USDA issues tentative make allowance decision

June 20, 2008 - - USDA has issued a tentative final decision to amend the Class III and Class IV product price formulas in all federal milk marketing orders. The decision was based on the record of three public hearings. The decision would amend the manufacturing (make) allowances for cheese, butter, nonfat dry milk (NFDM) and dry whey. Specifically, this decision would adopt the following per pound make allowances: cheese $0.2003; butter $0.1715; NFDM $0.1678; and dry whey $0.1991. This decision also increases the butter yield factor used in the Class IV formula from 1.20 to 1.211. These amendments are subject to producer approval before they can be implemented. The tentative final decision will be published in the June 20 Federal Register. Public comments are due August 19, 2008.