By Jamie Martin
The House Agriculture Committee has approved a Farm Bill that includes important benefits for the U.S. dairy industry. This bill recognizes the challenges faced by dairy farmers and provides them with tools to manage risks, secure fair compensation for their milk, and operate sustainably.
Key Provisions for Dairy
- Extended Risk Management -The bill extends the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program, a vital tool for dairy farmers facing fluctuating milk prices and feed costs. Additional features improve program access and affordability.
- Protecting Milk Prices -The bill restores the "higher of" Class I mover, a formula that ensures fair minimum prices for fluid milk. This helps to stabilize dairy farmers' income.
- Expanding Export Markets -Increased funding for trade promotion programs helps dairy exporters tap into new markets and increase their sales of high-quality U.S. dairy products globally.
- Investing in Sustainability -The bill acknowledges dairy farmers' role in environmental protection. Increased funding for conservation programs allows them to adopt environmentally friendly practices on their farms.
- Combating Animal Disease: - The bill provides additional resources for animal health programs, strengthening defenses against diseases like H5N1 that threaten dairy cow health.
Building on This Progress
The House Farm Bill represents a positive step forward for the dairy industry. It is crucial for the full House and Senate to follow suit and collaborate on passing a comprehensive Farm Bill to benefit all of U.S. agriculture.
Categories: National