This week USDA expanded and enhanced the dairy margin protection insurance program authorized under the farm bill. National Milk Producer Federation’s Chris Galen says his group has been working with the ag department to improve the margin program and make it more viable for dairy producers.

He says the enhancements give producers more options which will improve the value of the program as a farm safety net.

Galen says another change made to the margin protection program allows a producer to update their production history if they bring a family member into their operation.

Galen says that involves a one-time allowance of an intergenerational transfer for through the life of the margin protection program which is 2018.