Minnesota Holstein Association

Proposed 2012 Resolutions
December 6, 2011

Resolution 1: Water Quality
Whereas, several watersheds throughout the state of Minnesota have been classified as impaired waters, and;

Whereas, Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) are being used as a measure to improve water quality in those watersheds,

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Minnesota Holstein Association supports being proactive in the legislative process and in implementing agricultural best management practices to reduce non-point source pollution.

Resolution 2: Beef Checkoff
Whereas, consumers continue to be concerned about quality milk, beef, and animal food products, and;

Whereas, the Minnesota Holstein Association continues to be concerned about producing quality milk, beef, and animal food products,

Therefore, be it resolved that the Minnesota Holstein Association supports the educational and informational programs of quality assurance for production of milk, beef, and animal food production, and;

Be it further resolved that the Minnesota Holstein Association supports the Minnesota Beef Council programs and its educational efforts currently being promoted with regard to dairy beef quality assurance programs.

Resolution 3: University of Minnesota Extension
Whereas, the University of Minnesota’s several experiment stations impact the economy of Minnesota through education and state of the art research programs and the dissemination of information in the vital out-reach programs of the University of Minnesota Extension Services,

Therefore, be it resolved that the Minnesota Holstein Association supports adequate funding of the university by the legislature of buildings and programs that will further the missions of the University of Minnesota Experiment Stations, University of Minnesota Extension, and 4-H and Youth Programs.

Resolution 4: Humane Treatment of Animals through Research and Teaching
Whereas, the animals used in laboratory research and teaching are humanely treated, and;

Whereas, we recognize that the use of animals in biomedical, veterinary medical and animal production enhances positively the welfare of humanity,

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Minnesota Holstein Association supports the University of Minnesota and other research facilities in the humane use of animals for research and teaching.

Resolution 5: MnFRAC
Whereas, the Minnesota Holstein Association fully recognizes the importance of sound animal husbandry practices, and that all animal agriculture producers depend on healthy animals for their livelihoods, and;

Whereas, we realize the importance of consumer concerns with regard to the care of animals for food or other use, and;

Whereas, the animal rights activists are mis- or uninformed of our husbandry practices and the economic value that animal agriculture contributes statewide and nationally, and;

Whereas, we express the need to be pro-active in education of the general public with regard to animal agriculture,

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Minnesota Holstein Association encourage all Minnesota dairy producers to continue to support the Minnesota Foundation for Responsible Animal Care and checkoff programs.

Resolution 6: Dairy Check-Off Programs and Midwest Dairy Association
Whereas, promotion and increasing the demand of dairy products is essential to the economy of the dairy farmer, and;

Whereas, access to dairy products to our youth is essential for good nutrition and good dental health,

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Minnesota Holstein Association supports the dairy check-off program and its continuance, and;

Be it further resolved, that Minnesota Holstein Association supports efforts of the Midwest Dairy Association and local dairy groups to encourage placement of plastic milk bottle vending machines and continuation of a flavored milk option in schools and to support the development of school wellness nutrition programs in all public and private schools. Be it resolved that the Midwest Dairy Association surveys all school districts within their trade area and continue to expand towards the goal of 100% availability.

Resolution 7: Holstein Foundation Programs
Whereas, the Holstein Foundation relies on a large network of youth and adult leaders from all areas of expertise to carry out their programs,

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Minnesota Holstein Association supports the efforts of the Holstein Foundation in training, educating and encouraging the young people interested in the dairy industry in a diversified manner, and;

Be it further resolved that knowing the future of the Minnesota dairy industry will depend on the abilities of the future leaders, the Minnesota Holstein Association and its members take a leadership position towards helping promote the Holstein Foundation programs.

Resolution 8: Country of Origin Label
Whereas, all imported retail agricultural products are not labeled with their country of origin,

Therefore, be it resolved that Minnesota Holstein Association supports legislation to have country of origin labeling on all retail agricultural products.

Resolution 9: Import Inspection
Whereas, imported dairy products are not inspected as stringently as are U.S. dairy products; and;

Whereas, an inadequate inspection system may constitute a bio-security risk,

Therefore, be it resolved that the Minnesota Holstein Association supports federal legislation to increase inspection of imports and to ensure that imported products adhere to the same regulations as U.S. products.

Resolution 10: Feedlot Permits
Whereas, some townships, with county regulations, have their own zoning ordinances on feedlot permits that would supersede county and state,

Therefore, be it resolved that Minnesota Holstein Association supports keeping feedlot permits at a county level.

Resolution 11: Board of Animal Health
Whereas, the Minnesota Holstein Association supports the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and it’s continued efforts to eradicate and control numerous domestic animal diseases in the state. It is the Association’s position to enhance the Board’s ability to conduct disease prevention, surveillance, control and eradication activities, and;

Whereas, the Minnesota Holstein Association supports the Board’s active role in control programs, such as Johne’s disease. This program has assisted numerous cattle producers in Minnesota in reducing the presence of the disease in their herds and ultimately increasing profits. Minnesota continues to lead the nation in Johne’s disease control and has served as a model for other states and countries, and;

Whereas, just as these programs are key to the future of the cattle industry in Minnesota, the Board oversees numerous control and eradication programs for other livestock species,

Therefore, be it resolved the Minnesota Holstein Association supports the efforts of the Board to continue eradication programs and funding for Johne’s programs and commend them for aggressively addressing the issue and acting as a model to the nation.

Resolution 12: Urban Sprawl and Nuisance Suits
Whereas, urban sprawl has become prohibitive to agricultural growth,

Therefore, be it resolved that Minnesota Holstein Association supports legislation to protect farmers from nuisance suits brought by persons moving into close proximity to an existing farming operation and from existing neighbors. Those parties, i.e. individuals, groups, and units of government that initiate litigation be financially responsible for costs incurred in the event that these parties lose the suit.

Resolution 13: Farm Bill
Whereas, the Farm Bill is being addressed,

Therefore, Minnesota Holstein Association urges Congress to maintain full funding for all Farm Bill programs that have an impact on dairy producers, including but not limited to, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Security Program (CSP), and Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC).

Resolution 14: Dairy Exhibitions
Be it resolved the Minnesota Holstein Association recognizes and supports programs of animal agriculture education as a part of agricultural exhibitions: most specifically the Minnesota State Fair, State Show, and Minnesota’s county fairs. We also support ethical show ring practices and enforcement of ethical rules by show management.

Resolution 15: Minnesota State Fair and the Start of School

Whereas, the Minnesota State Fair is a world-renowned event, and is unparalleled in providing educational opportunities for all people, and;

Whereas, allowing schools to open prior to Labor Day would unintentionally create a significant negative impact on the educational, employment and economical opportunities provided by the Minnesota State Fair,

Therefore, be it resolved that the Minnesota Holstein Association urge all lawmakers to support legislation requiring all Minnesota state schools to open no earlier than Labor Day.

Resolution 16: “Loss Leader” Fluid Milk Law
Be it resolved that the Minnesota Holstein Association supports termination of the “loss-leader” fluid milk law and any costs incurred by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture associated with regulating or enforcing of this law.

Resolution 17: Imports
Minnesota Holstein Association supports the passage of legislation and administrative action that treat United States import of milk protein concentrate (MPC), ultra-filtered milk, and casein-equivalent to and consistent with the importation of similar dairy products.

Resolution 18: Investment Grants and Programs
Be it resolved that the Minnesota Holstein Association supports full funding for the Livestock Investment Grants and Dairy Development and Profitability Enhancement Program for farmers upgrading their animal agriculture facilities.

Resolution 19: 3 Every Day Program
Be it resolved, Minnesota Holstein Association strongly encourages Midwest Dairy Association to use and promote the Real Seal in conjunction with the 3 Every Day Program.

Resolution 20: Youth Livestock Projects
Whereas, development of youth with livestock projects evolves in 4-H, FFA and Holstein shows, and;

Whereas, positive learning experiences in the show ring enhance youth development, and;

Whereas, project requirements vary from organization to organization,

Therefore, be it resolved that the Minnesota Holstein Association support the meeting of 4-H, FFA and Minnesota Holstein to:

Discuss mutual concerns and clarify livestock project exhibition requirements
Develop understandable guidelines of similarities and differences
Develop and deliver education of lease contracts, ownership and other requirements to youth and adults on a continuous basis

Resolution 21: Animal Disease Traceability Infrastructure
Whereas, Minnesota’s livestock industry is vulnerable to infectious diseases that affect its ability to participate freely in national and international trade and increase cost of livestock commerce, and

Whereas, the USDA has struggled in the recent years to establish a effective and cost-effective animal disease traceability system, and

Whereas, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health is the state’s first-responder to livestock disease that affect livestock commerce and continuity of business,

Be it resolved, that the Minnesota Holstein Association supports the USDA and the Minnesota Board of Animal Health to continue to improve, state-led animal disease traceability infrastructure that safeguard Minnesota’s livestock industry while protecting the privacy and business concerns of livestock producers.

Resolution 22: Consumer Education of Food Production Practices
Whereas, USDA and FDA continues to monitor safe food production and new technologies, and;

Whereas, dairy producers utilize approved modern technologies in the production of food, and;

Whereas, consumer education about the safe food production continues to be a challenge,

Therefore, be it resolved that MHA supports continued consumer education of food production as approved by the USDA and FDA, and;

Be it further resolved that MHA support dairy producers options to use approved technologies in their dairy herd management.

Resolution 23: Animal and Producer Support Organizations
Whereas, animal agriculture is being portrayed in a negative light by activist groups, and;

Whereas, labeling practices are confusing customers about the health and safety of dairy products,

Be it resolved that Minnesota Holstein support efforts to protect a farmer’s right to farm without unreasonable restrictions, regulations or harassment, and;

Be it further resolved that MHA opposes legislation or regulations which restrict or prohibit accepted livestock and poultry husbandry practices.

Resolution 24: Dairy Research Station
Whereas, University of Minnesota research has been a building block for production agriculture in the State; and

Whereas, the creation of a Dairy Research, Teach and Consumer Education Center through the cooperation of the University of Minnesota and the dairy industry would enhance research capabilities to foster improved productivities and profitability for Minnesota dairies; and

Whereas, such a center would prepare the next generation of dairy operators for business success using environmentally sound practices, improved animal care and enhanced product quality and use; and

Whereas, such a center would provide a means to inform consumers of the health benefits of current and newly developed dairy products,

Therefore, be it resolved that Minnesota Holstein supports the establishment of a Dairy Research Teaching and Consumer Education Center at the University of Minnesota, and;

Be it further resolved that the Minnesota Holstein Association supports the allocation of state bond proceeds and/or general fund appropriations (along with non-state funding contributions) to support a Dairy Research Training and Consumer Education Center within the state of Minnesota.

Resolution 25: Minnesota Ag in the Classroom
Whereas, the education of youth on agriculture and dairy is crucial for the promotion and future of our industry; and

Whereas, the Minnesota Ag in the Classroom program has made a positive impact on advancing agricultural literacy across Minnesota since 1985, by telling the story of agriculture and creating opportunities for people to learn through the credible education materials and programs,

Therefore, be it resolved that Minnesota Holstein supports the Minnesota Ag in the Classroom program and agricultural literacy statewide.

Resolution 26: Agriculture and the Minnesota State Fair
Whereas, the Minnesota State Fair annually attracts over one million visitors/consumers of agricultural production and serves as Minnesota’s picture showcase of animal management and serves as an agriculture education venue and for many serves as the only exposure with livestock; and

Whereas, the fairgoing audience has expectations of a safe environment while enjoying the fair

Be it resolved that MHA advocates and supports the Minnesota State Agricultural Society to strengthen its agriculture efforts and focus to continue their dedication of staff, long term major improvements, funding and consumer education through exhibits; and

Be it further resolved that the Minnesota State Agricultural Society continue to 1. Address conditions for exhibitors in livestock facilities; 2. Provide facilities for safe and quality livestock management and 3. Provide animal care facilities addressing stall/unit size for reasonable separation of livestock from fairgoing public.

Resolution 27: Minnesota Youth Dairy Showcase
Whereas, the Minnesota Youth Dairy Showcase at the Minnesota State Fair recognized 25 youth with placing of animal, knowledge and leadership in 2011.

Be it resolved that Minnesota Holstein support the continuation of the Minnesota Youth Dairy Showcase..

Resolution 28: University of Minnesota
Whereas, the University of Minnesota has a distinguished record of excellence in teaching of students with interest in dairy cattle, both in the classroom and outside the classroom via the Gopher Dairy Club, intercollegiate dairy cattle judging, the North American dairy challenge; and

Whereas, students and faculty at the University of Minnesota require hands-on contact of dairy students with dairy cattle on a routine basis for effective learning; therefore,

Be it resolved, that the Minnesota Holstein Association supports the continued funding of highly effective teaching programs on the St. Paul campus, including an on-campus herd of dairy cattle in an adequately-funded dairy facility.

Resolution 30: Staff and Director Thanks
Whereas, Minnesota Holstein business programs and events experienced a successful year, and;

Whereas, Minnesota Holstein human resources are the wealth of our organization,

Therefore, be it resolved that the membership of the Minnesota Holstein Association (MHA), friends and guests present express of our thanks to Heidi Scapanski, executive secretary; Rachel Nelson, summer administrative assistant, Amy Cloose, intern; Gil Silvers, graphic artist; the MHA Board of Directors, committee members, volunteers and hosts who directed and assisted in the success of any aspect of the Minnesota Holstein Association, with special recognition for the production of the Midwest Holsteins News.

Resolution 31: Thanks to our Volunteers and Event Hosts
Be it resolved that the members of the Minnesota Holstein Association (MHA), friends and guests present express out thanks to the hosts of the 2011 Minnesota Holstein Field Day, The Alberts Family, Pine-Shelter Farms, and to the hosts of the 2011 Minnesota Holstein State Show, the Carver-Wright-Hennepin Holstein Association.

Resolution 32: Thanks to Minnesota PDCA
Be it resolved that the members of the Minnesota Holstein Association at our 102nd annual convention wish to express our thanks to the all committee members and volunteers who helped to make the 2012 convention successful.

Resolution 33: In Respect to our departed Holstein friends
Be it resolved that the convention here join in a moment of silence in respect to our departed Holstein friends.

Resolution 34: 4-H Lease Program
Whereas, the 4-H program has a lease program that encourages non-dairy youth to become involved in our industry;

Whereas, this lease program require the leasing 4-H member to show their leased animal in all shows this animal is at exhibited at, including state and National Holstein shows, yet the 4-H dairy member who does not need to lease does not have the same requirement;

Whereas, many lease members have much less experience showing and could be discouraged at high levels of competition,

Therefore, be it resolved that the Minnesota Holstein Association encourage the 4-H dairy committee to drop the requirement of leased animals being exhibited by members to give them the same rules that the non-leased members follow without discrimination at non-youth shows.

Resolution 35: Unemployment Under False Pretenses
Whereas, a central concern of Minnesota Holstein Association members is the health and comfort of their livestock, and

Whereas, individual producers and the dairy industry as a whole can suffer significant economic consequences from findings or even allegations of animal abuse, and

Whereas, opponent of animal agriculture may seek to gain access to farm operation under false pretenses in order to record real or staged instances of substandard animal care.

Therefore, be it resolved that the Minnesota Holstein Association supports the enactment of penalties for individuals who would gain access to animal agriculture operations under false pretenses in order to stage and record the mistreatment of animals.