Not only will we be unable to compete in the compact markets but compact surpluses will invade non-compact markets and erode demand for our dairy products. Requiring taxpayers to prop up dairy producers in one area at the expense of more efficient dairy operations in another region is not sound public policy. For good reason, our founding fathers sought to facilitate and protect interstate commerce rather than restrict it. Our current dairy policies clearly show that restricted interstate trade is both bad for consumers and for business. If our current dairy policies continue unchanged by Congress, our remaining dairy farmers will fall victim to congressionally condoned interstate economic isolationism instead of healthy trade and fair competition.
Midwestern farmers deserve an equal playing field.
Hopefully, these hearings can open our eyes to the negative impact of our nation's dairy policies. For 63 years, my dairy farmers have had to fight federal dairy policies that punish them for living in my district. Unfortunately, never before has the need for reform been so great. This antiquated and outdated system must be replaced. Without changes, the future livelihood of Wisconsin's 20,000 remaining dairy farmers remains in doubt.