UPDATED: MARCH 28, 2013

The federal government is seeking comments regarding the existing product specifications used in the Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting Program, which has been administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service since April 2012. The program data is used monthly in the formulas that determine Federal Milk Marketing Order minimum component and class prices for milk.

The program requires companies to report the weekly sales information for butter, nonfat dry milk, 40-pound cheddar cheese blocks, 500-pound cheddar cheese barrels and dry whey. AMS is soliciting comments on specifications for these products, including style, moisture content, age, grade, color and packaging, as well as exclusions.

The deadline for submitting comments is April 30. After reviewing the comments, AMS will decide whether it will issue a proposed rule inviting public comment on proposed changes to the reporting program.

• Read DPMRP Policies and Procedures here.

For more information, contact Bob Yonkers, IDFA vice president and chief economist, at byonkers@idfa.org.

This story has been updated to correct the listing of products.