Oct. 30 Workshop Scheduled at Five Locations
On Thursday, October 30, Nebraska dairy farmers can participate in an interactive workshop to learn about the Margin Protection Program (MPP) at one of five locations throughout the state. The MPP is the new safety net for dairy producers established in the 2014 Farm Bill, replacing price supports and MILC payments. All dairy farmers can participate in MPP and protect up to 90 percent of their milk production. The program offers affordable premiums and a simple-to-understand design that could make a big difference for producers' bottom line should another crisis hit dairy and feed markets.
Dr. Marin Bozic, dairy economist from the University of Minnesota, will lead the workshop from the Farm Credit Services office, 4865 Old Monastery Rd., Columbus. It will be simulcast to four additional locations in Beatrice, Hartington, Kearney and O'Neill, with University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension and Farm Service Agency representatives at each location to lead discussion and answer questions.
Simulcast locations include:
- Gage County Extension Office, 115 West Scott, Beatrice, 402-223-1384;
- Cedar County Extension Office, 101 East Centre, Hartington, 402-640-0612;
- Buffalo County Extension Office, 1400 E. 34th (Fairgrounds), Kearney, 308-236-1235; and
- Holt County Extension Office, 128 N. 6th St, Suite 100, O'Neill, 402-336-2760.
"The safety net as we know it is gone. Every dairy farmer must attend one of these sessions to understand how the new MPP fits best into their business plan and marketings," said Bill Thiele, Clearwater, dairy farmer and president of the Nebraska State Dairy Association. "We're very fortunate to have direct access to one of the developers of the FSA decision-making tool Dr. Marin Bozic in Nebraska to lead this essential workshop."
The two-hour workshop will begin at 10 a.m. with an overview of the MPP, followed by an interactive session where producers can bring their annual milk marketings (pounds shipped) for 2011, 2012 and 2013 to see how the program will work with their operation. Producers are encouraged to bring their own laptop or portable device; a limited number will be available for use at the workshop.
The workshop is free. With limited space at each location, pre-registration is strongly encouraged at least 48 hours before the workshop. Register by email at rod@nebraskamilk.org, or call 402-853-2028 or the Extension office where you plan to attend.
The workshop is hosted by the Nebraska State Dairy Association, North Central Risk Management Education Center and University of Nebraska - Lincoln Extension.
10.6.2014