USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) wants to remind dairy producers you can enroll for 2018 coverage in the Margin Protection Program (MPP-Dairy). But there is something new this year, in that you can opt out of the program. In order to opt out, a producer should not sign up during the annual registration period. By opting out, a producer would not receive any MPP-Dairy benefits if payments are triggered for 2018. The decision to opt out would be for 2018 only and is not retroactive.
MPP-Dairy gives participating dairy producers the flexibility to select coverage levels best suited for their operation. Enrollment ends on Dec. 15, 2017, for coverage in the calendar year 2018. Participating farmers will remain in the program through Dec. 31, 2018, and pay a minimum $100 administrative fee for coverage. Producers have the option of selecting a different coverage level from the previous coverage year during open enrollment.
USDA provides a web tool to help producers determine the level of coverage under the MPP-Dairy that will provide them with the strongest safety net under a variety of conditions. The online resource, at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool, allows dairy farmers to quickly and easily combine unique operation data and other key variables to calculate their coverage needs based on price projections.
For more information about the MPP-Dairy, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/dairy or stop by a local FSA office.