“We provide a product to feed the world,” the 37-year-old dairyman said, “and we can’t afford to feed our families.”

With Davitt’s barn as the stage and part of his herd as the backdrop, Casey listened for more than an hour Friday as about 20 area dairy farmers pleaded their case for federal assistance to help keep their operations afloat.

The Scranton Democrat, who sits on the Senate Agriculture Committee, came to Davitt Farm to discuss the 2007 Farm Bill now pending in Congress. Final passage is expected in the fall.

Davitt and others said they can’t wait that long. “We’re asking you to help. This is the last straw,” Davitt, who took over the family farm in 1992, told the senator. “We need money now. We can’t wait six months. We’ll be out of business in six months.”

The problem is production costs that are far outstripping the prices farmers receive for their milk, which is sold in units of 100 pounds — about 11.6 gallons. Davitt said his costs are $19 to $20 per hundredweight; he’s paid $15 per hundredweight — $13.50 after hauling costs are deducted.

The farmers told Casey they need a simplified milk pricing system that sets the minimum price at a level closer to their actual production costs.

Source: The Citizens' Voice