The popularity of soy milk, long the creamer of choice for those unwilling to consume an animal product, has soured in recent years. That’s led to the rise of refrigerator full of plant-based alternatives. But not all non-milk is created equal. If you’re steering clear of heifers, here’s the breakdown on what you should be drinking instead. [node:read-more:link]

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the price of milk in June was about $15 per 100 pounds - more than a 40 percent drop from 2014. Meanwhile, the USDA estimated milk production costs were about $22 per 100 pounds.  Darrel Aubertine, a former commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, said many small family farms now faced a difficult decision: Sell their operations to larger dairy farms, borrow money to cover costs or diversify into other types of agriculture. [node:read-more:link]

WHEN it comes to dairy, you have the choice of skim or full fat and a plethora of options in the middle. But the question still lingers — which is best for your health and your waistline? For more than a decade health authorities have insisted adults go lean and ditch the cream. Even the latest dietary guidelines for Australians still make this message clear. [node:read-more:link]

In recent weeks, both presidential candidates have unveiled plans to repair and improve the country’s bridges, roads, internet and water systems. Democratic nominee Clinton says she will allocate $275 billion to the cause, including the creation of a national infrastructure bank designed to spur private investment, in what she has called the “biggest job creation program since World War II.”  Meanwhile, presidential hopeful Trump boasts that he would “at least double” Clinton’s pledged investment. [node:read-more:link]

We are looking at record crops of corn, soybeans, and wheat this year.  Dairy farmers are suffering with the lowest prices since 2009.  We have too much milk – not just here in the U.S. [node:read-more:link]

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City released the August Manufacturing Survey today. According to Chad Wilkerson, vice president and economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, the survey revealed that Tenth District manufacturing activity continued to decline modestly. “Firms reported another slight drop in activity in August but remained moderately optimistic about activity heading forward,” said Wilkerson.  [node:read-more:link]

More than a just few times this year, I’ve witnessed industry speakers who were reluctant to answer questions on sustainability. It turns many a speaker’s face red. Sustainability carries such broad implications that it’s difficult to define with a short answer. Some people in our industry have apparently come to despise the word, and seem to cringe when they hear it. Many seem to have become suspicious of the concepts it represents. Speakers know this and often avoid the subject. Sustainability simply means the ability to sustain, or put another way, theability to continue. [node:read-more:link]

The Food and Drug Administration has awarded grants to help tribal operations and local food producers receive appropriate food safety training.The FDA said the Local Food Producer Outreach, Education, and Training to Enhance Food Safety and FSMA Compliance cooperative agreement was awarded to the National Farmers Union Foundation. The agreement will help deliver science-based, culturally specific food safety training, education and outreach for local food producers and processors. [node:read-more:link]

A district court judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the legality of a tax reimbursement credit that was passed in 2014 with the support of Idaho farm groups.  The tax incentive has already helped Idaho land Amy’s Kitchen, an organic convenience food maker, and facilitated an $82 million expansion by Glanbia Foods, a cheese manufacturer.  The tax credit will be used by a food product manufacturing company that plans to make a $15 million capital investment in Boise that will result in 80 new jobs. [node:read-more:link]