Release No. 168-08

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

Washington, D.C., Aug. 29, 2008 – The U. S. Department of Agriculture today announced an interim rule that delays the effective date of an Interim Final Rule published July 31, 2008 amending the manufacturing cost allowances and the butterfat yield factor used in Class III and Class IV product-price formulas in all Federal milk marketing orders. The effective date, which had been Sept. 1, 2008, will now be Oct. 1, 2008. USDA is delaying the effective date because of a complaint filed in the U. S. District Court for the District of Columbia to enjoin the implementation of the revised manufacturing allowances and butterfat yield factor. Delaying implementation allows sufficient time for a preliminary injunction hearing.

The interim rule will be published in the Sept. 3 Federal Register. For additional information contact: Jack Rower – Marketing Specialist, USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs, Stop 0231 Room 2961-S 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250 0231, (202) 720-7183, e mail address: jack.rower@usda.gov.