WASHINGTON—Farmers can now enroll in the 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage program, an important safety net offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

DMC is a voluntary risk management program that provides protection to dairy farmers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price falls below a certain dollar amount. This year’s signup began Feb. 28 and ends April 29.

In addition to enrolling, farmers may adjust their production history for 2024, making program benefits retroactive to Jan. 1, noted Tony Banks, senior assistant director of agriculture, development and innovation for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

For any payments that triggered in January, payments may begin as soon as March 4, according to USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Coverage will be available through December.

The American Farm Bureau Federation previously sent a letter to the FSA urging them to open enrollment for the DMC program as soon as possible.

“AFBF is pleased the FSA listened to our concerns,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Dairy farming comes with unique challenges, and vital farm bill programs like Dairy Margin Coverage help farmers weather the storm in tough times.”

DMC offers different levels of coverage, even an option that is free to producers, minus a $100 administrative fee. The fee is waived for dairy producers who are limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged or military veterans. To determine the appropriate level of DMC coverage for a specific dairy operation, producers can use the online dairy decision tool.

For more information on DMC, visit the DMC webpage or contact your local USDA Service Center.

Media: Contact Mike Tomko, AFBF communications director, at 202-406-3642.