Minnesota Dairy Farmers Eligible for Assistance

Dairy farmers have had a tough go of it lately as milk prices continue to struggle. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is rolling out its new Dairy Assistance, Investment and Relief Initiative (DAIRI) program to provide financial assistance for farmers. To be eligible, the state’s milk producers have to sign up for five years of coverage in the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.

“Minnesota farmers are the cornerstone of our state’s economy,” said Governor Tim Walz. “We know that this has been a tough year for agriculture, and our dairy farmers need our support. I’m proud that our budget secured $8 million for the Dairy Assistance, Investment and Relief Initiative, The new initiative will help make sure our dairy farmers can continue doing the work they love and providing for our state.”

Applications to the program are being accepted now through October 1, 2019. In order to qualify, Minnesota farmers must have produced less than 160,000 cwt (hundredweight) of milk in 2018. Again, they also need to have signed up for five years of coverage through the DMC program during its current enrollment period, which is open between June 17, 2019 and September 20, 2019.

The MDA will issue payments on a rolling basis. Producers can expect to receive their first payments roughly two to four weeks after successfully applying. Minnesota dairy farmers will be paid based on production levels, up to 50,000 cwt of milk produced in 2018.

An application form, a W9, a copy of their DMC enrollment form, and a statement from their processor(s) detailing the amount of milk produced in 2018 are all required to complete an application.

Dairy farmers may receive a second payment this fall after the application period has ended, depending on remaining available funds.

Additional information and the application forms are available at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/dairi.