The Agriculture Department is extending the signup deadline for the new dairy Margin Protection Program to December 5, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today.

“We want dairy producers to have enough time to make thoughtful and well-studied choices,” said Vilsack In a speech to the National Milk Producers Federation annual meeting in Grapevine, Texas.

“Markets change and the Margin Protection Program can help protect dairy producers from those changes.”

The program provides financial assistance to participating farmers when the margin — the difference between the price of milk and feed costs — falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.
Vilsack encouraged producers to use the online Margin Protection Decision Tool to calculate the best levels of coverage for their dairy operation. The secure website can be accessed via computer, smartphone or tablet. (See link below)

“Historical scenarios also can be explored to see how the Margin Protection Program would function should poor market conditions occur again in the future,” said Vilsack.

USDA also extended the opportunity for public comments on both the Margin Protection Program and the Dairy Product Donation Program until December 15.

“USDA is committed to creating strong opportunities for the next generation of farmers and ranchers. When dairy producers bring new family members into the business, these changes could affect safety net coverage," said Vilsack.

“If our current rules hinder intergenerational changes or if improvements are needed in these programs, then we want to hear from dairy producers.”

▪ USDA Farm Service Agency — Margin Protection Decision Tool