By Blake Jackson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the highly anticipated opening of enrollment for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. This decision comes after pressure from various groups, including the American Farm Bureau and Wisconsin legislators, who highlighted the program's importance as a safety net for struggling dairy farms.
Enrollment starts February 28th and ends April 29th, allowing eligible farmers to apply for coverage for 2024. Payments may begin as early as March 4th, bringing some financial relief to those facing hardship.
The urgency of the program stems from concerning trends in the dairy industry. USDA reports indicate a significant decline in dairy herds nationwide between 2018 and 2023, with Wisconsin experiencing particularly severe losses. With 80% of Wisconsin dairy farmers relying on the DMC program, its availability is crucial for their survival.
Existing participants with supplemental coverage from 2021-2023 will benefit from combined production history calculations. Additionally, those with multi-year lock-in contracts from 2023 will see their eligibility and discounted rates extended into 2024. Farmers with lock-in contracts can either confirm their coverage or opt-out during the enrollment period.
The opening of DMC enrollment signifies a critical development for the agricultural community, offering much-needed support to dairy farmers facing economic challenges. This move highlights the power of advocacy and collaboration in securing crucial programs for vulnerable industries.
For more information visit www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/dairy-margin-coverage-program/.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy