Release No. 270-05

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 21, 2006 - The U. S. Department of Agriculture today announced a recommended decision to adopt amendments to the pooling provisions of the Mideast milk marketing order. This decision is based on testimony and evidence given at a public hearing held in Wooster, Ohio, from March 7-10, 2005.

The amendments recommended for adoption would:1) Establish a limit on the volume of milk a handler may pool during the months of April through February to 115 percent of the volume of milk pooled in the prior month; and 2) Establish a limit on the volume of milk a handler may pool during the month of March to 120 percent of the volume of milk pooled in the prior month.

The recommended decision will be published in the Feb. 22 Federal Register. Public comments are due April 24th.

For additional information about the decision contact:

David Z. Walker

Market Administrator

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

P.O. Box 5102

1325 Industrial Parkway North

Brunswick, Ohio 44212

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