Dairy producers are being reminded to enroll for the 2023 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program. Last year, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) took steps to improve coverage, especially for small- and mid-sized dairies.
Scott Marlow, FSA Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs, notes this includes a new Supplemental DMC program.
Last year, supplemental DMC provided $42.8 million in payments to better help small- and mid-sized dairy operations that had increased production over the years but were not able to enroll the additional production. Supplemental DMC coverage is applicable to calendar years 2021, 2022 and 2023. For producers who enrolled in Supplemental DMC in 2022, the supplemental coverage will automatically be added to the 2023 DMC contract that previously established a supplemental production history.
DMC does offer different levels of coverage, even an option that is free to producers, aside from a $100 administrative fee. Limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged or a military veteran farmers or ranchers are exempt from paying the administrative fee, if requested. To determine the appropriate level of DMC coverage for a specific dairy operation, producers can use the?online dairy decision tool.?
But, DMC signup ends Friday, Dec. 9, 2022. For more information, visit the?DMC webpage?or contact your local?USDA Service Center.