Dairy producers urged to call CDFA in protest of 4a, 4b decision

CDFA announced last week it was implementing its Class 4a and Class 4b hearing decision effective November 1. The changes will reduce overbase prices by approximately $0.21 per hundredweight, resulting in an estimated yearly reduction in producer income of $77 million, or nearly $38,000 per California dairy. “This action will devastate California producers,” said Michael Marsh, CEO of Western United Dairymen. “This action takes money out of producer’s pockets and transfers it to the processors, at a time when some of the commodity markets have been moving up and producers are seeing a slight increase in prices. As our producers slowly recover from July’s heat-related losses, the government comes along and deals them another blow. It is a frustrating time for California dairy families.” Call Secretary Kawamura’s office at 916-654-0433 and let him know the damage this decision has done to your family and your business.