Bernie Kamphof

Cow whisperer, soil farmer, board member, and municipal councillor. Try to learn something new every day. Sporadically tweeting stuff that happens around here.

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

@islandviewag We have a sandy loam, also farm some muck and clay. We spread manure on a bunch of ground before planting and also have stones to contend with so spring is always a month (or two) of mass panic with a couple days of rain delays mixed in, 2026 is shaping up to be normal.

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

Here we gooooo!!!

#plant2026

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

@islandviewag Cooler and wetter than we would like, but had a few windows to squeeze some fieldwork in.
The corn seed in the pic was planted on May 8th, had -4°C on May 21 so it’s ok that it’s still buried underground!

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

Been a cold and cloudy not-quite-spring. Snowbanks and drifts still hanging on in many places.
Today we checked one small field that slopes to the south and surprisingly had dried enough to stir up some dirt and bury some corn seeds! #Plant2026

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

Monday 7:40am in the toilet repair aisle at Home Depot. Yay having rental houses. 🫤

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

"This is not a handout" lol

[Ronald K. OBrien II @rko2milk]

Introducing: Make America More Ground Beef (MAMGB)

MAMGB is a farmer-first USDA proposal that would allow dairy farmers to monetize surplus dairy-origin cattle, while simultaneously increasing domestic beef supply and helping lower grocery prices for American families.

This is not a mandate. It is completely voluntary, open to all U.S. dairy operations, regardless of size or location. If approved, the program could launch as early as this spring.

But to move it forward, USDA needs to hear directly from dairy farmers, and that’s where you come in.

How the Program Works
MAMGB is designed to divert 800,000–1,000,000 additional dairy-origin cattle in spring 2026, adding 900 million–1.1 billion pounds of lean trim to the ground beef market.

That added supply is projected to:
• Lower retail ground beef prices 18–25%
• Increase overall beef demand
• Support packing plants and rural jobs

This aligns with the latest national dietary guidance, which encourages affordable, high-quality protein for American families.

Two Simple, Voluntary Tracks
• Immediate Cull Track
• Cull dairy cows of any age or condition
• $1,600 per head, plus a $200 early-delivery bonus
• Total potential payment: up to $1,800 per head
• Paid upon proof of slaughter (within 30 days)
• Feedlot Beef Track
• Dairy heifers over 400 lbs
• Shipped to approved feedlots for a minimum finishing period
• $1,800 per head, plus $200 early bonus
• Total potential payment: up to $2,000 per head

Payments are on top of normal market sale prices.

Protecting Your Herd & the Industry
This program was intentionally designed with guardrails to protect long-term dairy viability:
• Above-baseline rule: Incentives apply only to additional animals beyond your normal culling levels.
• Example: If your historical average is 10 culls per month, only cow #11 and above qualify.
• Strict dairy-only verification: Breed checks, RFID, and packer attestations ensure only dairy-origin animals qualify.
• Capacity safeguards: Real-time monitoring pauses regional signups if plants reach 90% capacity, preventing bottlenecks.
• USDA-aligned caps: A per-entity payment cap aligns with standard USDA program limits.

Simple Enrollment, Farmer Support
Enrollment would occur through the FSA portal or local county offices, with support from farmer-first organizations, including WUD, to assist with records, baselines, and verification.

Why Your Voice Matters
This is not a handout. It’s a farmer-driven solution to a real oversupply problem, one that turns excess animals into revenue, supports rural jobs, and helps American families afford food.

But this program needs dairy farmers to speak up together.

The dairy industry is often divided. That division works against us. If we unify around a practical, voluntary solution like MAMGB, we can force momentum where it matters most.

Take Action Today

Sign the quick farmer letter (https://t.co/i8SYC8xW56) to show USDA that dairy farmers support this solution.

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

@MaizeingPete Six pounds ?
That is some pie and chocolate.
You didn’t just fall off the wagon you got dragged behind it for a few miles lol

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

@kowalchukfarms1 -8°C also here in NW Ontario but a balmy +4°C inside with the hardworking crew.
Beamootiful in here!

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

@josh_sayler That is an ok yield - nothing to be ashamed of, but looks like only about 25-30 acres worth of harvest from some of our most 'productive' land.

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

@kowalchukfarms1 Fun fact I learnt when I visited in 2017 - the Colosseum was used to pasture cattle after it had fallen into disuse and ruin before people thought to begin to preserve and restore it.

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

@KevinHollandMPP @BlueJays "Word Series" ?

Is this a spelling bee or something lol

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

@CousineauAlbert Here’s a cow to help direct the algorithm lol

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

The last sunset from my station up on the silage bagger for hopefully a bit of time.
Almost three weeks
400+ acres of barley silage
194 acres alfalfa silage
I’m ready for a different view lol

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

@HV_holsteins lol. That fine piece of automotive engineering is a 2011 GMC Sierra.
Recently demoted from my ‘good’ truck to just a farm beater now.

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

Another #sunset from the silage bag pad. #harvest25

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

@Milkabot Always the correct answer 🙄

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

Another smoky day about to sunset. #viewfromthebagger

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

@islandviewag @LowBoomLowDrift @SeCan No winter barley here, was always told it would never survive the winter. Wasn’t aware there has been success with winter barley in the prairies which would have harsher winters than my farm.
I’m intrigued now 🤔

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

@TorontoStar More drivel from extreme vegan @JessLReid
Her motivation is the total elimination of all animal agriculture.
I’ll give her credit
for her persistence at chipping away at her goal, one manipulated lie filled story at a time.

[Bernie Kamphof @BernieKamphof]

@agarcv @parviewfarms As someone with the privilege to be involved with decisions to invest provincial tax dollars these kinds of stories hit home.
Thanks for passing it along.