Payment program
Dairy Margin Coverage Program
USDA Farm Service Agency
What you can get
Monthly payment equal to the difference between the selected coverage level and the actual dairy production margin, on covered production history. • Margin protection for dairy operations that commercially market milk from cows. Includes catastrophic coverage plus higher coverage levels for an annual premium. Payments are calculated monthly when the actual dairy production margin falls below the selected coverage level.
- Readiness
- Ready to apply
- Who can apply
- dairy producer, producer
- Coverage
- Available nationwide
- Deadline & timing
- The 2026 enrollment period closed Feb. 26, 2026. FSA runs an annual signup, typically opening in the fall or winter for the following coverage year — confirm the next window with your local FSA office. Starting in 2026 the Tier 1 coverage level rose from 5 million to 6 million pounds, all operations enrolling for 2026 establish a new production history, and operations may lock in coverage for six years (2026-2031) with premiums discounted 25%.
risk management
Last verified Aug 18, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.