A final rule was published in the Federal Register on June 17, 2008 (73 FR 34175), revising the Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting Program as required by law.  The rule became effective on June 22, 2008.  This program is carried out by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

NASS is responsible for the collection of data and generation of the weekly Dairy Products Prices report comprised of information supplied by reporters under the provisions of the Act.  This responsibility includes conducting an annual survey to determine the universe of covered reporters and providing them with the necessary reporting instructions.  In addition, NASS is also responsible for serving as the initial point of contact with reporters relative to providing corrective action for issues that arise during report verifications conducted by AMS.

AMS is responsible for defining the information to be collected and for conducting verifications of reports filed by reporters covered under the Act to ensure that data supplied to NASS is accurate, complete, and conforms to the provisions of the final rule and AMS reporting instructions.  If necessary, AMS is responsible for handling enforcement actions against reporters.  In accordance with the final rule, AMS continues to verify weekly sales data reported to NASS.

This site documents several policies pertaining to the Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting Program.  It provides questions and answers in regards to reporting specifications.  Survey forms are also available along with a link to the AMS Dairy Programs site pertaining to the mandatory program.  Additional information will be added to the following links in the future as needed:

• Dairy Products Prices Q & A's
• Dairy Products Prices Program Policies and Procedures
• Dairy Background
• NASS DPP; How does it work?
• Noncompliance Flowchart
• USDA AMS Dairy Programs

Dairy Products Prices Survey Forms

• Annual Validation Questionnaire
• Cheddar Cheese
• Butter
• Nonfat Dry Milk
• Dry Whey