January 20, 2009
US dairy industry worries on Obama administration
Ahead of Barack Obama's inauguration as US President on Tuesday, the conservative US dairy producers are worried about the effects of the new administration.
Wisconsin dairy farmer Cris Peterson said there is a concern that the new government will implement more regulations on the dairy industry and become more involved in markets.
Producers fear that the new government would strengthen the US Environment Protection Agency, which was held largely in check by the Bush administration. The stronger agency could then restrict and limit dairy operations even more.
The Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), with more than 700 dairy cows, are already required to complete a large amount of paperwork annually documenting their strict handling of dairy manure.
While those herds make up less than 5 percent of total dairy farm numbers, they produce nearly 50 percent of the country's milk.
