When milk prices plummeted in 2009, wiping out years of savings and causing hundreds of dairy farms to go under, struggling farmers pleaded for the government to do something to help stabilize prices and inspire growth.
They may soon get their wish.
Lawmakers are beginning to discuss changes to the safety net for the nation's dairy farmers in an effort to make the milk industry more profitable and less reliant on federal subsidies. One plan would replace several outdated programs with reforms meant to keep supply and demand in balance.
Many dairy producers are grateful for the proposal, saying it would help eliminate the roller-coaster price swings that have done so much damage. Others, however, say the real answer is less government interference, not more.
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