... operating costs in 2005 were $4.31 per cwt in the Northeast, $4.98 in the Upper Midwest, and $6.49 in the West. Milk price premiums received in 2005 were sufficient in all regions to cover the ... about their future in the business as significantly fewer had plans to exit in the next 10 years, and significantly more planned to be in business 20 or more years. The primary difference in the ... Many changes in such areas as animal husbandry, land and crop management, sourcing new and different inputs, and initiation of the certification process, among others, are required during transition....