USDA Calls Dairy Farmer Vote on Milk Marketing Order Update [Video]

Dairy farmers will vote in the weeks ahead on a package of milk marketing reforms that includes a higher price for fresh milk destined for table consumption, said the USDA on Tuesday. The Agricultural Marketing Service issued its so-called final decision, opening the way for the farmer referendum, after a 60-day comment period and a final review of the proposed amendments.

A two-thirds majority will be needed to approve the changes in the federal milk marketing order system, which dates from 1937. There are 11 regions with marketing orders that cover most but not all 50 states and three-fourths of U.S. milk production. The USDA will mail ballots to independent milk producers and dairy cooperatives. Ballots must be post-marked by Dec. 31 and received by USDA by Jan. 15, 2025, to be counted.

The proposal would change the formula for calculating the price that processors pay to farmers for Class I milk sold …