Release No. 241-04

Becky Unkenholz(202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 3, 2005 - The U. S. Department of Agriculture today

announced a tentative final decision that amends the current pooling provisions of the Arizona-

Las Vegas milk marketing order. This decision is based on testimony and evidence given at a

public hearing held on Sept. 23-25, 2003, in Tempe, Ariz.; Nov. 17-21, 2003, in Seattle, Wash.; and, Jan. 20-22, 2004, in Alexandria, Va.

This decision adopts, on an interim and emergency basis, an amendment to the producer

milk provision that would eliminate the ability to simultaneously pool milk on the Arizona-Las

Vegas milk order when the same milk is already pooled on a state-operated milk order that has

marketwide pooling. Interested persons have 60 days to file comments in response to the

tentative decision.

This decision appeared in the Dec. 30 Federal Register and requires producer approval. If producers approve the order as amended, USDA will issue an amended order on an interim basis.

For additional information about the decision contact:

Arizona-Las Vegas: James R. Daughtery, Market Administrator

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

1930-220th Street, S.E., Suite 102

Bothell, Washington 98021-8471

Tel. (425) 487-6009