The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative commends the House of Representatives on their passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

“This trade agreement is important for U.S. trade, most particularly dairy. It is no secret that this trade agreement addressed several trade issues that have been concerning for U.S. dairy farmers, most notably the class 7 pricing issue and limited market access. Today’s passage of the USMCA in the House is a great step forward for all three countries,” says John Rettler, dairy farmer from Neosho, Wis. and president of FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative. “It is great to share some good news for dairy farmers.”

Passage of the USMCA in the House of Representatives brings the agreement one step closer to the finish line.

“Today’s overwhelming bipartisan vote showcases the support across party lines. U.S. dairy is a real winner with this agreement, but our work is not done,” says Jeff Lyon, FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative General Manager. “We will work with our Senate leaders to ensure that this legislation continues to be a top priority going into 2020. We are optimistic that it will be swiftly passed when the time comes in the new year and that we can begin implementing it with our trading partners to the north and the south.”

“The leadership and support by our Upper Midwest members of Congress to get USMCA passed was fantastic,” says Lyon. “FarmFirst appreciates their recognition of improved trade policies and expanded market access which is critical for dairy farmers’ long-term success.”

FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, established in 2013 and based in Madison, Wis., represents farmers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana by providing legislative and regulatory advocacy, dairy marketing services, disaster protection, laboratory testing opportunities and industry promotion. FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative is a merger of three long-time prominent Wisconsin-based cooperatives. Learn more about FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative by visiting: www.FarmFirstDairyCooperative.com.