The Big ‘O’ signs off for the last time

Farm broadcast legend, Orion Samuelson, has died. Samuelson, who was two weeks away from his 92nd birthday, spent 60 years at WGN Radio in Chicago and was the host for “U.S. Farm Report” and later “This Week in Agribusiness.” In an interview with Samuelson’s broadcast partner for 45 years, Max Armstrong shared his thoughts. “We had a wonderful run for those many years and, goodness gracious, the flood of memories as you can imagine.” Affectionally known as “O,” Samuelson changed the farm media business and also had a profound impact on all of agriculture. “Over the past 50 years, this guy probably is at least in the top 10 of the most influential people in American agriculture and maybe in the top five.” Funeral services were held April 10 in a Chicago suburb.

Trump unveils ag relief plan

President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping package of farm-focused policies during a White House agriculture event, aiming to ease rising costs tied to the Iran conflict and boost demand for U.S. farm commodities.  Speaking at the “Great American Agriculture Celebration,” Trump highlighted record biofuel mandates and expanded access to E15 fuel. “To help lower gasoline prices for farmers and consumers, this week I issued an emergency order to allow immediate sales of E15, and I’m seeking Congressional action to allow E15 all-year-round.” The administration also announced new guidance to roll back emissions-related equipment rules. Trump said, “Today we’re announcing new guidelines drastically limiting these ridiculous DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) rules, saving farmers and consumers billions and billions of dollars.” Additional loan guarantees and calls for a new farm bill were also emphasized.

Craig calls for action on farm economy

House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig says farmers are facing mounting financial stress as Congress works to finalize a new farm bill. Craig said current aid has fallen short of covering widespread losses across agriculture. “The $12 billion that’s been sent in farm aid really doesn’t cover much of the $40-$45 billion in losses that farmers have faced over the last year.”

DMC payments triggered

Dairy Margin Coverage program payments will be coming to some dairy farmers. The February national average margin was $8.46 per hundredweight. Dairy operations with Tier 1 margin coverage levels of $9.50 will receive a payment of $1.04 per cwt. The $9 coverage is eligible for 54 cents per cwt. and four cents for the $8.50 DMC coverage. The payments were automatically processed at the end of March.

Public comments submitted on Federal Order formula

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service must conduct mandatory surveys regarding cost and yield surveys tied to make allowances in the Federal Milk Marketing Order formula. The American Dairy Coalition sought an extension to the public comment period beyond its tight 30-day window. Despite the request, ADC reports that 76 total comments were submitted, with the majority coming from individual dairy farmers.
“Dairy farmer participation is essential, and we are committed to making sure your input helps shape outcomes,” said ADC CEO Laurie Fischer. USDA’s process impacts make allowances and ultimately the revenues received on the farm.

USDA called a ‘bloated’ bureaucracy in Trump budget proposal

The White House is out with its 2027 budget proposal. Congress has the power of the purse, so the final budget will likely look very different. However, it does offer insight into President Trump’s priorities. For USDA, the proposal calls for nearly $21 billion in discretionary authority for 2027, a 19% cut from what was enacted this year. This blueprint calls USDA “a bloated Washington, D.C. bureaucracy” with programs that fail to support an “America First” agenda. The budget request includes an additional $50 million to implement USDA’s reorganization and move USDA employees to regional hubs. Cuts would include the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program, which is described as “wasteful and inefficient.” AMS would take a $61 million hit by eliminating specific budget carve-outs. The proposal said the food and agriculture industry should use checkoff funds for these types of programs.

Hay price update

According to USDA’s Hay Market Demand and Price Report for the Upper Midwest, prices held steady in March. Prime alfalfa averaged $119 per ton for large squares and $157 per ton for large rounds. Grade 1 hay had an average price of $112 for large squares and $81 per ton for large rounds. The Grade 2 hay averaged $89 per ton for large squares and $74 per ton for large rounds.

Dairy and heart-healthy guidelines

The American Heart Association has updated its Dietary Guidelines to Improve Cardiovascular Health. AHA said the relationship between the amount of protein consumed and heart disease is still uncertain but recommends a shift from meat to plant-based proteins such as beans and lentils. If red meat is consumed, portions should be limited and lean cuts are preferred. Low-fat and fat-free dairy products are also recommended.

‘Born to Dairy’

The Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin “Born to Dairy” Wisconsin Originals’ promotion campaign is back. This effort began last year and focuses on the dairy farmers themselves. Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens remains the primary lead in the social media content. “Wisconsin dairy farmers are some of the most hardworking, witty and authentic people you’ll ever meet,” said Berens.

Farrell promoted

Schreiber Foods President Trevor Farrell will add the CEO title as of Oct. 1. Farrell has been with the company for the past 15 years. He is a Green Bay native.

Holstein USA honoring junior members

Holstein Association USA Inc. has named 11 Distinguished Junior Member semifinalists. There are five Wisconsinites on the list: Sara Dorshorst of Marshfield, Elizabeth Gunst of Hartford, Logan Harbaugh of Marion, Tristen Ostrom of De Pere and Madison Wiese of Greenleaf.

Trivia challenge

A cow has one stomach with four distinct compartments: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. That answers our last trivia question. For this week’s trivia, when did the first dairy cows arrive in the United States? We’ll have the answer in our next edition of the Dairy Star.

Don Wick is owner/broadcaster for the Red River Farm Network of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Wick has been recognized as the National Farm Broadcaster of the Year and served as president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Don and his wife, Kolleen, have two sons, Tony and Sam, and five grandchildren, Aiden, Piper, Adrienne, Aurora and Sterling.