Dairy Industry

Congress passes Farm Bill extension, avoids increase in milk prices

The extension prevented a reversion to legislation from 1949

Pediatricians say pregnant women and children should not drink raw milk

Study says Americans opposed to government regulation of milk prices, production

Congress passed an extension to the about-to-expire Farm Bill that ensures the price of milk will not increase dramatically at the beginning of 2013. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) applauded the extension, saying that it “allows Congress time to fully and openly consider future reforms to our nation’s top dairy policies.” According to IDFA, dairy farmers will benefit from a margin insurance program that does not include new government conditions on milk production. The Dairy Security Act, championed by Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN), was not included in the extension.