Meetings set for dairy program sign-up

Dairy farmers are reminded to enroll in the Margin Protection Program for 2016 coverage before the Sept. 30 deadline. The voluntary program established by the 2014 farm bill provides financial assistance to participating dairy operations when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer. Producers who previously enrolled for 2015 Margin Protection Program benefits must enroll again for 2016 benefits and pay the annual administrative fee. The Oconto-Marinette County USDA Farm Service Agency and the University of Wisconsin-Extension office will host local meetings to help local dairy producers learn more about the Margin Protection Program. There is no fee to attend. The meetings will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the Pound Town Hall, W8484 County Road B, Coleman, and at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the Oconto Falls Community Library, 251 N. Main St., Oconto Falls. FSA staff will present program information including rules and regulations, and UW-Extension staff will present the decision aid tool available at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool to help dairy producers select a coverage level for their operation. For information or to register for the meetings, call the Oconto-Marinette County FSA at 920-829-5406 or the UW-Extension office at 715-732-7510.