Ag News Headlines
Pfaff: Farmers Should Utilize USDA Resources
Wisconsin Ag Connection - Wisconsin's agriculture secretary is urging producers to take advantage of resources being provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist those facing low prices and late planting. Brad Pfaff said in a news release announcing the sign-up period for the
new Dairy Margin Coverage program that 2019 is turning out to be a difficult year for farmers.
"Many farmers are facing feed shortages because of alfalfa winterkill the resulted from very harsh winter weather this year, so they're having to buy feed at high prices at the same time the milk prices are low," Pfaff said. "At the same time, many have been unable
to get into their fields to replant alfalfa or other forage crops, or to plant corn and soybeans. And in some cases, they were able to plant, but the seeds or seedlings got washed away in this exceptionally wet spring. They need relief, and we strongly encourage
them to take the steps to work with the USDA and recover at least some of their losses."
The DMC program pays dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price falls below a dollar amount selected by the producer. It provides catastrophic coverage at no cost, other than an annual $100 fee that may be
waived, and offers higher buy-up coverage. It replaces the Margin Protection Program.
In addition to the DMC, crop farmers are being reminded of reporting deadlines for failed or prevented planting if they plan to claim coverage under federal programs.