Dairy Farmers of America Inc. (DFA) and Select Milk Producers Inc. have agreed to a combined $34.4 million settlement to resolve allegations that they conspired to suppress competition and keep milk prices lower for Southwestern dairy farmers. The class action lawsuit, known as the SW Dairy Antitrust Litigation, impacts farmers who produced and sold Grade A milk in DFA’s southwest region between January 1, 2015, and June 30, 2025.
This settlement provides a major opportunity for eligible farmers to recover compensation for years of alleged underpayment. If you qualify, it is crucial to act before the claim deadline.
Who Is Eligible for the Dairy Farmers Settlement?
To qualify as a class member and receive part of the Dairy Farmers of America and Select Milk settlement fund, you must meet all the following criteria:
- You are a dairy farmer (individual or business entity).
- You produced Grade A milk during the class period.
- You sold Grade A milk independently, directly, or through an agent to Dairy Farmers of America or Select Milk Producers.
- Your sales occurred within DFA’s southwest region.
- Your sales took place between January 1, 2015, and June 30, 2025.
How Much Will Dairy Farmers Get From the Settlement?
The total settlement amount is $34.4 million. Here is the breakdown:
- Dairy Farmers of America Inc.: $24.5 million
- Select Milk Producers Inc.: $9.9 million
After deductions for attorneys’ fees, litigation expenses, service awards, and administration costs, the remaining funds will be distributed among eligible dairy farmers who file valid claims.
Payments will be made on a pro rata basis, meaning the amount each farmer receives depends on:
- The number of valid claims submitted.
- The volume of qualifying milk sold during the class period.
How to File a Claim for the $34.4 Million Dairy Settlement
If you qualify, you must submit a settlement claim form before the deadline. There are two ways to file:
- Online Claim Form – Available through the settlement administrator’s website.
- By Mail – Print and mail your completed form to:
SW Dairy Antitrust Litigation
c/o A.B. Data Ltd.
P.O. Box 173128
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Required Information:
You will need to provide purchase records and sales documentation for your Grade A milk during the class period.
Important Dates – SW Dairy Antitrust Settlement
- Claim Deadline: October 13, 2025
- Exclusion Deadline: October 13, 2025
- Fairness Hearing: November 12, 2025
Payments will be distributed after final court approval and once all claims have been processed.
Why Was There a Settlement?
The class action lawsuit claimed that Dairy Farmers of America and Select Milk Producers engaged in a conspiracy to restrain trade and suppress competition in violation of federal law. As a result, Southwestern dairy farmers were allegedly paid less for their milk than they should have been.
While both defendants deny wrongdoing, they agreed to the settlement to avoid further litigation costs and risks. The court has not made a final determination of liability.
Key Takeaways
- $34.4 million settlement fund available for dairy farmers.
- Applies to Grade A milk sales in DFA’s southwest region from 2015–2025.
- Deadline to file claims: October 13, 2025.
- Payments will be proportional to the amount of qualifying milk sold.
- Settlement resolves allegations of antitrust violations and milk price suppression.
This case underscores the importance of fair competition in the dairy industry. If you are a farmer who sold Grade A milk during the covered period, you should not miss the chance to file a claim and secure your share of the Dairy Farmers of America and Select Milk $34.4 million settlement.
