WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/12/22] — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, and U.S. Representative Angie Craig (all D-MN) announced that the deadline for eligible farmers to enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage (SDMC) programs has been extended. Eligible producers will now have until January 31, 2023 to enroll in the program. These programs help dairy producers manage the volatility of milk and feed price disparities.
“The Dairy Margin Coverage program helps provide Minnesota’s dairy farmers with important stability and risk management tools that benefit our rural communities,” said Klobuchar. “This extended sign-up period will allow additional time for dairy farmers to evaluate their eligibility and enroll. I encourage all dairy farmers to apply for the DMC program before January 31.”
“During periods of price volatility, the Dairy Margin Coverage program is an important assurance for dairy farmers,” said Smith. “I encourage dairy farmers to take advantage of this extended sign-up period and enroll before the new January 31 deadline.”
“Minnesota’s dairy farmers keep our state’s agricultural economy moving – and the Dairy Margin Coverage and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage programs are critical to ensuring our farmers have the resources they need to keep their operations running smoothly,” said Craig. “I’m pleased to see the deadline extended for these essential programs – and encourage all Second District dairy farmers to enroll today.”
Producers interested in enrolling in the DMC and SDMC programs must certify with their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) that their operation commercially markets milk, sign all required forms and pay an administrative fee. This online dairy decision tool is available for producers to determine their specific level of DMC coverage. For more information, producers can visit the FSA dairy programs webpage, or contact their local USDA Service Center. To locate their local FSA office, producers can visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator.
Klobuchar and Smith have worked to provide vital support for dairy producers continuing to face challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Last year, they fought to secure supplemental DMC payments for small and medium-sized dairy farms in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. In August 2021, Klobuchar and Smith led a letter with Representative Craig to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack urging him to prioritize finalizing the Supplemental DMC payments.
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