Inspection Fees Worry Dairy Industry

Montana dairy producers are worried after the state Department of Livestock proposed increases on dairy inspection fees.

The proposal would nearly double the charge for milk producers and add a minimum $725 fee per month for processors, including cheesemakers and large producers who are not charged under current rules.

The department says it is required to charge its licensees to cover the cost of inspections.

The department's inspection program deficit is expected to rise to more than $150,000 in the next fiscal year.

Producers say it could cripple small dairies.