AMS Release No. 032-04

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23. 2004 –– The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the Western Milk Marketing Order will be terminated effective April 1, 2004.

A referendum held to determine approval by producers did not obtain the necessary two-thirds vote in favor of adopting the amended order. Under these circumstances, the continuation of the existing Western order would not be in conformity with the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act, the statute which authorizes milk marketing orders.

Certain administrative provisions of the order will remain in effect for a month or two to allow the market administrator time to complete plant audits and to close out the operation of the order. Once that work has been completed, USDA will terminate the remaining provisions of the order.

The notice of the termination of the order will be published in the Feb. 24 Federal Register.