Vernon County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, CED Katharine Lewison reminds dairy farmers 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,” said Lewison.

FSA and the University of Wisconsin Extension Office are hosting local meetings at no cost to help local dairy producers learn more about the Margin Protection Program.

Producers in Vernon and other counties are invited to attend a meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at the Vernon Memorial Healthcare Building, 407 S. Main St., Viroqua, Lower Conference rooms A & B from 1-2:30 p.m.

FSA staff will discuss program information including rules and regulations and Extension staff will discuss the decision aid tool available at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool that will help dairy producers select a coverage level for their operation.

For more information or to register for the program, please contact Vernon County FSA at 608-637-2183.

Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in this meeting/event/function should contact Lewison at 608-637-2183 extension 2 or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 by Sept. 4.