Vilsack's Eight Years as Ag Secretary Draw to an End

Vilsack

A look back at Thomas Vilsack's eight years as ag secretary.

Check it out here: http://www.omaha.com/news/politics/his-eight-years-as-agriculture-secretary-are-over-but-tom/article_c726a5b1-d434-596a-a92d-b030c7bd848b.html

Sufflolk County Project Receives Federal Funding

USDA

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Dec. 21 that 88 high-impact projects across the country will receive $225 million in federal funding as part of the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
 
In addition, partners have proposed to contribute up to an additional $500 million to improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability.
 
With the announcement, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is investing a total of $825 million in 286 projects, bringing together more than 2,000 conservation partners who have committed an estimated $1.4 billion in financial and technical assistance.
 
By 2018, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and its partners, including Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, private industry, water districts, universities and many others, will have invested at least $2.4 billion through RCPP, which was created by the 2014 Farm Bill.
 
The New York state project is titled “Agricultural Stewardship in the Peconic Estuary” on Long Island in Suffolk County. 

A proposed investment of $1.212 million will be provided so a partnership among government agencies, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions and private farmers can provide technical assistance and financial resources to Suffolk County farmers within the federally-designated Peconic Estuary Watershed in New York.
 
According to a news release, “with these resources, farmers can conduct nutrient management plans and integrated pest management plans to adapt best management practices, which will improve water quality, soil vitality and wildlife habitat. The project will support an agricultural specialist at the Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District whose primary responsibility will be to assist farmers with their nutrient and pest management plans.”
 
The project also will provide farmers with access to trained professionals who can provide information about additional Natural Resources Conservation Service funding needed to enhance agricultural stewardship efforts.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Discusses Ag Export Forecast

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently issued the following statement on the forecast for U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year 2017.

Vilsack

"U.S. farmers and ranchers continue to rise to the challenge of supplying the world with high-quality, American-grown products. At a projected $134 billion in 2017, U.S. farm exports continue to rally and remain on the record-setting pace of the past eight years.

"Since 2009, the United States has exported more than $1 trillion in agricultural products, far more than any other period in our history, thanks to the productivity and ingenuity of American farmers and ranchers, aided in part by the work of USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service to arrange and support trade missions and of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to break down trade barriers.

"The $134-billion forecast represents an increase of $4.3 billion from 2016 and would be the sixth-highest total on record. U.S. agriculture is once again expected to post a trade surplus, totaling $21.5 billion, up nearly 30 percent from the $16.6 billion surplus in 2016.

"The expected volume of 2017 exports is noteworthy, with bulk commodity exports expected to surpass last year's record levels - led by soybeans at a record 55.8 million metric tons, and corn, up 11 percent from last year, to 56.5 million metric tons. The volume of cotton exports is expected to begin recovering and most livestock and poultry products should see moderate increases in export volume as well.

"Exports are responsible for 20 percent of U.S. farm income, also driving rural economic activity and supporting more than one million American jobs both on and off the farm," he said.. 

"USDA has made support for exports and production agriculture one of the Four Pillars of a 21st century rural economy, along with local and regional food systems, the biobased economy, and conservation and natural resources, and has made significant, targeted investments in these areas. 

"The ag forecast report showing growing exports and stable farm incomes reflect the strategic, consistent work of the Obama Administration since 2009 to help rural America thrive. We must continue promoting a favorable trade environment for American exports and making targeted investments that drive the rural economy forward to ensure this progress continues."

For the full ag forecast, go to https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/quarterly-agricultural-export-forecast

Wegmans Commits to Cutting Food Waste and Loss

From the USDA

Wegmans Food Markets is one of the inaugural class of the U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions.

Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy on Nov. 17 announced the list of champions -- U.S. businesses and organization that pledge to reduce food loss and waste in their operations by 50 percent by 2030.

The Champions are: Ahold USA, Blue Apron, Bon Appétit Management Company, Campbell Soup Company, Conagra Brands, Delhaize America, General Mills, Kellogg Company, PepsiCo, Sodexo, Unilever, Walmart, Wegman's Food Markets, Weis Markets and YUM! Brands.

In the United States, the EPA estimates that more food reaches landfills and incinerators than any other single material in our everyday trash, about 21 percent of the waste stream. 

Keeping wholesome and nutritious food in our communities and out of landfills helps communities and the 42 million Americans that live in food insecure households. Reducing food waste also impacts climate change as 20 percent of total U.S. methane emissions come from landfills.

Each 2030 Champion establishes a baseline marking where they are today and will measure and report on their progress toward the goal in a way that makes sense for their organization. 

"Wegmans is committed to making a difference in every community we serve, and one of the ways we're delivering on this promise is through our commitment to reducing food waste," said Jason Wadsworth, manager of sustainability at Wegmans.

"From reducing avoidable food waste in our stores, and diverting unavoidable food scraps from landfills by offering them as feed for local livestock or sending them for composting or anaerobic digestion, to working with more than 350 food banks and pantries for daily food pickups at our stores, we're taking measurable steps to reduce food waste throughout each and every one of our communities," he said. 

"We are proud to be a Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champion, and to be among this group of industry leaders that are coming together with the EPA and USDA to address the issue of food waste in our nation," Wadsworth said.

14 New York Farms Receive Value-Added Producer Grants

From the USDA:

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today (Oct. 28) announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing more than $45 million to help farmers, ranchers, small businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide develop new product lines. 

USDA is investing in 325 projects through the Value-Added Producer Grant program. There are 14 projects in New York state receiving money. 

Vilsack

"Value-Added Producer Grants are one of USDA's most sought-after funding sources for veteran and beginning farmers, and rural-based businesses," Vilsack said. "These grants provide a much-needed source of financing to help producers develop new product lines and increase their income, and keep that income in their communities. 

"Economic development initiatives like this one are working – the unemployment rate in rural America is at an eight-year low and incomes rose 3.4 percent last year. Small business entrepreneurship, which Value-Added Producer Grants support, is a major reason why rural America is a making a comeback," he said.

VAPG grants can be used to develop new product lines from raw agricultural products or promote additional uses for established products. 

Veterans, socially-disadvantaged groups, beginning farmers and ranchers, operators of small- and medium-sized family farms and ranches, and farmer and rancher cooperatives are given special priority.

USDA has awarded 1,441 VAPG awards since 2009, totaling $183 million. Congress increased funding for the program in the 2014 Farm Bill. 

The grants are a key element of USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative, which coordinates the department's work on local and regional food systems.Vilsack has identified local and regional food systems as a key component of rural economic development.

The 14 NY farms and their projects are:

** Thousand Islands Winery, $250,000, to expand sales and promotion of rye whiskey and bourbon whiskey products. 
** Devine Gardens, $30,743, to increase sales of its high-value compost produced by worms.
** Hathaway Farms, $250,000, to enhance marketing and increase sales of grape juice concentrate made from the farm's grapes and sold regionally to restaurants and stores.
** Millitello Farms, $41,112, to cover the labor, advertising and building utilities' cost; purchase other produce, like apples, and various promotional items.
** Organic Indoors Gardens of Poughkeepsie, $49,000, to expand sales and promotion of hard cider products.
** Partyka & Sons Farms, $170,465, to expand sales and promotion of wholesale and home-delivered bottled milk products.
** Celk Distilling, $200,000, to expand sales and promotion of its Community Supported Agriculture farm products.
** Eden Works, $250,000, to undertake a marketing campaign designed to increase sales of fresh salad greens grown in New York City.
** Fishkill Farms, $53,625, to explore the feasibility of creating a cidery and producing hard cider from apples grown in the farm's organic and ecologically grown apple trees.
** Juniper Hill Farm, $49,710, to epand sales and promote microgreen products.
** King Brothers Dairy, $250,000, to expand sales of Rosebud wines.
** Niagara Landing Wine Cellars, $250,000, to increase sales of Rosebud wines.
** Vizcarra Family Vineyards, $250,000, to expand sales and promotion of roasted pumpkin seed products.
** Donovan Orchards, $185,000, to provide working capital for a startup hard cider company, Rootstock Ciderworks.

Depressed, Butter Covered Tom Vilsack Enters Sixth Day of Corn Bender

Vilsack

Oh No!

The Onion has skewered Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Check it out at http://www.theonion.com/article/depressed-butter-covered-tom-vilsack-enters-sixth--53380

Coming Soon -- National Farmers' Market Week

Now that more and more crops are coming in, it's definitely time to head out to your local farmers' market.

In fact, soon it will be National Farmers' Market Week.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack signed a proclamation in July declaring Aug. 7-13 as "National Farmers Market Week." This year marks the 17th annual National Farmers Market Week to honor and celebrate the important role that farmers markets play in local economies.

"Farmers markets are an important part of strong local and regional food systems that connect farmers with new customers and grow rural economies. In many areas, they are also expanding access to fresh, healthy food for people of all income levels," said Vilsack. "National Farmers Market Week recognizes the growth of these markets and their role in supporting both urban and rural communities."

Throughout the week, USDA officials will celebrate at farmers market locations across the country. 

On Saturday, Aug. 6, Elanor Starmer, the Administrator of USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) – which conducts research, provides technical assistance, and awards grants to support local and regional food systems – will kick off the week visiting a farmers market and wrap up the week at USDA's own farmers market in Washington, D.C., on Friday, Aug. 12.

"Farmers markets are a gathering place where you can buy locally produced food, and at the same time, get to know the farmer and story behind the food you purchase," said Starmer. "These types of markets improve earning potential for farmers and ranchers, building stronger community ties and access to local foods."

Powerful Words from Ag Secretary Thomas Vilsack

This post has been popping up on Facebook all over the place so I thought I'd put it on my blog.

Words from Ag Secretary Thomas Vilsack:

Plant a Window Box During April -- National Garden Month

From the USDA:

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging Americans of all ages to "Plant a Window Box for Pollinators" by using a new, free online tool available at the redesigned People's Garden Initiative website at https://peoplesgarden.usda.gov/

The new tool allows people to determine which plants will provide pollinator forage based on their zip code. 

Site visitors can then print out the list of plants to take to their local garden store and grown them in a window box. There is also a virtual window box game. Even a space as small as a window box can help pollinators by ensuring they don't have to fly too far to find food. 

The interactive People's Garden website also includes the popular live USDA "bee cam" which broadcasts honeybee activity on the roof of USDA's headquarters building in Washington, D.C.

Vilsack

The new People's Garden website is just in time as Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack designated April as National Garden Month.

"Gardens provide a positive setting for pollinators such as bats, bees, birds, butterflies, beetles, and other animals that contribute substantially to the U.S. economy and play a vital role in keeping fruits, nuts, and vegetables in our diets," Vilsack said in the proclamation.

In addition to the window box tool, the website features an interactive map of the more than 2,100 People's Gardens planted since Vilsack launched the effort at the start of the Obama Administration. 

The new website shares People's Garden success stories and numerous resources, from videos to checklists, on how-to create a garden that benefits the community and incorporates sustainable practices. 

One New Yorker Named to National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics Advisory Board

Nine people -- including one from New York state --  have been named to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board.

The NAREEE Advisory Board advises the federal Secretary of Agriculture and land-grant colleges and universities on top national priorities and policies for food and agricultural research, education, extension and economics. 

The advisory board's main objective is to contribute to effective federal agricultural research, education and economics programs through broad stakeholder feedback and sound science in its ongoing role as adviser to the Secretary of Agriculture.

The following members have been appointed to a 3-year term expiring Sept. 30, 2018:

• National Human Health Association – Dr. Patsy Brannon, Professor and Nutritionist at Cornell University, Ithaca
• National Farm Organization – Don Villwock, Farmer, Villwock Farms and President of the Indiana Farm Bureau, Edwardsport, Ind.
• Food Animal Commodity Producer – Wathina Luthi, Farmer/Rancher of Luthi Farms, Gage, Okla.
• Non-Land Grant College or University with a Historic Commitment to Research in Food and Agriculture – Dr. Annette Levi, Professor and Chair, Agricultural Business Department at California State University-Fresno, Fresno, Calif.
• Hispanic-Serving Institutions – Dr. Agnes Mojica, Chancellor at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, San Germán Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Transportation of Food and Agricultural Products to domestic and foreign markets – Robert Fay, Vice President of Seminole Gulf Railway LP, Fort Myers, Fla.
• Food Retailing and Marketing Interests –Dr. Molly McAdams, President and Co-Founder of Om3, San Antonio, Texas
• Food and Fiber Processors – Julia Sabin, Vice President of Industry and Government Affairs of The J.M. Smucker Company, Orville, Ohio
• Private Sector Organization involved in International Development – Richard Tracy, Vice President of International Programs, Global Cold Chain Alliance, Alexandria, Va.

Each of the 25 NAREEE Advisory Board members represents a specific category of U.S. agricultural stakeholders as outlined in the 2008 Food, Energy, and Conservation Act.

A Look Back at Agriculture in 2015

The USDA Week in Review discusses agriculture in 2015.

Town of Mexico, NY Awarded Money for Water Project

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is warding loans and grants for 141 projects to build and improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural communities across the nation.

"Many rural communities need to upgrade and repair their water and wastewater systems, but often lack the resources to do so," said Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack. "These loans and grants will help accomplish this goal. USDA's support for infrastructure improvements is an essential part of building strong rural economies."

The only award for New York state was in the town of Mexico, Oswego County. The loan amount is $1.485 million and the grant amount is $462,000 for the town's Water Service Area #3. The money comes from the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program.

USDA is awarding $299 million for 88 projects in the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program and $15 million for 53 grants in the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant program.


Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant program money  enables water systems that serve eligible rural communities to prepare for, or recover from, imminent or actual emergencies that threaten the availability of safe drinking water. 

Water and Waste program recipients can use funds to construct water and waste facilities in rural communities.

USDA Offers Grants to Train Beginning Farmers, Ranchers

From the USDA:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Thursday announced more than $17 million in grants for organizations that will develop training and provide other resources for beginning farmers and ranchers across the nation. 

The awards are made through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, which is administered by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program was first established by the 2008 Farm Bill and was continued in the 2014 Farm Bill. The program provides support to those who have farmed or ranched for less than 10 years. 

NIFA awards grants to organizations throughout the United States that implement programs to train beginning farmers and ranchers, which may take place through workshops, educational teams, training, or technical assistance.

One organization, the Hawthorne Valley Association of Ghent, NY, is getting $693,918. American Farmland Trust, which does some work in New York state, is receiving $699,796.

Deadline Extended to Nov. 20 for Dairy Margin Protection Program Enrollment

From the USDA:

The deadline to enroll for the dairy Margin Protection Program for coverage in 2016 has been extended until Nov. 20.  

Vilsack

The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating farmers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.

“The fall harvest is a busy time of the year for agriculture, so this extension will ensure that dairy producers have more time to make their choices,” said Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack. “We encourage all operations to examine the protections offered by this program, because despite the very best forecasts, markets can change."

Vilsack encouraged producers to use the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Agency Service (FSA) online Web resource at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool to calculate the best levels of coverage for their dairy operation. The secure website can be accessed via computer, smartphone or tablet.

He also reminds producers that were enrolled in 2015 that they need to make a coverage election for 2016 and pay the $100 administration fee. 

Although any unpaid premium balances for 2015 must be paid in full by the enrollment deadline to remain eligible for higher coverage levels in 2016, premiums for 2016 are not due until Sept. 1, 2016. 

Also, producers can work with milk marketing companies to remit premiums on their behalf.

To enroll in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy, contact your local FSA county office.  

To find your local FSA county office, visit http://offices.usda.gov

USDA Commits $2.5M to Expand New Farmer Education

From the USDA:

A total of $2.5 million in grants is now available for projects to educate new and underserved farmers about more than 20 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency programs that can provide financial, disaster or technical assistance to the agricultural community.

The grants will be awarded to nonprofits and public higher education institutions that develop proposals to improve farmer education on topics such as financial training, value-added production, recordkeeping, property inheritance, and crop production practices.


USDA will conduct four evaluation periods to review applications, with the deadlines of Nov. 20, 2015, Jan. 22, 2015, Mar. 18, 2016, and May 27, 2016. 

Awards between $20,000 and $100,000 per applicant will be available. 

To learn more about the funding solicitation and the related Farm Service Agency programs, details can be found at www.grants.gov with the reference number USDA-FSA-CA-2015-001. 

For nonprofits and public institutions of higher education that are considering participation, an online informational session will be conducted on Sept. 28, 2015. Additional information is posted on the Web at www.fsa.usda.gov/outreach.


This funding builds on investments made in rural America over the past six years and supports programs enacted by the 2014 Farm Bill. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

Loans Available to Build Broadband in Rural Areas

From the USDA:

Loans are now available to build broadband in rural areas.

Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack announced these loans, along with changes to the program required by the 2014 Farm Bill. 

"USDA is committed to providing broadband to rural areas," Vilsack said. "Broadband is as vital as electricity was 80 years ago. Since 2009, USDA investments have delivered broadband service to 1.5 million households, businesses, schools, libraries and community facilities. But our work is not done."

Vilsack

In a rule published on page 45397 of the July 30 Federal Register, (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-07-30/pdf/2015-18624.pdf)  USDA is establishing two funding cycles to review and prioritize applications for the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee program. 

USDA also is setting a minimum level of acceptable broadband service at 4 megabits downstream and 1 megabit upstream. USDA urges applicants to design systems that allow for 25 megabits downstream and 3 megabits upstream to meet future needs. USDA is accepting comments on these changes through September 28.

To be eligible for funding, an applicant must serve an area where at least 15 percent of the households are unserved. Applications with the most unserved households will be processed first.

The maximum loan amount under today's announcement is $20 million. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30.

National Farmers' Market Week is Aug. 2-8

A farmers' market in the U.S.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has declared Aug. 2 through 8 as "National Farmers' Market Week." 

This year marks the 16th annual National Farmers Market Week in honor of the important role farmers' markets play in local economies. Throughout the week,the U.S. Department of Agriculture will celebrate thousands of our nation's farmers' markets, the farmers and ranchers who make them possible and the communities that host them.

Throughout the week, USDA officials will celebrate at farmers market locations across the country. On Saturday, Aug. 1, Anne Alonzo, administrator of USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service – which conducts research, provides technical assistance, and awards grants to support farmers markets – will kick off the week at the Santa Fe Farmers Market in New Mexico. The Santa Fe Farmers Market is the oldest in New Mexico and is ranked as one of the top 10 farmers' markets nationwide.

To find a summer farmers' market near you, go to http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/summer-markets/

Farmers' markets provide consumers with fresh, affordable, convenient and healthy products from local producers. With support from USDA, more farmers' markets offer customers the opportunity to make purchases with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program; and the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs.

Supporting farmers markets is a part of the USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative, which coordinates the Department's policy, resources, and outreach efforts related to local and regional food systems.

Nomination Period Opens Monday for Farm Service Agency County Committees

From the USDA:

The nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees begins Monday, June 15.


“Through the county committees, farmers and ranchers have a voice. Their opinions and ideas get to be heard on federal farm programs,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “It is important for county committees to reflect America's diversity, so I encourage all eligible farmers and ranchers, including beginning farmers, to get involved in this year's elections. We’ve seen an increase in the number of nominations for qualified candidates, especially among women and minorities, and I hope that trend continues.”

To be eligible to serve on a FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in an agency administered program, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area where they are nominated.

Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others. Organizations representing minorities and women also may nominate candidates. 

To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign an FSA-669A nomination form. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. 

Nomination forms for the 2015 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on Aug. 3, 2015.


FSA will mail election ballots to eligible voters beginning Nov. 9. Ballots will be due back to the local county office either via mail or in person by Dec. 7. Newly elected committee members and alternates will take office on Jan. 1, 2016.

Ag Secretary Comments on Third Quarter Agriculture Outlook

Vilsack

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently made the following statement on the release of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's third quarter Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade.

"The strong pace of American agricultural exports continues, with a trade surplus of more than $23 billion, a $1 billion increase from earlier projections for fiscal year 2015. Fiscal years 2009 to 2014 represent the strongest six years in history for U.S. agricultural trade, with U.S. agricultural product exports totaling $771.7 billion. 

For many American products, foreign markets now represent more than half of total sales. U.S. agricultural exports now support more than one million jobs here at home, a substantial part of the 11.7 million jobs supported by exports all across our country. Expanded U.S. trade overall has added roughly $13,000, on average, to every American family's income. 

Fiscal year 2015 exports are now forecast to be the third-highest on record, led by a strong performance in bulk commodities such as grains, animal feeds, and oilseeds.

"This most recent forecast also underscores how free trade agreements have benefitted the American economy through farm goods. In the combined 20 countries where the United States has free trade agreements, agricultural exports have remained relatively steady so far this fiscal year. 

Exports to countries where the United States lacks the assurances offered by trade agreements have declined this year, highlighting why it is so important for Congress to act and pass strong trade promotion authority legislation.

"Every day without trade promotion authority, American agriculture suffers as competitors negotiate their own agreements and lower global standards when it comes to environmental impact, consumer safety, and working conditions. USDA will continue to fight to get the best deal for farmers and ranchers, but our ability to open new markets and create new customers is limited without Congressional action."

To find the entire report for the third quarter outlook, go to this link http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aes-outlook-for-us-agricultural-trade/aes-86.aspx

Then click on the PDF file.

More Than Half of Nation's Dairy Farmers Sign Up for Margin Protection Program

From the USDA:

More than 23,000 of the nation's dairy operations – over half of all dairy farms in America – have enrolled in the new safety-net program created by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as the Margin Protection Program. 

Vilsack

Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack said the voluntary program provides financial assistance to participating farmers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.

"Enrollment far exceeded our expectations in the first year," said Vilsack. "We're pleased that so many dairy producers are taking advantage of the expanded protection. USDA conducted a lot of outreach to get the word out. When you compare the initial enrollment rate for the Margin Protection Program to the longstanding federal crop insurance program, where participation ranges from 30 percent to 80 percent depending on the crop, it's clear that these outreach efforts made a difference."

During the three months of the enrollment period, USDA conducted a robust education and outreach effort to the nation's dairy producers. The department held over 500 public meetings, sent out nearly 60,000 direct mailings, and conducted more than 400 demonstrations of the Web-based tool designed to help applicants to calculate their specific coverage needs.

Unlike earlier dairy programs, the Margin Protection Program offers dairy producers a range of choices of protection that are best suited for their operation. Starting with basic coverage for an administrative fee of $100, producers can select higher levels of coverage at affordable incremental premiums. More than half of applicants selected higher coverage beyond the basic level.

Dairy producers interested in enrolling in the Margin Protection Program for Fiscal Year 2016 can register between July 1, 2015 and Sept. 30, 2015.

To learn more about the Margin Protection Program, visit the Farm Service Agency (FSA) online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/ or contact a local FSA office at offices.usda.gov.