Release No. 135-06

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 6, 2006 - The U. S. Department of Agriculture today announced a final decision that adopts amendments to the pooling provisions of the Upper Midwest milk marketing order that were previously discussed in a recommended decision. This decision is based on testimony and evidence given at a public hearing held in Bloomington, Minnesota, Aug. 16-19, 2004.

The amendments recommended for adoption will:1) establish a limit on the volume of milk a handler may pool during the months of April through February to 125 percent of the volume of milk pooled in the prior month; 2) establish a limit on the volume of milk a handler may pool during the month of March to 135 percent of the volume of milk pooled in the prior month; and 3) allow the market administrator to increase the maximum administrative assessment up to 8 cents per hundredweight on all pooled milk if necessary to maintain the required fund reserves.

USDA will conduct a vote on the amended order to determine producer approval. If producers approve the order as amended by this final decision, a final rule will follow to implement these changes on a permanent basis.

For additional information about the decision contact:

H. Paul Kyburz

Market Administrator

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

Suite 210

4570 West 77th Street

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55435-5037

Tel. (952) 831-5292; email: pkyburz@fmma30.com