Most dairy farmers are pushing for it. That might mean higher consumer prices, experts say. The pending state legislative action means nothing unless Congress extends the life of the Northeast Dairy Compact and allows Pennsylvania and other states to join. The federal bill introduced this week faces regional squabbles in Congress over milk pricing. The compact expires Oct. 1.
Federal regulations control most of the milk prices, experts say.
A smaller share is added by the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board, which requires dealers to pay a premium to dairy farmers who produce and sell drinking milk. If you are a consumer, you would prefer we didn't. Jay Howes, director of policy development for the House Agriculture Committee, said farmers would benefit. State Sen. Noah Wenger, a Lancaster County Republican and a supporter of the compact, did not disagree. I don't think it will have a major impact.