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SECTION III FARM
LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT AND THE FAMILY
1. DAIRY POLICY U.S. dairy producers provide a high-quality, stable supply of dairy products to consumers. Dairy producers in turn need to receive a profitable return on their investment. We urge Congress to develop a comprehensive dairy program that will create an equitable means of pricing milk that does not disadvantage dairy producers. This policy should: A. Call for a single nationwide milk marketing order. Location specific differentials as part of the federal restructuring of the milk market order system should only be adopted if the differentials are coupled with a base price on all classes of milk. B. Support legislation to clarify that milk protein concentrates (MPCs) are the concentration of milk proteins from fluid milk. Milk proteins from reconstituted products (powdered milk products) cannot be considered a concentrated product and therefore classified as a remanufactured milk protein powder and be assessed a tariff similar to other imported milk powders. C. Provide transparency in milk price reporting. D. Include a base price policy for milk. The base price should help producers in all regions of the country and provide for supply management. The base price should be set at a level that allows producers to earn a fair return on their milk from the marketplace. E. The DIAP (Dairy Import Assessment Program) should remain a part of the U.S. Dairy Policy. We support North Dakota policy that includes: A. The diagnostic team approach and encourage its expansion to all family-operated livestock and dairy farms in North Dakota. B. The development of a dairy specific financing program through the Bank of North Dakota for family- owned dairies. C. Promoting the development of cooperatively owned dairy processing facilities in the state of North Dakota. 2. LIVESTOCK Livestock production is essential to the well-being of North Dakota. North Dakota Farmers Union actively promotes the development of livestock production in North Dakota as a vital component in maintaining a healthy agriculture sector. Our organization will remain a leader within the livestock industry, actively promoting its growth through leadership programs, business ventures and responsible livestock policy. 23
