By Blake Jackson
The USDA's proposed changes to the national milk pricing system have sparked concern among Wisconsin farmer groups.
The proposed updates to the federal milk marketing orders, which set minimum prices for milk, aim to address issues caused by market disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tyler Wenzlaff, Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s director of national affairs, said one of the USDA’s proposals would correct the problem that hurt farmer’s milk checks in 2020 and 2021.
Darin Von Ruden, president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union, echoed Wenzlaff's disappointment, stating that the proposed updates do not create a fairer pricing system. “Processors are getting a make allowance that guarantees most of them will be making a profit,” said Von Ruden, who is a third-generation dairy farmer. “Meanwhile, farmers are just going to continue to receive less of that consumer dollar because of the increased costs that the processors will be receiving.”
The organizations expressed frustration with the lack of more significant changes to the milk pricing system, either through revisions to the federal milk marketing orders or through a new farm bill.
The proposed changes are set to be voted on by the farmer cooperatives in each milk marketing order region. Wenzlaff warned that a "no" vote could result in Wisconsin farmers losing the protections and guarantees offered by the federal system.
To help farmers understand their options, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau is planning informational meetings in the coming months.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-digitalvision
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Dairy Cattle