Dairy Farmers Urged to Participate in FMMO Hearing for Price Reform

Dairy producers, here's your chance to drive change in the industry! The USDA's Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) hearing, commencing on August 23 in Carmel, Indiana, is a platform for industry stakeholders to offer their perspectives on 21 proposed changes to milk pricing.

The FMMO hearing is set to span up to three to four weeks or more, with a focus on soliciting insights from dairy farmers. Both in-person and virtual participation options are available, with Michigan Farm Bureau's Ernie Birchmeier strongly advocating for dairy farmers to actively engage.

Opting for in-person testimony allows farmers to present their views directly to USDA officials at any point during the hearing. With up to 60 minutes allocated for their testimony, there are no restrictions on cross-examination or re-directing.

For virtual participation, dairy farmers must pre-register on the Monday of their desired testifying week. They can then present their testimony on the subsequent Friday. Virtual slots are limited to 10 each week and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with 15-minute time slots available, expandable upon request.

Notably, only dairy producers can testify virtually, while other witnesses must appear in person. The FMMO hearing will continue until the Administrative Law Judge determines no further testimony is needed, with breaks for holidays.

Dairy producers' insights on de-pooling and negative producer price differentials' impact on milk checks are particularly valuable. This data aids USDA's understanding of pricing disruptions from a farmer's perspective. The FMMOs wield substantial influence on farmers' monthly earnings, underscoring the importance of farmers voicing their experiences.

To partake virtually, register at ams.usda.gov. Dive into the proposals on milk composition, surveyed commodity products, class formulas, skim milk prices, and more, shaping the future of dairy pricing. Your voice matters – join the FMMO hearing and make a difference!

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