FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 03, 2009

Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvanis Support Call for Action on Milk Pricing Petition

Estimated as contributing more than $7 billion annually to Pennsylvania's economy, the dairy industry is an important driver of the Commonwealth’s well-being, but dairy farmers are currently looking at projections that they will receive 25 to 30 percent less for their milk in 2009 than they did in 2008. Working to maintain stability for the industry, the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania is supporting Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff in his call for action on a price related petition currently before the state’s Milk Marketing Board (PMMB).

Secretary Wolff cited his desire “to ensure a viable and robust Pennsylvania dairy industry” and “an adequate and affordable supply of milk and other dairy products to consumers” in asking the PMMB to reach a final decision on a proposal which would allow the state’s dairy farmers to receive an over-order premium on Class I milk produced and processed in Pennsylvania and sold in New Jersey. The Secretary called this a “modest proposal” and thanking the Board for the time it has spent reviewing and contemplating the evidence, he expressed his hope it would “act swiftly.”

Calling the current situation for the dairy industry “precarious,” the Secretary referenced assistance at the Federal level that is almost certain, but said “it is also important that Pennsylvania exercise all available authority.”

The pending petition, which asks the PMMB to use its authority to capture over-order premiums in other marketing areas for the state’s dairy producers, was filed by the Governor, the Secretary, dairy cooperatives, and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau two years ago.

On behalf of the membership, leadership of the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania has sent a letter to the PMMB supporting the Secretary of Agriculture’s request for a swift decision. The PDMP letter also expressed solidarity with the PMMB saying in the past it “has demonstrated its concern for the health and vitality of the industry.”

“These are dire and trying economic times for Pennsylvania dairy producers and for our state’s dairy industry,” wrote PDMP President Rod Hissong in the letter requesting a timely decision.

PDMP is an organization of progressive, positive-minded dairy producers and agribusiness leaders. Its mission is to advance the dairy industry in Pennsylvania through improved productivity and profitability. For more information on PDMP, visit their website at www.pdmp.org or email info@pdmp.org.