Dairy farmers may be able to get money back from the revised Margin Protection Program (MPP) this month, but they have to sign up before June 1st in order to benefit. Farm Service Agency (FSA) representatives in each county office across New York State are available to meet with dairy farmers to discuss the program and its anticipated returns for each particular farmer and help farmers sign up if they are not already enrolled. Interested dairy farmers should contact their FSA representatives at the numbers below .

The Margin Protection Program for Dairy is a voluntary risk management program for dairy producers authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. The intent of the program is to offer protection to dairy producers when the difference between the milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount. Significant changes to the Margin Protection Program were authorized in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. These significant changes impact how farmers will benefit from the program for the entire 2018 calendar year, including the previous months. Farmers who had not signed up for the Margin Protect Program to date can sign up now and receive coverage dating back to January 1, 2018.

Farmers can learn more about what they may expect by participating in the program by plugging in their production numbers at https://dairymarkets.org/MPP/Tool/.  Farmers can also learn about their eligibility and benefits by making an appointment with their local FSA representative.

Dairy farmers, call your local FSA office and make an appointment today to learn more about what income you can expect before you sign up for the program. Your FSA representatives will let you know what you need to bring with you to your appointment. You must sign up by June 1st, so please do not miss this opportunity. Call today!

Delaware County FSA: (607) 865-4005

Otsego County FSA: (607) 547-8131

Schoharie County FSA: (518) 295-8600

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