By Blake Jackson
The Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association (MDVA) is urging the USDA to modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system. The cooperative's board of directors testified at a recent hearing, calling for changes to the Class I mover, Class I differentials, and make allowances.
MDVA believes that these changes are necessary to ensure fair compensation for dairy farmers and to ensure the sustainability of the U.S. dairy industry.
David Pool, a dairy farmer and the co-op's first vice president, testified on the importance of increasing Class I differentials. He noted that it has been more than 20 years since Class I differentials have been evaluated, and that the current system is unfair to farmers in some regions.
Mike John, the co-op's executive vice president of milk marketing, testified on the importance of make allowances. He said that the current system does not adequately account for the costs of manufacturing different types of dairy products.
MDVA is committed to working with the USDA to bring much-needed modernization to the FMMO system. The cooperative believes that these changes are essential for the long-term health of the U.S. dairy industry.
Photo Credit: Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Dairy Cattle