GRAPEVINE, Texas — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, speaking at the National Milk Producers Federation annual meeting, announced extended deadlines for the dairy Margin Protection Program.

Farmers now have until Dec. 5 to enroll in the voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill. The 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.

Vilsack encouraged producers to use the online 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.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture also extended the opportunity for public comments on the Margin Protection Program and the Dairy Product Donation Program until Dec. 15.

Comments can be submitted to USDA via the regulations.gov website at go.usa.gov/GJSA.