Release No. 028-06

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

Becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

Billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 23, 2006 -- The U. S. Department of Agriculture today announced a final rule that implements amendments to the current provisions of the Pacific Northwest and Arizona-Las Vegas milk marketing orders. Producers in both milk markets approved these amendments.

This decision is based on testimony and evidence given at a public hearing held at Tempe, Ariz., beginning on Sept. 23, 2003; reconvened and continuing at Seattle, Wash., on Nov. 17, 2003, and reconvened and concluding at Alexandria, Va., on Jan. 23, 2004. Specifically, this final rule establishes a three million pound per month route disposition limit, which if exceeded, would subject a producer-handler to the pooling and pricing provisions of the Pacific Northwest and the Arizona-Las Vegas milk marketing orders.

The final rule will be published in the Feb. 24 Federal Register. The rule will become effective April 1, 2006.

For additional information about the decision contact:

Pacific Northwest and Arizona-Las Vegas:

James R. Daughtery, Market Administrator

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

1930-220th Street, S.E., Suite 102

Bothell, Washington 98021-8471

Tel. (425) 487-6009