The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced financial assistance to American dairy producers, in the amount of approximately $11.2 million dollars, according to a news release from the USDA on August 4, 2016. Dairy producers enrolled in the 2016 Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) at the $6 through $8 margin trigger coverage level will receive payments.

According to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, "We understand the nation's dairy producers are experiencing challenges due to market conditions. MPP-Dairy payments are part of a robust, comprehensive farm safety net that help to provide dairy producing families with greater peace of mind during tough times. Dairy operations enrolled in the 2016 MPP-Dairy program will receive approximately $11.2 million this month. I want to urge dairy producers to use this opportunity to evaluate their enrollment options for 2017, as the enrollment period is currently scheduled to end September 30, 2016. By supporting a strong farm safety net, expanding credit options and growing domestic and foreign markets, USDA is committed to helping American's dairy operations remain successful."

The MPP-Dairy provides dairy producers with payments when dairy margins are below the margin coverage levels the producer chooses each year. Its focus is to protect farm equity by guarding against destructively low margins, not to guarantee a profit to individual producers. The sign-up period for coverage in 2017 began July 1, 2016 and runs through September 30, 2016, at local Farm Service Agency offices.

For more information on this program, please visit fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/Dairy-MPP or futurefordairy.com/program-details.