Release No. 246-08

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

Washington, D.C., Jan. 13, 2009 – The U. S. Department of Agriculture today announced a recommended decision to adopt amendments to the Class I price surface of the Mideast milk marketing order. This decision is based on testimony and evidence given at a public hearing held in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Aug. 19-20, 2008.

This decision recommends adoption of amendments that would adjust the Class I pricing surface in certain counties within the geographical marketing area of the Mideast order.

Interested persons have until March 16, 2009 to file comments in response to his decision. You may send your comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov.

The recommended decision will be published in the Jan. 14 Federal Register.

For additional information about the decision contact:

David Z. Walker

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

P.O. Box 5102, Brunswick, OH 44212

Tel. (330) 225-4758; email: dwalker@fmmaclev.com