With the Federal Milk Marketing Order hearing now complete, USDA is now considering the more than 12,000 pages of testimony as it formulates a plan for FMMO modernization.

The National Milk Producers Federation says the key to a successful modernization is a comprehensive approach that addresses the complexity of federal orders in a way that respects the entire dairy industry while keeping in mind that orders most fundamentally must work for farmers. They say that is the bedrock principle behind proposals on areas ranging from returning to the “higher-of” Class I mover to updating milk composition factors.

“You can’t look at the federal order system having not been updated in 20 years and not address all facets of the industry,” says Stephen Cain, NMPF Senior Director for Economic Research and Analysis.