AMS No. 208-03

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2003 –– The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced a final rule that will make permanent provisions to the Upper Midwest Federal Milk Marketing Order that were previously implemented on an interim basis. Producers of the Upper Midwest milk market approved these amendments.

Specifically, this final rule continues to prohibit the ability to simultaneously pool the same milk on the Upper Midwest Federal milk order and on a State-operated milk order that has marketwide pooling. Additionally, this rule continues to limit the amount of milk that can be diverted to nonpool plants from pool distributing plants regulated under the order. The final rule will become effective Sept. 1, 2003.

For additional information about the rule contact: H. Paul Kyburz, Upper Midwest Market Administrator; USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs; Suite 210, 4570 West 77th Street, Minneapolis, Minn. 55435-5037; Tel. (952) 831-5292; e-mail: pkyburz@fmma30.com.