Brooks Invites Dairy Producers to Conference Call Thursday on Dean Foods Bankruptcy Filing

HARRISBURG – Dec. 7, 2020 – Sen. Michele Brooks encourages dairy producers who received a letter from Dean Foods as part of Dean’s bankruptcy proceeding to take part in an industry conference call on Thursday, Dec. 10 from 12 noon to 1 pm.

The Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board (PMMB) is working with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office and ASK LLP to resolve avoidance claim settlement offers received by Pennsylvania dairy farmers and milk haulers as part of the Dean Foods bankruptcy proceeding.

“We know these are challenging times for dairy farmers, and it is even more difficult for farmers now, in light of the latest proceedings, so I am hoping this call will give farmers valuable information and support.”

The Board expects to provide specific guidance to dairy farmers and haulers prior to the Dec. 10 call, sponsored by the Center for Dairy Excellence.  During the conference call, they will explain the next steps for farmers and haulers to resolve the settlement offers at no cost. 

Sen. Brooks echoed the directives offered by PMMB Chairman Rob Barley: “Please be patient, don’t sign anything and don’t write any checks until you receive additional guidance.”

To take part in the call, dial (978) 990-5000, enter Access Code 553371#

Date: Thursday, December 10, 2020

Time: 12 to 1 p.m.

How to Join:

Dial (978) 990-5000 via free conference call.

Enter Access Code 553371, followed by the # sign, when prompted.

You will automatically be entered into the conference call, and be muted when you join.

How to submit questions in advance:

Text/call 717-585-0766 to send your questions or email zmyers@centerfordairyexcellence.org.

Consider signing up for text alert reminders. We’ll text you a reminder the morning of the call and include the dial-in details. Text “Sign up” to 717-585-0766.

The following panelists will join the conference call on December 10:

Rob Barley and Doug Eberly, Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board. Barley and Eberly will provide updates on the Dean Foods bankruptcy and how dairy farmers should navigate any recent requests they have received for payments.

Cynthia Walters, Pennsylvania Dairy Program Director, USDA. Walters will answer questions about CFAP Round 2, DMC, and the upcoming December deadlines. She will also share how dairy producers can submit applications for direct payments even with FSA offices being closed for in-person appointments.

To ensure as many questions can be addressed as possible, questions must be submitted in advance of the call. Text/call 717-585-0766 to submit questions or email zmyers@centerfordairyexcellence.org.

“I thank the Center for Dairy Excellence and the Milk Marketing Board for their input into this situation,”

Brooks said.

 

Contact:           Diane McNaughton     (717) 787-1322     dmmcnaughton@pasen.gov 

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