By Blake Jackson
The USDA is urging dairy farmers to enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program, a vital safety net that mitigates the financial impact of fluctuating milk and feed prices. The enrollment period, which began January 29, concludes on March 31, 2025.
“We encourage producers to join the 65 dairy operations in Missouri that have already signed up for this important safety net program in advance of the deadline,” said USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Deputy State Executive Director P. Jeremy Mosley in Missouri. “At $0.15 per hundredweight for $9.50 coverage, risk protection through Dairy Margin Coverage is a cost-effective tool to manage risk and provide security for your operations.”
The American Relief Act, 2025, extended the DMC program, originally authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, for the 2025 coverage year. DMC provides payments when the margin between national milk prices and average feed costs falls below a producer-selected level.
Producers can choose from various coverage levels, with a $100 administrative fee, which is waived for limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged, and military veteran farmers.
DMC payments are calculated using updated feed and premium hay costs, reflecting real-world expenses. Specifically, 100% premium alfalfa hay is used in these calculations.
For detailed information, dairy producers can visit the DMC webpage or contact their local USDA Service Center.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Dairy Cattle