BOZEMAN – A proposed inspection fee increase has dairy farmers and processors worried.
Under current Montana Department of Livestock rules, farms that produce raw milk are charged about 15 cents per 100 pounds of milk to pay for health and safety inspections.
A proposed increase would nearly double the charge to more than 27 cents and raise the minimum fee for producers to $225 per month.
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle says officials are blaming the increase on the rising cost of inspections.
The fee increase was approved by the Board of Livestock and could go into effect Jan. 1.