Release No. 013-05

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox ( 202)720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 12, 2005 -- The U. S. Department of Agriculture today announced a decision that recommends amendments to the current provisions of the Pacific Northwest and Arizona-Las Vegas Federal milk marketing orders. 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.

The decision recommends establishing a three million pound per month route disposition limit, which if exceeded, would make a producer-handler subject to the pooling and pricing provisions of the Pacific Northwest and the Arizona-Las Vegas milk marketing orders.

The recommended decision will be published in the April 13 Federal Register. Interested persons have 60 days to file comments in response to the recommended decision.

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