The Department of Agriculture is extending sign-up deadlines for the Dairy Margin Coverage program to December 20th.

USDA officials cited the prolonged and extensive impacts of weather events this year for moving the deadline beyond its original date of Friday, December 13th.

USDA announced it is also continuing to accept applications for the Market Facilitation Program through December 20, 2019.

Bill Northey, USDA undersecretary for farm production and conservation, says some farmers are still in the field, adding, “we hope this deadline extension will allow producers the opportunity to participate in these important programs.”

The DMC program offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost, the margin, falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer.

The Market Facilitation Program is part of a relief strategy to support farmers while the administration continues to work on trade agreements.

Another round of payments could come next month.