The Official USDA - FSA MPP-Dairy Fact Sheet details eligible dairy operations, registration, production history establishment, coverage election, premiums, margin calculations, payments, contract modifications, and how to apply. It can be accessed at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/mpp_dairy.pdf. Local USDA Farm Service Agency offices will be the first line for answering questions about sign-up procedures and contracts. MPP-Dairy sign-up is open from September 2 to November 28, 2014 for the 2015 program year that runs from October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015.

MPP Resources are available from the National Program on Dairy Markets and Policy: http://dairymarkets.org/MPP/. You will find fact sheets, short videos, a decision tool, and slides that can be used to gain a greater understanding of the program and how it works. Reviewing these resources will help you to be prepared to make informed decisions about sign-up.

MPP-Dairy is a new and different approach to risk management for dairy farms. It focuses on protection of the margin between the price of producing a hundredweight of milk and the cost of producing it. Presently, with high milk prices and lower feed prices, margins for dairies are running relatively high. We are all familiar with the volatility in prices of milk, grain and forage production inputs. This new approach makes it important for producers to understand the relationship between milk price and production costs for their farm. Now is the time to gather historical price and production cost data for your farm. Take a look at price projections for both milk and inputs and carefully consider your coverage options.

Register today to attend one of the NWNY interactive MPP-Dairy webinar sessions. Call or e-mail Cathy Wallace to register for the location and time you choose to attend.