AMS No. 214-05

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2005 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture today issued an interim order amending current provisions of the Mideast Federal milk marketing order. The interim order was approved by Mideast dairy farmers.

This interim order amends the performance standards of the order. The amendments include: 1) prohibiting the ability to simultaneously pool the same milk on the Mideast Federal milk order and on a marketwide equalization pool administered by another government entity;

2) lowering the diversion limit standards; and

3) increasing the performance standards for supply plants.

The interim amendments to the order will become effective on Oct. 1, 2005. Public comments on the tentative partial decision published in the Federal Register on July 27, 2005, are due by Sept. 26, 2005. USDA will issue a final decision once all comments are received and analized.

For additional information about the decision contact:

Mideast: David Z. Walker

Market Administrator

USDA-AMS-Dairy

P.O. Box 5102

1325 Industrial Parkway North

Brunswick, Ohio 44212

(330) 225-4758