Milk Prices

* Re “Got Milk, Paying Dearly for It,” editorial, Aug. 23: As California dairy farmers, we want consumers to know that prices are a little higher right now because of the tough winter this past year which temporarily reduced the productive capability of our cows. California milk is a great value. Ounce for ounce, California low-fat milks provides over 20% more calcium than low-fat milks marketed in other parts of the country.

In addition, price comparison surveys have discovered that shopping around can mean significant savings in the cost of milk. There appears to be a variance of well over $1 per gallon in the price that different stores in the same neighborhood charge for milk. As dairy farmers we are proud of our product, but we do not control the retail price of milk.

We encourage consumers to shop around.

PETER VANDER POEL

Chairman

Milk Producers Council

Ontario