FSA reminds dairy producers of MILC program requirements

[February 24, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- The state executive director for USDA's Illinois Farm Service Agency, Scherrie Giamanco, reminds dairy producers of some important program requirements to be eligible for payment under the Milk Income Loss Contract program.

"At this time, prices haven't fallen to a level to trigger a MILC payment," Giamanco said. "However, we want all dairy producers to be aware of the program requirements should there be an opportunity for payments."

Giamanco said it is very important to notify the FSA office if there have been any changes to dairy operations. Also, any new dairies that have not previously participated in the MILC program will need to fill out the CCC-580, Milk Income Loss Contract.

If a payment rate is announced, dairy producers enrolled in the MILC program will need to provide their local 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. Producers who wish to change their MILC program start month can do so an unlimited number of times during their enrollment in MILC, provided the changes are made on or before the 14th day of the month prior to the new MILC production start month. The production start month designated cannot be changed if the new month being selected has already begun or has already passed.

MILC program participants are also required to comply with FSA's adjusted gross income requirements each fiscal year. This AGI certification, on a CCC-931 form, must be completed prior to a payment being disbursed.

For more information the MILC program, contact your county FSA office or visit www.fsa.usda.gov.

[Text from file received from Illinois Farm Service Agency]