Dairy Disaster Assistance Program

Eligible dairy producers can sign up for the Dairy Disaster Assistance Program (DDAP-III) at local Farm Service Agency centers, beginning December 3.  The program compensates dairy producers who suffered weather-related production losses between Jan. 1, 2005 and Feb. 28, 2007, in counties declared disaster areas by USDA.

DDAP-III will pay for production lost from dumped milk, lost herds, or containment equipment damaged by natural disaster.  Losses from milk delivery delays due to power outages and fuel shortages will also be compensated. Payments will be calculated by multiplying eligible pounds of milk by the average price received for commercial milk production in affected areas during the disaster. If total funding doesn’t cover eligible producers for their losses, USDA will make payments at two levels to more equitably distribute limited funds.