The dairy industry has evolved considerably over the last several decades. Major changes in genetics, nutrition, technology and management have reshaped dairy production. Producers have had to adapt to these new techniques and ideas in order to keep their farm competitive.

It’s not too late to manage your risk for 2017. While the deadline to participate in the Margin Protection Program (MPP) has passed, producers still have the opportunity to plan and implement a risk management plan for 2017.

In 2015, U.S. dairy producers paid $73 million dollars in premiums and fees to the USDA for the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP). The USDA paid out $700,000 to producers. It’s that time again for producers to choose their margin protection coverage and, with those numbers, producers have started to think MPP isn’t worth the cost.