Dairy Farmers, Industry Groups Meet in Albany

Dairy farmers and industry supporters met in Albany, N.Y. on Monday, August 13 to discuss the current milk price and pricing environment. Hosted by the Agri-mark milk co-operative and co-sponsored by CoBank and Farm Credit East, the day was spent looking at what could be done to improve conditions going forward.

A tweet by Anson Tebbetts, Vermont Secretary of Agriculture, Food, and Markets:

UNDERWAY. Dairy pricing meeting in Albany #NY. Laura Ginsberg from @VTAgencyofAg addressing forum about supply management programs. Details about meeting: https://t.co/JWW4fY6iaC pic.twitter.com/2rMB2Z9i9P

— Anson Tebbetts (@anson_ag) August 13, 2018

A historical timeline of previous attempts to better coordinate the supply of milk in the U.S was reviewed. Legal perspective of what other commodities do and what's acceptable with respect to public accountability was shared. Finally, presentations were made of a few proposals that have been put forth followed by a reaction from the audience and a panel of legal experts.

Bob Wellington, Sr. Vice President at Agrimark, ran the meeting, and encouraged attendees to review the proposals, submit comments, become familiar with them. Throughout the day he repeated,: "Our best chance for a positive solution is widespread involvement."

The proposals, along with a chance to comment on each have been posted on the following website:

Dairy Farm Income Enhancement Proposals