U.S. Dairy Farming & Demand: Policies & Economics

Financial stress encountered by dairy farmers in recent years has led Congress and the industry to reconsider how to deal with fluctuations in milk prices and financial prospects for dairy farmers. Some Members have voiced interest in alternatives to current federal programs (which expire in 2012). Alternative policies could either be incorporated into the next omnibus farm bill or enacted separately before expiration. The dairy industry is currently developing or advocating a variety of policy changes. This book examines dairy policy options for the next farm bill which are loosely categorized as either supply management, market-based, or tiered-pricing. These proposals have implications for U.S. dairy farmers, competitiveness of the U.S. dairy industry, and international trade.