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
- Due December 18, 2026. 2027 coverage enrollment runs October 5 through December 18, 2026 at the local FSA office. Dairy operations with the 2026-2031 multi-year lock-in must still certify commercial milk marketing annually, sign a DMC contract and pay the $100 administrative fee for each program year. New production history and 6-million-pound Tier 1 coverage began in 2026.
Optional expert service · $249
Turn program research into an application package.
An eligibility screen for one farm, a shortlist of up to three relevant programs, and draft practice justifications and a document checklist for one selected application. Delivered within 7 business days after intake.
Last verified Nov 5, 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.