Release No. 273-06

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

Becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 16, 2006 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture will hold a public information session Dec. 5, 2006, to address proposals received to amend the federal order Class III and Class IV product price formulas. The session will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the USDA Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 107-A, Washington, DC, 20250.

The purpose of the session is for interested parties to learn about the intent of proposals that have been submitted to amend Class III and Class IV product price formulas. The session will enable proponents to better prepare testimony and evidence in support of, or in opposition to proposals that may possibly be included in a future Class III and IV hearing notice. The session will not become part of an official hearing record and will be conducted outside of ex-parte rules. This will allow government officials to freely discuss proposed amendments.

USDA strongly encourages all parties who have submitted proposals to participate in the information session. Additional information regarding the session is available at http://www.ams.usda.gov/dairy.