Farmer, processor say passage of FMMOs important

Farmers and processors are pleased the federal milk marketing order updates have been approved, but more regional changes could be coming.

Hatley, Wisconsin farmer and new Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative President Heidi Fischer says, "As a dairy farmer myself, the approval of the referendum is important to our farm. We need to know that when the milk leaves our farm, everyday we have the confidence that we will receive fair and accurate payments for our milk."

When asked if farmers had enough wins to offset the losses including higher make allowances and marketing fees, Fischer says, "I think we did move ahead as far as with the butterfat. I think we were a little bit disappointed that there wasn't as much with the protein."

USDA's Deputy Administrator of the Dairy Program Dana Coale says there could be additional hearings to address issues within some of the eleven federal orders, and Fisher says she supports re-examining protein pay. "Both on a national and a regional level, I think we need to revisit this so I'm happy with that there was movement but I'm also looking forward to that further conversation."

Greg Siegenthaler is Vice President of Grande Cheese and the newly-elected Dairy Business Association President. From a processor's perspective, he welcomes the clear direction moving forward. "For us as the processor, we know what the rules are and with pooled milk, we'll abide by those rules, right. I think terms of sale are big and federal order minimum establishments are also big so I think that's one of the big accomplishments for the year."

Fisher and Siegenthaler made their comments during the Dairy Strong Conference in Green Bay shortly after the results of the producer referendum on the federal orders was announced Thursday.