As the number of farmers goes down the number of farms continue to go up. The guy in the next cubicle probably owns one.

i Really could never dream of being a dairy farmer nor frankly why anyone would ever choose this as their avocation , it is seriously hard and it is EVERY stinking day. I mean Every day. As for stagnant prices ? Well how much should a gallon cost? Its almost as costly as a gallon of gas!

mplssell- seriously? please provide a reference for your allegation--or retract it. Sure farms look different today than they did a hundred years ago, just like most everything else in our lives, but I consider most (not all, but most) of the changes to be improvements. Minnesota may have fewer dairies today, but we still have a mix of large and small dairies, many with more than one parnter but usually family, to allow a little time off. check out this site- http://www.mda.state.mn.us/animals/livestock/ten-reasons-to-dairy.aspx

I'm with imaginethat when it comes to your statements, mplssell. I grew up on a family-owned dairy in the northern burbs and wanted to continue the family tradition. My parents & my Dad's two brothers, however, nixed it. The farm was sold to developers and provided a comfortable retirement for the folks. But I still miss the cows and will stand in the empty barn these days mourning the passing of those lost times. The work was hard but healthy and the pace was far more tolerable than it is where my cubicle is situated. As soon as I get home, I change into my "bibs" and get to work trying to save what's left of my past.

Why is the federal government regulating milk prices through some process, archaic or otherwise? It is long past time that milk producers and other agriculture producers join the free enterprise system and forego the socialism of government price setting and subsidies. Will this happen? Most likely not, because politicians are dependent on bribes - er - campaign contributions, from Big Ag.

retroguy...I'm with you. I grew up on a dairy farm in western MN. While I may not have appreciated or always enjoyed it as a kid...there are times now where I truly miss that way of life. There was always a fulfillment when you looked at what you accomplished.

moparfool: The main reason milk prices are more regulated than other agricultural products is because of its short shelf life and transportation expense. Unless milk is turned into cheese or butter it expires very quickly. It also cannot be shipped long distances cheaply becuase of its weight and its need to have the temperature safely regulated.

I, too, grew up on a dairy farm. I now in my mid-50s and work in a comfortable office that is temperature controlled. I still miss the 'good' days on the farm, but there were also some days that were just miserable due to the weather. I'll stick to playing farmer on the occasional weekend while renting out the land to my nephew.

whatzit... some people don't mind hard work, and actually enjoy it, feeling a sense of self gratification when the work is done. Just think of all those people who pay big money to go the gym for their workout.

tomstromie - Your response to my asking why milk prices are government regulated makes little sense to me. Other agricultural products like peaches, blueberries, carrots, watermelons, etc. have a short shelf life and high transportation expense,and these products are not price regulated, so why is milk price regulated? What does shipping distance have to do with price regulation? I agree with having milk safety regulations, but that is not what I was talking about. Socialist milk price regulations seem to be a legacy from the desperation of the Great Depression.