Release No. 261-03

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, DC, Oct. 31, 2003 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that a referendum will be conducted for the purpose of determining producer approval of the Western Milk Marketing Order, as amended in the Aug. 8 Tentative Final Decision Additionally, USDA is extending the deadline for filing comments to that decision as it pertains to the Western Order to April 1, 2004.

The Aug. 8 Tentative Final Decision amended pooling provisions of the Western order. Determination of producer approval of the order, by a polling of cooperatives, could not be ascertained so a referendum must be held.

James R. Daugherty has been designated the referendum agent. The referendum order and extension of the comment period appears in today's Federal Register. The referendum shall be completed on or before Dec. 1, 2003.

For additional information about the decision and the conduct of this referendum contact: James R. Daugherty, Pacific Northwest, Arizona-Las Vegas, and Western Market Administrator; USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs: 1930 - 220th Street, S.E., Suite 102, Bothell, Washington 98021-8471; Tel. (425) 487-6009; email fmmaseattle@fmmaseattle.com.