Dairy Pricing Changes, Specialty Crop Aid, and FSIS Leadership Update - USDA Weekly Digest

Welcome to this week's USDA update. The most significant headline comes from the Agricultural Marketing Service, which has issued a final decision on amendments to all eleven Federal milk marketing orders. This decision proposes changes to the uniform pricing formulas, which were requested by the dairy industry to better reflect current market conditions. The proposed changes include updates to formulas and factors, a reduction in the delayed implementation of revised skim milk composition factors, and the inclusion of a marketing cost factor in all make allowances[1].

These changes aim to provide more accurate pricing for dairy producers and will be put to a producer referendum in each of the eleven Federal milk marketing orders. Eligible producers will have the opportunity to vote in favor of or opposition to the proposed amendments, with ballots needing to be postmarked by December 31, 2024, and returned by January 15, 2025.

In other news, the USDA has announced more than $2 billion in support for specialty crop producers impacted by natural disasters in 2024. The new Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops initiative and the Commodity Storage Assistance Program are designed to help farmers overcome market barriers and access necessary pre-market storage for their crops. These programs are particularly crucial for southeastern farmers who faced devastating hurricanes this season[3].

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the importance of these programs, stating, "Specialty crop producers play a critical role in the success of U.S. agriculture, and these programs will be important for producers in every corner of the United States, but they come at an especially critical time for southeastern farmers."

Additionally, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service has announced leadership changes, with Dr. Denise Eblen named as the new Administrator. Dr. Eblen brings 25 years of experience in food safety and will continue to steer the agency towards science-based decision-making to improve public health[4].

The USDA has also been working to support farmers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Multiple Farm Recovery Centers will be held in December 2024, providing assistance to producers in need[5].

In terms of next steps, eligible dairy producers should look out for ballots to participate in the producer referendum on the proposed amendments to the Federal milk marketing orders. Additionally, specialty crop producers can expect applications for the new assistance programs to open in December 2024.

For more information on these developments and how they may impact you, visit the USDA's website. If you're a dairy producer, don't forget to participate in the upcoming referendum to have your voice heard. Thank you for tuning in to this week's USDA update.