USDA Names Dairy Program Deputy

WASHINGTON - Sep 7/04 - SNS -- The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service named Dana Hamilton Coale as the new deputy administrator of AMS' Dairy Programs.

As Dairy Programs deputy administrator, Coale is responsible for overseeing various programs including the Federal milk marketing order program, the standardization program, the inspection and grading program, the market news program, and the dairy producer and fluid milk processor promotion and research programs.

In this capacity, Coale will promote a competitive and efficient marketplace that benefits U.S. dairy farmers, dairy processors, and consumers. Coale replaces Richard McKee, who retired April 3, 2004. Since December 2001, Coale has served as the Dairy Programs' associate deputy administrator.

Coale's previous experience includes serving as an agricultural marketing specialist with the AMS Dairy Programs for 11 years working with the Federal milk marketing order program. Coale received a bachelor of science in public service and administration and international agriculture from Iowa State University.