Judge: Settlement Payment to Dairy Farmers is Inadequate

WeighRite-dairy_pix_2-1-13_044_-_Copy
WeighRite-dairy_pix_2-1-13_044_-_Copy

A judge has rejected a proposed settlement between cooperative Dairy Farmers of America and Northeast dairy farmers over an alleged effort to drive down prices paid to farmers.

U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss says the payments to farmers from the $50 million proposal are inadequate if there are no significant changes to how the cooperative does business. She also says the farmers' lawyers would be the primary beneficiaries of the proposed settlement if their fees are approved.

The 2009 class-action lawsuit charged the cooperative, its marketing arm and Dallas-based Dean Foods with working together to monopolize the market for raw milk in the Northeast.

The settlement would have provided about $4,000 to more than 7,000 dairy farmers. Dean Foods agreed to a separate $30 million settlement in 2011.

 

Latest News

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

Success is All in the Details at Kansas Dairy Development
Success is All in the Details at Kansas Dairy Development

Kansas Dairy Development provides temporary housing for up to 80,000 head of cattle — from a few days old to springers nearly ready to calve. Their formula for success is all in the details.

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

Built Out of Love: How Two Sisters Created a Super-Fast-Growing Yogurt Company
Built Out of Love: How Two Sisters Created a Super-Fast-Growing Yogurt Company

Travel to the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, and you’ll meet Hayley and Stephanie Painter who not only made the Forbes 30 under 30 list, but have also created one of the fastest growing yogurt company in the U.S.

"Boring" Technology Will Reshape Dairy Over the Next 10 Years
"Boring" Technology Will Reshape Dairy Over the Next 10 Years

Once a technology becomes a boring experience it means it has become proven, well-adopted, and easy to utilize. There are three "boring" technologies silently shaping the industry.

Influential Dairy Leaders Awarded World Dairy Expo Recognition Awards
Influential Dairy Leaders Awarded World Dairy Expo Recognition Awards

World Dairy Expo is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2024 Expo Recognition Awards. These individuals have made remarkable contributions to the dairy industry and their communities.