Why can Federal Milk Order hearings be lengthy?

Federal Milk Order hearings can be lengthy primarily because any interested party can testify. This inclusiveness means that a wide array of stakeholders—including producers, processors, retailers, and consumers—can voice their opinions, present evidence, and challenge the information being presented. The diverse range of viewpoints and potential disputes contributes significantly to the duration of the hearings, as each party's testimony may require time for cross-examination and response.

The presence of multiple parties can lead to extensive discussions that delve into various aspects of the dairy industry, market conditions, and specific order regulations. This thorough examination is essential for ensuring all perspectives are considered, which is critical in making informed decisions regarding milk pricing and distribution.

While reviewing many documents and holding hearings in multiple locations adds time to the process, the primary reason for lengthiness is the engagement of multiple stakeholders who can testify, which necessitates a more protracted and comprehensive hearing process. The option suggesting that the process is fully automated does not apply, as these hearings are human-centric and rely heavily on live testimonies and discussions.