There’s a few more days before time runs out on signing up for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. The deadline to sign up is Friday and roughly 30 percent of Michigan’s dairy operations still haven’t signed up.
DMC took the place of the Margin Protection Program (MPP-Dairy). According to Joel Johnson, director of Michigan FSA, the new program has more choices and the premiums are less expensive.
“DMC is the newer, improved version of the MPP, so there are some similarities,” he said. “[Dairy producers] can select coverage range from $4 up to $9.50 per hundredweight, and there’s an associated premium based on the amount of coverage.”
Johnson said its important dairy producers know the deadline is Friday because the local FSA offices want to help them. If dairy producers participated in the former MPP program, they will likely have refunds coming to them for a percentage of premiums paid.
“That goes away on Friday,” he said. “They have an opportunity to choose 50 percent if they decide to take it in cash or decide to apply it against premium for DMC. They can receive 75 percent of that refund.”
The program is voluntary, but Johnson wants to encourage producers to participate before it’s too late.
“It’s a great way for them to protect their risk and receive a payment that could be a big help,” said Johnson.
To sign up for DMC, visit your local FSA office before Friday Sept. 20.
