On Wednesday, August 19, Wayne Dykshorn, President of the Iowa State Dairy Association (ISDA), spoke candidly with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. Vilsack made a stop at the Iowa State Fair as part of his USDA Rural Tour.
“I wanted to speak to Secretary Vilsack about the crisis in the dairy industry,” says Dykshorn, “I am appreciative for what has been done so far but it isn’t enough.”
Dykshorn says the Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP) and increasing support prices in butter, powdered milk and cheese have helped but more must be done to aid dairy farmers.
“I’m glad I had the opportunity to reiterate the dire situation that we, dairy farmers, are in,” says Dykshorn.
Earlier this week Dykshorn also had the opportunity to speak with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey. “I encouraged Secretary Northey to hold a commodity summit in the near future so all agriculture groups can work together to grow agriculture in Iowa and throughout the United States and the world,” says Dykshorn. “Secretary Northey seemed very receptive to that idea.”
A recent study by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers proved that agriculture is crucial to the state of Iowa. It found that farmers and their products directly or indirectly employ 17 percent of Iowa’s workforce which is one out of every six Iowans. Farmers are also responsible for 27 percent of Iowa’s total economy, equaling $72.1 billion.
“Agriculture, including the dairy industry, is extremely important to Iowa and everything possible must be done to ensure that agriculture has a future in Iowa,” says Dykshorn. (source: ISDA news release)
8.17.2009
New Iowa Dairy Princess Crowned
Many women dream of being a princess, but one lucky young woman got her wish Wednesday night (August 12). Katie Adams, 18, of Waucoma was crowned the 56th State Iowa Dairy Princess at an evening coronation in Des Moines, Iowa, at the State Fairgrounds. The title allows her to serve as the official goodwill ambassador for nearly 2,000 Iowa dairy farmers during the coming year. Adams represented Fayette County.
Adams is the daughter of Scott and Jeanie Adams. She plans to attend Iowa State University pursuing a degree in dairy science. Adams also received a scholarship from the Iowa Division of Midwest Dairy Association.
Stacy Fitzpatrick, representing Delaware County, was named Alternate Dairy Princess. Fitzpatrick will attend Iowa State University pursuing a degree in agricultural business and animal science with an emphasis in dairy science. Fitzpatrick also received a scholarship from the Iowa Division of Midwest Dairy Association. Her parents are Mark and Sheri Fitzpatrick of Greeley.
Eleven women competed for the 2009 Iowa Dairy Princess title and were judged on their knowledge of the dairy industry, communication skills, enthusiasm for promotion and personality. Kari Lien, 19, of Winneshiek County received the award for best dairy presentation. Her parents are Gary and Patty Lien.
Miss Congeniality was Teresa Decker, 19, of Bernard and the daughter of James and Marlene Decker. She is the Dubuque County Dairy Princess.
The Iowa Division of Midwest Dairy Association annually sponsors the Iowa Dairy Princess contest. The young woman chosen as the Iowa Dairy Princess acts as a spokesperson for the dairy industry and Midwest Dairy Association.
Adams will participate in public appearances, speaking engagements and other promotional activities across the state of Iowa over the next 12 months. Adams replaces Katie Steinlage of West Union, the 2008 – 2009 Iowa Dairy Princess. As Iowa Dairy Princess, Adams looks forward to reaching out to others about the benefits of “3-A-Day of Dairy.”
Fitzpatrick replaces Leah Henkes of Luana, the 2008-2009 Alternate Dairy Princess. As Iowa Alternate Princess, Fitzpatrick is excited for the opportunity to spread important messages about dairy to Iowa consumers.
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