Hearing on Pennsylvania Milk Pricing and Dairy Policy Scheduled

Senator Lisa Baker Says Hearing Local Dairy Farmers

WAYMART – A joint informational hearing of the Senate and House Agriculture and Rural Affairs committees will be held in Harrisburg later this month to discuss issues facing our dairy farmers and the dairy industry in Pennsylvania. Senator Lisa Baker says the hearing was scheduled in response to input provided by dairy farmers in Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming counties at a listening session in Waymart in April.

"The Agriculture Committee came to learn about agriculture issues and priorities in Northeastern Pennsylvania. After hearing what we had to say, Senator Mike Brubaker [committee chair] determined that dairy issues needed immediate attention," Baker said. "I applaud his responsiveness to our farmers and his willingness to address the issue."

Senator Brubaker added that his committee has heard with repetition that milk prices are far too low and that feed, energy and other costs are far too high for dairy farmers to continue to operate. "Many have already gone out of business," he said. "And others forecast that they will be forced to sell their cows within the next month or two if assistance is not provided."

The hearing will take place on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building in Harrisburg. The public is welcome to attend.