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Wisconsin Congressmen propose new Dairy Pricing & Policy Commission

Two Wisconsin Members of Congress want to establish a commission to help struggling dairy farmers.  Democrat Ron Kind and Republican Mike Gallagher introduced the Dairy Pricing and Policy Commission Act in the U.S. House Wednesday.

If passed, the legislation would help establish a group of farmers and other dairy industry stakeholders to evaluate problems and recommend ways to respond to periods of heightened dairy production during low prices, identify export challenges and opportunities, and consider reforms to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders.

Congressman Gallagher says problems like low milk prices predated the coronavirus pandemic, which exacerbated challenges farmers are facing.  Kind says Wisconsin dairy farmers have been facing difficult conditions for years, with two farms a day closing even before the COVID-19 crisis. The bipartisan bill has support from the Wisconsin Farmers Union and Wisconsin Farm Bureau.