Matthew Peplinski, County Executive Director of Marathon County Farm Service Agency (FSA), reminds dairy producers of some important program requirements to be eligible for payment under the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program.

“At this time, prices have not fallen to a level to trigger a MILC payment,” Peplinski said. “However, all dairy producers need to be aware of the program requirements should there be an opportunity for payments.”

For dairies currently enrolled in MILC, it is important to notify your local county office if there have been any changes to the dairy operation.

If a payment rate is announced, dairy producers enrolled in the MILC program will need to provide the Marathon County office with documentation showing the eligible milk production and commercial milk marketing for the months with a MILC payment rate in effect.

When producers enroll in MILC, a payment start month is selected. This month remains the same through all program years, unless a change is requested by the dairy. Dairy producers are allowed to change their start month an unlimited number of times throughout their enrollment in MILC provided that the changes are made:
• On or before day 14 of the month prior to the new MILC production start-month (unless that day falls on a weekend federal holiday, then the date falls to the previous business day);
• Before payment is sought;
• Before the original selected MILC production start-month has passed.

MILC program participants are also required to comply with FSA’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) requirements each fiscal year. This certification, on form CCC-931, must be completed prior to a payment being disbursed.

New dairy operations that have not previously participated in the MILC program will need to fill out the CCC-580, Milk Income Loss Contract.

For more information on the MILC program, please contact the Marathon County FSA office at 715-848-2330 or visit us at www.fsa.usda.gov.