What is the difference between Canadian and American milk?

[chuckChuck]

The USDA publishes a report on retail milk prices from numerous cities. Prices are quite variable.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/RetailMilkPrices2018.pdf

The simple average for January to August 2018 is $3.19 per US gallon which is $4.21 CAD for 3.78 Litres which is $1.11 CAD per litre. Walmart Canada's on line price is a $1.18 per litre. A whopping 7 Cents cheaper in the US!

One Canadian store on one day vs numerous locations and stores US wide over 8 months does not tell the whole story.

But I don't expect getting rid of supply management will lower Canadian prices because our retail market is different, our population is smaller, US farmers and processors are often on a larger scale than Canadian versions which gives them economies of scale.

Our goal is to supply our own market with quality product and make sure farmers make a decent living in an industry that cannot afford large swings in farm gate prices or market share. When you milk cows you cant just decide to fill the barn with something else in the spring. This is a perishable product that needs a stable market.

The US has a problem with oversupply and low prices in some states. We do not have to solve their over supply problem with additional Canadian market access. We are not their problem. Especially when they have their own subsidy and support programs which are paid for with tax payers money.

Trump is just playing politics with the mid term elections coming up. Wisconsin supported Trump.
He knows bugger all about the dairy industry. But he could know a lot about lame ducks after the mid terms. Lets hope so!

[chuckChuck]

In many midwestern US states like Michigan, you can get fluid milk for 1.79 US a gallon. Even under a dollar is some locations. When I looked for it an Albertson in Great Falls a while back it was 3.39US per gallon. The dollar was near par back then. Some dairy prices are similar to ours but others are much cheaper. The people doing the shopping for the study did not shop very hard as the study had a forgone conclusion.

The current average price in Detroit Michigan is actually $2.48 USD for 3.78 L. It is $3.79 in Milwaukee!

Why is it more expensive in Wisconsin the big dairy state? That is $1.32 per Litre CAD! Which is substantially higher than Walmart Canada for a $1.18 CAD.

There are a lot of poor people in Detroit. In retail charge what the market will bare??

[grassfarmer]

My concern with rBST has always been the animal's welfare. I know someone that used to milk cows treated with it. Statistics show it increases clinical mastitis cases by 25%, clinical lameness by 55% and raises the risk of not conceiving by 40%. It's a death sentence for cows. Absolutely no need to be using it - sort out the marketing and processing side so the farmer gets paid a sustainable price and quit mistreating cows.

[chuckChuck]

This is old news but relevant to the topic:
Health Canada fires 3 scientists

CBC News · Posted: Jul 15, 2004 8:59 AM ET | Last Updated: July 15, 2004

Health Canada has fired three scientists who criticized the department's drug approval policies.

Shiv Chopra, Margaret Haydon and Gerard Lambert received letters of termination on Wednesday, said Steve Hindle, president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service.

FROM OCT. 7, 2002: Restrict antibiotic use in animals: scientists

FROM NOV. 19, 1999: Gov't scientist suspended over dairy hormone debacle?

Health Canada spokesperson Ryan Baker denied the three were fired because of anything they said publicly. He says the reasons are confidential and are included in the letters of termination.

In the letter Lambert received Wednesday, he says the department is firing him for failing to follow orders and showing a lack of progress in his work. He's been there for 31 years.

Lambert says the department had always liked his work before he spoke out publicly about his concerns over bovine growth hormone.

The three scientists have been involved in a series of high-profile clashes with Health Canada.

They criticized Monsanto's bovine growth hormone, which led to a Senate inquiry and a decision not to approve the drug. They also questioned carbadox, a drug used in pigs, and Baytril, which was used to promote growth in cows and chickens.

Haydon called a 2001 Canadian ban on Brazilian beef a political decision, and Chopra criticized former health minister Allan Rock for stockpiling antibiotics during the post-Sept. 11 anthrax scare.

Prior to the May 2003 discovery of mad cow in Canada, both Hayton and Chopra also warned measures to prevent the disease were inadequate. They had called for a ban on the use of animal parts in feed.

The association representing the scientists plans to mount a legal challenge to have the scientists rehired.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices

[macdon02]

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