Dairy, Democracy, & PR: A Political Economic Analysis of Associated Milk Producers, Inc. 1988-1989

Abstract

This paper, using a political economic approach, explores the communication techniques used during a second-wave of consolidation in the dairy industry in the 1980s. After providing a historical context of the dairy industry and its connections with federal policy, this paper follows the story of a large dairy cooperative: Association Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI) and how it influenced public policy and consumption through interconnected dairy organizations like the National Milk Producers Federation and by using a political action committee. This paper provides an example of Carey's (1997) treetops propaganda by way of the powerful political action committee C-TAPE and the AMPI women. The government influence in regulating the production and consumption of dairy dispels the myth of the free market.

Date of Award	2016
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Molly Niesen (Supervisor)