AFBF Urges USDA to Use Emergency Authority to Ensure Fair Pricing for Dairy Farmers

The American Farm Bureau Federation sent a letter today to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the agency to issue a final decision on an emergency basis to speed the implementation of the “higher-of” Class I mover formula to buffer dairy farmers from further losses during the forthcoming Federal Milk Marketing Order rulemaking process.

“The comprehensive process of amending federal orders, though important, means dairy farmers remain stuck with current pricing regulations until USDA publishes a final rule,” Sam Kieffer, AFBF vice president of public policy, said in the letter, which also notes that FMMO reform is in step five of a 12-step process. “The current Class I mover was a well-intentioned policy misstep that has reduced dairy farmers’ checks, with little relief in sight. Emergency implementation of the ‘higher-of’ Class I mover formula will help buffer against persistent losses associated with mistaken and outdated policies that have left dairy farmers struggling to make ends meet.”

AFBF economist Danny Munch read the letter into the official record as the last witness of the hearing process. AFBF has participated in the full 49 days of the hearing, which began on Aug. 23, 2023.

Video: Case IH Farmall Super 120M Explained — Power, Comfort & Capability

Case IH brings back an icon with the Farmall Super 120M, a premium utility tractor that blends classic Farmall heritage with modern performance and technology.

In this video, Brian Williams, Livestock Product Specialist for Case IH, walks through the standout features that make the Super 120M a powerful and versatile option for livestock operations, loader work, and daily farm tasks.

Key Features of the Farmall Super 120M:

— ActiveDrive 16x16 transmission

— 3.6L diesel engine

— And more!

Available in 110 and 120 Super M horsepower, this tractor represents the top tier of the Farmall lineup—combining durability, comfort, and performance with nearly a century of Farmall legacy dating back to 1923.