North Carolina Dairy Producers Reminded of MILC Program

Raleigh, NC – For North Carolina dairy producers, there are important program eligibility requirements for payment under the Milk Income Loss Contract program (MILC), according to USDA North Carolina Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Aaron Martin. Though dairy prices may authorize potential MILC payments, Martin states all dairy producers still need to be aware of program requirements, should conditions arise.
North Carolina dairy operators currently enrolled in MILC need to immediately notify their county office of any changes to their dairy operation, Martin said.
 

If a payment rate is announced, dairy producers enrolled in the MILC program will need to provide the county office with documentation showing the eligible milk production commercially marketed 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 requested timely.
 

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

New dairies not previously participating in the MILC program need to fill out the CCC-580, Milk Income Loss Contract.
 

Producers should visit their local Farm Service Agency or call 919-875-4800.