Desirable work environment including a somewhat flexible schedule, working outdoors and no traffic jams.” This article by Dr. Kohl is also in the Penn State Cooperative Extension SW PA Dairy Newsletter and can be read at http://washington.extension.psu.edu/agriculture/October%202006%20Dairy%20Newsletter.pdf.

Business Training Helps Make Farm Dreams Come True: New Farm Link Course Begins in Jan. (Lancaster Farming, Nov. 11, ’06). “To help other new farmers or those who want to improve their profitability, Pennsylvania Farm Link is offering a 12-week, 36-hour course that will begin Jan. 9 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm in the vocational agriculture classroom at Garden Spot High School (New Holland, PA). . . . The focus of the course is on the individual producer’s interest, resources, and needs and includes vegetables, fruits, cattle, dairy, and other enterprises. . . . To learn more . . . contact PA Farm Link at 717-664-7077.”

Saving on 2006 Taxes (BusinessWeek Online, Nov. 27, ’06) “There's still time for small-business owners to reduce their tax burdens for the year. In fact, there are seven steps they can take now.” Karen E. Klein, a Los Angeles-based writer who covers entrepreneurship and small-business issues, advises: fund your retirement; accelerate expenses; defer income; look for hidden deductions (e.g., hiring your children); if your spouse works in the business . . . consider establishing a Section 105 Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA); check your eligibility for certain tax credits. Read the details at Saving on Taxes.

Resolving Family Business Conflicts (BusinessWeek Online, Nov. 29, ’06). “There is one simple, widely used method to resolve common conflict that goes by the acronym DESC. The letters stand for "Describe, Express, Specify, and Consequences. . . . Prior to attempting to solve any conflict, it is critical that you listen first to fully understand the situation. Then structure your message into a DESC format. . . . It's always a good idea when there's conflict to take a deep breath, rehearse what you need to do, and then gather information. . . . You'll be better at conflict resolution if you pay close attention to your own state of mind. When you are in an extreme mood, avoid making any promises or even making phone calls, writing letters, or sending e-mails.” Read the complete article at Resolving Family Business Conflicts.

Dairy Women Challenged to Celebrate Agriculture (Lancaster Farming, Nov. 11, ’06). “One strength of the dairy industry has also proven to be its weakness—the diary farmer’s independent spirit.” At the Women in Dairy 2006 conference, keynote speaker Michele Payn-Knoper “challenged . . . attendees to take a more proactive role in telling dairy’s story. . . . While speaking out is not easy, Payn-Knoper said farmers need to dedicate one hour a week to champion agriculture. It could be as simple as sharing farm experiences with a neighbor or writing a letter to an elected official about an agricultural concern.”

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