Earlier this month, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Margin Protection Plan (MPP) initiative included in the 2014 Farm Bill for dairy farmers. This voluntary program is aimed at providing financial assistance when the margin (the difference between the price of milk and feed costs) falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.<\/p>\n
The MPP replaces the Milk Income Loss Contract program, giving participating dairy producers the flexibility to select coverage levels best suited for their particular operation. Initial registration period for the plan ends on Nov. 28 for 2014 and 2015.<\/p>\n
To help area dairy farmers become familiar with the new plan, Cornell Cooperative Extension and The South Central New York (SCNY) Dairy and Field Crops Team will be hosting an MPP webinar on Sept. 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Extension offices throughout the region.<\/p>\n
Farmers should contact Sharon at (607) 753-5078 or via email SHV7@cornell.edu to register at one of the following locations: CCE Tioga, 56 Main St., Owego; CCE Chemung 4-H Building, Chemung County Fairgrounds, 170 Fairview Rd., Horseheads; CCE Cortland, 60 Central Ave., Cortland, also at 7 to 9 p.m.; and CCE Tompkins, 615 Willow Ave., Ithaca.<\/p>\n
The MPP webinar will feature Andrew Novakovic, PhD, Cornell University, Mark Stephenson, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison and John Newton, PhD, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who will review the rules and procedures behind the new Dairy Margin Protection Program. They will also talk about price and margin forecasting and expectations and review the decision tools available. Additionally, they will discuss strategies for making the MPP work for various types of operations. There will be opportunities for questions.<\/p>\n