ANAHEIM, CA – USDA unveiled new support measures for farmers during the American Farm Bureau Federation convention, expanding Dairy Margin Coverage for 2026 and authorizing additional Section 32 purchases of U.S.-grown commodities to support farm income and nutrition programs.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that enrollment for the 2026 Dairy Margin Coverage program opened January 12 and runs through February 26. Changes authorized under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reestablish DMC through 2031, raise Tier 1 coverage from 5 million to 6 million pounds of milk, and allow producers to reset production history using their highest milk marketings from 2021 through 2023. Producers may also lock in coverage levels for six years at a 25 percent premium discount.
USDA also confirmed upcoming Section 32 purchases aimed at increasing U.S.-grown foods in nutrition channels, supporting producers while advancing the administration’s health priorities.
Rollins later met with California specialty crop producers to discuss labor needs and highlighted recent actions to reduce H-2A labor costs.
Industry groups, including the National Milk Producers Federation, urged eligible dairy farmers to enroll as milk prices soften entering 2026.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.