USDA’s Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program is a crucial risk management tool for dairy farmers. With enrollment open through March 31, DMC helps protect farmers from unpredictable milk and feed prices by providing payments when margins fall below selected coverage levels.

Recent updates to the program include improved feed-cost calculations that now fully account for premium alfalfa hay, ensuring payments more accurately reflect real-world expenses. The program’s flexible coverage options can be paired with Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) and Livestock Gross Margin—Dairy (LGM-Dairy) for added financial security.

Farmers can enroll by visiting their local USDA Farm Service Agency office, where staff can help them navigate their coverage options before the March 31 deadline. See more information here: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/dairy-margin-coverage-program-dmc

Source: USDA