Safety Net Program Provides Certainty to Dairy Farmers Facing Small Margins and High Feed Costs
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) are urging Minnesota dairy farmers to sign up for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program by the extended deadline of September 27.
The Senators said that the DMC program offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. All dairy operations in Minnesota are eligible for the DMC program.
“Over the past few years, dairy farmers have continued to face market instability and sustained low prices and they deserve our support during tough times like these,” Klobuchar said. “This sign-up extension for the Dairy Margin Coverage program will allow additional time for dairy farmers to evaluate how the new program will benefit their operation and help mitigate the serious challenges they are facing. I encourage all dairy farmers who are not yet enrolled in the Dairy Margin Coverage program to sign up before September 27 so they can receive the assistance that they need.”
“Low commodity prices and high feed costs are hurting Minnesota dairy farmers,” Smith said. “During the 2018 Farm Bill debate I fought to make the DMC program more affordable and flexible so that producers can get the help they need. I encourage folks to take advantage of the new filing deadline.”
For more information, visit the USDA’s Dairy Margin Coverage website here or contact your local USDA service center. To locate your local FSA office, click here.
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