Minnesota dairy producers have until 5 p.m. today Thursday, March 19, to apply for the Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Relief Initiative (DAIRI) program.
The program, offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, provides financial assistance to eligible small- and mid-sized dairy operations enrolled in the federal Dairy Margin Coverage program. Funding totals $3 million, with payments expected about a month after the deadline.
Meanwhile, a bill expanding the DAIRI program has passed the Minnesota Senate on a unanimous 66-0 vote. The measure would broaden eligibility, potentially allowing an additional 30 to 40 farmers to participate, and aims to provide stability when milk prices drop and feed costs rise. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
More information and application details are available at: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/dairi
