NMPF Looking to Help Dairy Farmers

America’s dairy farmers are struggling through a round of low milk prices across the country.  Nationally, and around the world, dairy prices have fallen from recent record highs in 2014.  Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation says prices have dropped drastically in the last 18 months.

“We’ve been on a real decline for the prices that farmers get for their milk, and that’s been true here in the U.S., it’s true in Europe, it’s true in the far east.  So, dairy farmers all around the world are suffering.”

Galen says various governments including the United States are looking at what can be done to help dairy farmers.  Galen says there are some indications that supply and demand are beginning to balance out again

“Milk production in the U.S. has been quite moderate for the last six to 12 months.  And even in Europe where they took quotas off and production increased, that bump up is starting to decline.  Milk productions in New Zealand which is a major exporter, has been trending below last year’s levels.

Galen said there are encouraging signs when it comes to demand of milk, cheese and other products.  He added a stronger dollar does make it harder for American products to compete overseas.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com