“Maine dairy farmers face tremendous difficulties. The drastic drop in milk prices and the ever increasing costs of production have placed extreme strain on Maine’s dairy farms and the businesses that support them. I welcome the Secretary’s announcement.

This increase in the support price will have an immediate effect upon dairy farmers' bottom line by increasing the price that all dairy farmers receive for their milk. Maine dairy farmers have an exceptional work ethic that generates great economic value for Maine, and I will continue to do what I can to help them during these difficult times”

USDA estimates show that these increases, which will be in place from August 2009 through October 2009, will increase dairy farmers' revenue by $243 million.

The increase announced today (July 31st) will raise the price paid for nonfat dry milk from $0.80 per pound to $0.92 per pound, the price paid for cheddar blocks from $1.13 per pound to $1.31 per pound, and the price of cheddar barrels from $1.10 per pound to $1.28 per pound.