Although milk prices rose from July, they continued well below the levels of a year ago, the department said.

Milk prices, on the average, held steady during the month but were well below those of a year earlier.

But the overall effect of both plans would be less Federal spending, more competition and probably lower milk prices.

High milk prices would also raise the cost of national, state and local nutrition programs.

They claim that milk prices will rise if this bill isn't passed.

That would reverse the 30 percent slide in milk prices during the past year.

We already have a situation where milk prices are dropping sharply.

Milk prices rose 10 cents in June, to an average of $13.60 a l00 pounds.

Milk prices rose 30 cents in July to an average of $14.10 for l00 pounds.

And higher milk prices would raise the cost or reduce the benefits of Federal nutrition programs.