Farm Business & Financial Management
Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Decision Guide
A decision guide for dairy producers looking at Dairy Margin Coverage, listing what to gather, what to ask and how to record your choice. Share it with partners, family or staff who help run the farm.
GuideFarm Business & Financial ManagementFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Gather production history records
- Check your milk marketings on file
- Review program fact sheets
- Estimate your own margin and risk
- Compare coverage options offered
- Check premium and payment rules
- Note the signup window
- Talk with the county office
- Record your decision and date
How to use this guide
Follow the steps in order and write down any changes you make. Where your equipment or product has instructions, those come first.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with Dairy Margin Coverage and USDA Dairy Market News.
For more in this area, see the Farm Money and Grants. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Dairy Margin Hits $8.35, Farmer Hides Books From Wife, and agribusiness farm stories.