MMPA shares priorities during Franken visit
By Heather Thorstensen
hthorstensen@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 09/09/2010 9:26 AM
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FAIRFAX, Minn.— Brad Nosbush gave U.S. Sen. Al Franken a private tour of his family's dairy farm in Fairfax Aug. 24.
He wanted the senator to have a personal connection with the dairy industry while showing him the care they give to their cows and environment.
The tour was part of a Picnic on a Farm, organized by Minnesota Milk Producers Association.
The senator's aides, media members and leaders of MMPA joined the private tour.
Nosbush emphasized the farm has gradually been expanding since 1995 to stay efficient and keep cows comfortable.
"Every year we try to improve a certain area," he said.
He is opposed to milk supply management proposals because they would limit his family's ability to expand. Minnesota has been increasing milk production and he doesn't want to take away opportunities for growth.
He told the senator that gradual expansions and improvements are typical of Minnesota dairy farms.
Franken asked if supply management's purpose is to keep milk supply down to keep prices up. MMPA executive director Bob Lefebvre said the concept is to limit volatility in the prices dairy farmers receive for their milk, not make an artificially high price.
MMPA hasn't endorsed any supply management proposals. Members have mixed views about them.
Pat Lunemann, MMPA president, told the senator comprehensive immigration reform is important to dairy farmers. MMPA is part of the Minnesota Business Immigration Coalition. They want farmers to have access to a willing work force and they want federal legislators to fix what they consider to be a broken immigration documentation system. Sen. Franken was supportive, Lunemann said.
Franken saw the Nosbush's young stock and dry cow facilities, feed storage, and the free-stall barn with the milking herd. In the double 16 parallel parlor, he looked fascinated as he watched cows being milked.
He asked questions, such as if cows are vaccinated and when calves are removed from their mothers, and kept the tour light-hearted with a few jokes.
When Lefebvre said milking makes cows comfortable, Franken quipped he could relate because of the relief he feels after visiting the bathroom.