Comments on: BREAKING: Department of Justice Files Amicus Brief in Dairy Farmers of America Lawsuit

By: DOJ files amicus brief in Dairy Farmers of America lawsuit - Wild Sage News & Views

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 19:15:29 +0000

[…] to the Organization for Competitive Markets, the Statement of Interest provided by DOJ is perhaps one of the most relevant interpretations of […]

By: Joe Arens

Joe Arens — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 21:35:13 +0000

Thanks Ben, for the article. It is time Co-op owner/members understand Co-op law and that undisputedly the #1 job of Co-op CEOs and Boards is producer profitability–NOT to get rid of surplus , NOT grow market share, NOT keep raw milk prices low for exports etc. Annual meeting should be for one reason–review farmer paid price, deducts and full explainations
of same. No BS buzzwords and bragging–of course they are in great financial shape–they just take what they want in “deduct” from milk checks. Great Article!!!

By: Ben Gotschall

Ben Gotschall — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 16:39:13 +0000

In reply to Joe Arens.

Hi Joe,
We don’t know exactly what this will mean, but the DOJ’s arguments in their brief clearly indicate that they do not believe DFA can use the protection of Capper-Volstead in this case. Once the trial begins, arguments and evidence are presented, and we see the outcome, we should know more about whether this case will set a precedent that would guide other interpretations of agriculture antitrust cases.

By: Joe Arens

Joe Arens — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 16:14:03 +0000

So does this mean the millions in profits made by DFA and many dairy Co-ops from “cheap raw milk” may be illegal as violation of Capper Volstead which mandates for Co-ops to first look out for “producer/member benefit”. Will this require them to stop buying surplus raw milk at $10 so their partners can make millions on their exports, all a loss to their very own producer/members??