Dairy co-op members to share $10 million

NEW ULM, Minn. -- The dairy farmer-owners of Associated

Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) will share $10 million in equity payments

this year. The cash will be paid to individuals based on the amount of

milk they marketed through AMPI.

In November, $6.5 million of members' capital retain investment was

distributed. This month's payment of $3.5 million is a result of

previously allocated earnings.

The payments to members also included AMPI's early equity revolvement

option. Members who are age 65 and retired from dairying can receive

their cooperative equity through an accelerated, five-year distribution.

"Distributing equity reaffirms the cooperative's focus on its mission of

maximizing the return on milk marketed and equity invested for its

members," said AMPI President and CEO Ed Welch.

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