Federal Milk Marketing Order Hearing to Resume on January 16

Thursday, January 4, 2024

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the resumption of the national public hearing on January 16, 2024, to deliberate proposals aiming to amend the uniform pricing formulas utilized across all 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs).

Already in progress for 60 days, the hearing is set to reconvene at the 502 East Event Centre, located at 502 East Carmel Drive, Carmel, Indiana, 46032.

Dairy producers have the opportunity to provide in-person testimony during the hearing, with virtual testimony no longer an available option. Testimonies need not be submitted in advance, even for those testifying on behalf of a proponent, but should be filed by 8 a.m. on the scheduled testimony day.

Copies of the reconvening notice, participation guidelines, and exhibits entered during the hearing are accessible on the National Federal Milk Marketing Order Pricing Formula Hearing webpage. Further information and copies of the notice can also be obtained from USDA/AMS/Dairy Program; STOP 0225 - Rm. 2530; 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0225.

The proposed amendments aim to address significant changes in the dairy industry and milk marketing since the formulas' adoption in the early 2000s. Out of 40 proposals submitted, 21 directly impact the uniform pricing formulas and are under consideration.

Roger Cryan, American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist, has previously testified on behalf of AFBF, emphasizing the necessity of updating Class I and Class II price differentials to ensure fairness for dairy farmers within FMMOs.

Class I differentials are designed to encourage milk movement to meet demand, while the Class II differential intends to reflect the higher value of Class II milk compared to Class IV milk, historically based on processing dynamics.

For those interested in participating in the hearing, timely notification to a USDA official upon arrival is required. Individuals requiring special accommodations should contact FMMOHearing@usda.gov at least five days prior to their arrival.

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