Your Opinions

Governors must take stand for dairy farmers

It’s time for the governors across the United States to step up to the plate.

As a result of the continued decline in milk prices being paid to dairy farmers all across the United States, and because of the lack of appropriate action being taken by the US Congress to correct these inequities facing the majority of dairy farmers, therefore, this week, the Progressive Agriculture Organization (ProAg) is urging all 48 governors in the continental US to declare a state of emergency in the rural areas in their individual states.

Pro-Ag is urging the governors to work with all state and Federal elected or appointed officials to take immediate action to correct the inequities facing the majority of dairy farmers.

In the letter to the governors, Pro-Ag lists the number of dairy farmers in the individual state, along with the approximate amount of milk being produced in their state.

Pro-Ag also illustrates the total dollar losses to the dairy farmers.

We use a multiplier of five on the losses being experienced by dairy farmers to determine the extreme loss to the rural economy across the US.

For instance, in Pennsylvania there are approximately 6500 dairy farmers and they produce nearly 10 billion pounds of milk each year. Pennsylvania dairy farmers are losing $500 million annually in lost revenue, and the rural area in Pennsylvania is losing $2.5 billion annually.

Working with officials of the Economic Research Service (a division of the USDA), we have determined the real national average cost of producing milk to be $21.87 per cwt. (hundredweight). Using the weighted average prices paid to dairy farmers in all 10 Federal Orders, for 2015 the price was $16.70, 2016 $15.38, and 2017 $16.96, and the average for the three years was $16.35.

The latest pounds of milk being produced in the US is approximately 212 billion pounds. Using a $5 per cwt. loss means the underpayment to dairy farmers is at least $10.6 billion per year.

Equally important, the loss to the rural economy is at least $53 billion. However, since we started this project, new figures illustrate that dairy farmers are now currently losing $6 per cwt., and if this continues, then the dairy farmers’ underpayment could reach $13 billion, along with the rural loss reaching $63 billion per year. This is totally unacceptable!

Pro-Ag can be reached at (570) 833-5776. tinued support and dedication, Catholic Charities may not be able to provide these services.

For more than 25 years, Catholic Charities has shared in the dedication of the United Way of Greater Oneida, Inc. to empower and strengthen individuals and families in Madison County. We look forward to continuing our joint effort in assisting those in need.

Catholic Charities wishes to extend to the many United Way volunteers and businesses our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for supporting the United Way of Greater Oneida, Inc. Through your contributions you are helping to build a stronger and more prosperous community.