WASHINGTON (AP)--President Bush's proposed cuts to farm payments would mean $27 million less in payments to New York dairy farmers over the next two years, Sen. Charles Schumer said Feb. 16.

Schumer, D-N.Y., who has called the White House's planned budget for 2006 the worst he's ever seen for New Yorkers, said the Bush administration should abandon its goal of shaving five percent off of all farm payments.

The program at issue for dairy farmers is known as MILC, for Milk Income Loss Contract. Created in 2002, the Department of Agriculture-run operation makes payments to producers when the wholesale price of milk falls below a set floor price.

"In New York state, in times of need, this is a program that has been very successful. Farmers have liked it, consumers have liked it," said Schumer.

Because it is based on the fluctuating price of milk, the amount of money paid out by MILC in a given year can vary greatly.

The MILC program has provided about $186 million to New York farmers since its inception, and is set to expire in September.

Schumer's figures assume future price changes will be similar to the ups and downs of the past few years.

Milk is New York's leading agricultural product. Production in 2002 was valued at $1.56 billion.

Date: 2/21/05

	Web hpj.com

Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2008.  High Plains Publishers, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com