Economic Effects of U.S. Dairy Programs

Based on econometric analysis, this article estimates effects of terminating the milk order system and milk price support, singly and together, over the period 1966-90. Since 1980, milk orders have raised the national blend price by 1-2%; price support has raised the blend price to well above the market clearing price, by over 21% in 1983. Short- and long-run benefits and costs are estimated for various policy options under 1990 conditions.