10 Years Ago

Herald of Oct. 29 2009

With dairy farmers getting milk checks at 1970s levels, it’s time for action, speakers said Thursday evening at a meeting on milk prices.

About 300 people turned out for the meeting at Central High School and heard four speakers discuss what was called the “milk price crisis.”

David Rama, owner of the Cattle Exchange of Dehli, N.Y., was the most forceful speaker.

Since his business is selling cattle, Rama said, he’s decided to enter the fray over milk pricing procedures. Rama told the audience that the situation is dire and urgent.

“Everyone’s barn is on fire and no one can help anyone else,” he said. “Our leaders aren’t doing what could be done.”

Proposals for solutions ranged from political activism to a complex plan to stabilize dairy product prices, offered by Holstein Association USA, the largest breed organization in the world. It is comprised of members who have an interest in breeding, raising and milking Holstein cattle, and an interest in milk prices.