AMS Release No. 073-05

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, April 11, 2005 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced a final rule amending the Pacific Northwest Federal milk marketing order. The amendment had previously been implemented on an interim basis. Producers of the Pacific Northwest milk market approved the amendment.

The amendment to the producer milk provision of the order eliminates the ability to simultaneously pool the same milk on the Pacific Northwest order and a state-operated milk order that has marketwide pooling.

The final rule will be published in the April 12 Federal Register and will become effective May 1, 2005. For additional information about the rule contact: James R. Daugherty, Market Administrator, USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs 1930-220th St., S.E., Suite 102 Bothell, Washington 98021-8471; Tel. (425) 487-6009; email: jdaugherty@fmmaseattle.com.