Anyone who purchased milk from a grocery store in 15 states or the District of Columbia in the last 14 years can claim part of a more-than $50 million legal settlement from the National Milk Producers Federation.
An antitrust lawsuit alleged that members of the Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) prematurely slaughtered cows to limit production of milk and drive up prices. Created by the federation in 2003, the CWT is a group of American dairy farmers, including Dairy Farmers of American, Land O' Lakes, Dairylea Cooperative and Agri-Mark.
According to a settlement posted on the website Bought Milk, the CWT has denied all allegations.
However, the $52 million settlement allows any individual or entity who resides in 15 states and Washington, D.C., who bought milk or milk products since 2003 to apply to be a class member until Jan. 31. The Bought Milk site says individuals who are eligible may receive a payment of between $10 to $20.
Claims can be filed here.
Along with the District of Columbia, the states included in the settlement are:
Arizona
California
Kansas
Massachusetts
Michigan
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
Oregon
South Dakota
Tennessee
Vermont
West Virginia
Wisconsin