D A I R Y I n i t i a t i v e s N E W S L E T T E R
V o l u m e 1 2 I s s u e 1 S p r i n g 2 0 0 3

Industry Teams Up to Get SCC Down

by MIKE SCHOMMER
Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Leading the nation in some category of dairy production is usually a point of pride, but not when the category is somatic cell count. Unfortunately, that's the situation in Minnesota today.

Of the nation's top 10 dairy states, Minnesota ranks the highest in average SCC. The state's herds in 2001 had an average SCC of nearly 420,000. Cartoon

For farmers, this isn't just a quality concern. It's also an economic concern. With processors adjusting milk checks up or down based on SCC, a farmer with a low somatic cell count (300,000 or lower) could earn up to $2 more per hundredweight than a farmer whose herd average is near 750,000.

Minnesota's high SCC average is a problem beyond the farm, too. It hinders the efficiency and profitability of the state's processors. It's a potential trade barrier. It can also cause problems at the consumer level. One well-known activist group has kicked off a publicity campaign attempting to convince consumers that high SCC is a quality concern for consumers.

Recognizing the negative impact Minnesota's high SCC average has on quality and profit considerations, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, University of Minnesota, Minnesota Board of Animal Health, Midwest Dairy Council, processors, and producer groups are working together on a solution.

In January, the organizations agreed to team up to help Minnesota dairy farmers reduce the state's average SCC from 420,000 to 325,000 by June 2005. You'll be hearing a lot about this "Quality Counts" campaign in the months ahead.

Dairy farmers take great pride in their product, and there's no doubt they will understand the importance of lowering SCC. The bigger challenge will be maintaining consistent effort over time. Let's work together to reduce our state's SCC average, give ourselves a big pat on the back - then continue working hard to keep it that way.

If you have questions about SCC or want more information, please call 612-624-4995 and ask to speak with either Russ Bey, Ralph Farnsworth, or Jeff Reneau. You may also email them directly; Dr. Bey, beyxx001@umn.edu; Dr. Farnsworth, farns001@umn.edu; Dr. Reneau, renea001@umn.edu.

D A I R Y I n i t i a t i v e s N E W S L E T T E R
Volume 12 Issue 1 Spring 2003