(a) Producers shall be paid as follows:

1. (1) Payment to producers, cooperatives, and producer settlement funds shall be made under the federal milk marketing order;

2. (2)

   1. (A) A final settlement payment for all milk and cream purchased shall be made not later than the seventeenth day of the following month.
   2. (B) The final settlement shall include any balances due to the producer, including any over-market premium owed, if applicable, and shall be accompanied by a statement to each producer setting forth the information required under 2 CAR § 123-204; and
3. (3) If a date required for payment falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or state or national holiday, the payment is due on the following business day.

(b)

1. (1) This section may not be interpreted as prohibiting a dealer from paying its producers on a weekly basis.
2. (2) However, when a dealer pays on this basis, it shall also provide its producers with a monthly statement as prescribed by 2 CAR § 123-204.
3. (3) All advance payments on the weekly basis shall be at least at the lowest announced class price for the previous month for the number of pounds purchased or received during the week in question.
4. (4) The final settlement shall include any balances due for the initial weeks during the month and shall be accompanied by a statement to each producer setting forth the information required under 2 CAR § 123-204.