Thompson urges dairy farmers to capitalize on dairy margin protection program deadline extension

U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.) is encouraging dairy farmers to capitalize on the extended enrollment deadline for the new dairy margin protection program (DMPP) by evaluating coverage options to make informed decisions.

The USDA announced a seven-day extension – to Dec. 5 – for dairy farmers to sign up for the program. The DMPP provides financial assistance to participating farmers when the difference between the price of milk and feed costs falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.

“Extending the enrollment deadline to December 5th will ensure dairy farmers have enough time to familiarize with the new and improved risk management tools created through the 2014 Farm Bill,” Thompson said.

Thompson, a subcommittee chairman on the House Agriculture Committee, also recommends farmers take advantage of online resources available at www.fsa.usda.gov that will combine unique operation data with future price and market projections.

“These new tools enable producers to quickly and easily identify the level of coverage that is most appropriate for their specific needs,” Thompson said.