MEL CARNAHAN
  GOVERNOR

JOHN L. SAUNDERS
DIRECTOR    

Dr. Ron Turner
Vice President
University Outreach
President’s Office
321 University Hall
Columbia, MO 65211

Dear Dr. Turner:

As you are aware, there have been recent discussions between the Missouri Dairy Association and the University of Missouri regarding a study of the farm-level impact of Missouri joining the proposed Southern Dairy Compact. Although the association did not pursue the study, on behalf of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, I request that this study be initiated. I have the utmost confidence that the Commercial Agriculture Program and FAPRI will conduct a sound, well-reviewed study which will allow Missouri’s dairy industry to fully evaluate the pros and cons of involvement in a compact.

Dairy compact legislation is a topic of national discussion, yet due to the regional differences of milk marketing and pricing, a complex issue to be considered by the dairy industry. Assessing the impact of Missouri’s membership in a Southern Dairy Compact will be of the utmost use to me and my staff as we work with the General Assembly in the upcoming legislative session. Since Congressional approval will also be required for Missouri to be involved in any dairy compact, the study results will be of great value to our Congressional delegation as well.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture finds the Commercial Agricultural Program and FAPRI tremendous resources in many of our programs and activities. Thanks you for your consideration and support of my request.

Sincerely,

John L Sanders
Director of Agriculture