Dairy Margin Coverage Enrollment to Begin
Dairy producers will be able to enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage, an important safety net program offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup begins Feb. 28 and ends April 29. For those who sign up for 2024 DMC coverage, payments may begin as soon as March 4 for any payments that triggered in January.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency has revised the regulations for DMC to allow eligible dairy operations to make a one-time adjustment to established production history. This adjustment will be accomplished by combining previously established supplemental production history with DMC production history for those dairy operations that participated in Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage during a prior coverage year. DMC has also been authorized through calendar year 2024. Congress passed a 2018 Farm Bill extension requiring these regulatory changes to the program.
“FSA is announcing the sign up for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage. We encourage producers to enroll in this important safety net program. In reviewing 2023 margins and the more than $1.2 billion in Dairy Margin Coverage payments issued to producers, Dairy Margin Coverage is proven to be a program to reduce risk for our dairy producers,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “If 2023 taught us anything, it’s that we honestly have no idea what will happen in the market in any given year. Producers who took advantage of this affordable risk management tool for the 2023 program year, were able to mitigate some financial impacts on their operations. At $0.15 per hundredweight for $9.50 coverage, risk protection through Dairy Margin Coverage is a relatively inexpensive investment in a true sense of security and peace of mind.”
DMC is a voluntary risk management program that offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. In 2023, Dairy Margin Coverage payments triggered in 11 months including two months, June and July, where the margin fell below the catastrophic level of $4 per hundredweight, a first for Dairy Margin Coverage or its predecessor Margin Protection Program.
2024 DMC Coverage and Premium Fees
FSA has revised DMC regulations to extend coverage for calendar year 2024, which is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024, and to provide an adjustment to the production history for dairy operations with less than 5 million pounds of production. In previous years, smaller dairy operations could establish a supplemental production history and receive Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage. For 2024, dairy producers can establish one adjusted base production history through DMC for each participating dairy operation to better reflect the operation’s current production.
For 2024 DMC enrollment, dairy operations that established supplemental production history through Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage for coverage years 2021 through 2023, will combine the supplemental production history with established production history for one adjusted base production history.
For dairy operations enrolled in 2023 DMC under a multi-year lock-in contract, lock-in eligibility will be extended until Dec. 31, 2024. In addition, dairy operations enrolled in multi-year lock-in contracts are eligible for the discounted DMC premium rate during the 2024 coverage year. To confirm 2024 DMC lock-in coverage or opt out in favor of an annual contract for 2024, dairy operations having lock-in contracts must enroll during the 2024 DMC enrollment period.
DMC offers different levels of coverage, even an option that is free to producers, minus a $100 administrative fee. The administrative fee is waived for dairy producers who are considered limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged or a military veteran. To determine the appropriate level of DMC coverage for a specific dairy operation, producers can use the online dairy decision tool.
DMC Payments
DMC payments are calculated using updated feed and premium hay costs, making the program more reflective of actual dairy producer expenses. These updated feed calculations use 100 percent premium alfalfa hay.
More Information
USDA also offers other risk management tools for dairy producers, including the Dairy Revenue Protection plan that protects against a decline in milk revenue (yield and price) and the Livestock Gross Margin plan, which provides protection against the loss of the market value of milk minus the feed costs. Both DRP and LGM livestock insurance policies are offered through the Risk Management Agency. Producers should contact their local crop insurance agent for more information.
For more information on DMC, visit the DMC webpage or contact a local USDA Service Center.
American Cheese Society Adds Certified in Cheese Scholarship
New this year, the Certified in Cheese Scholarship was started by the industry to improve access to American Cheese Society certification exams. This fund gives a cheese professional with certification ambition a boost to reach their goals.
Crowdfunding for and by cheese professionals across the industry has paved the way for one certification seeker to elevate their career in the world of cheese.
The scholarship will cover costs for one person to attend the ACS conference, including conference registration fees, hotel and travel, as well as the exam fee for either the ACS CCP exam or T.A.S.T.E. Test.
Applicants must demonstrate a need for outside support in reaching their certification goals, including, but not limited to financial need, and have been accepted to take one of this year’s exams.
Applications are due on April 2.
Scholarships are open to open to cheesemakers, retailers, chefs, students and any other cheese professionals. ACS & ACEF encourages all members of the community to apply for scholarships! While we prioritize first-time attendees and first-time applicants, we thoroughly review every application that comes in and will award scholarships to as many people as we can.
Only one scholarship will be awarded per company, if multiple employees from a single company apply for a scholarship. Any applicants that do not receive a scholarship will receive a discount code for the lowest cost of an American Cheese Society Conference registration.
The Certified in Cheese Scholarship was started by the industry to improve access to the ACS certification exams. This fund gives a cheese professional with certification ambition a boost to reach their goals. Crowdfunding for and by cheese professionals across the industry has paved the way for one certification seeker to elevate their career in the world of cheese. The scholarship will cover costs for one person to attend the ACS conference, including conference registration fees, hotel, and travel, as well as the exam fee for either the ACS CCP exam or T.A.S.T.E. Test.
Applicants must demonstrate a need for outside support in reaching their certification goals, including, but not limited to financial need, and have been accepted to take one of this year’s exams.
The American Cheese Education Foundation is continuing The Peterson Company Scholarship for BIPOC Advancement.
This annual scholarship will fund an Individual membership with ACS for the year, attending that year’s ACS Conference, including registration fees, hotel, and travel, and the fee to take that year’s Certified Cheese Professional Exam.
Applicants must identify as a Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color and have been accepted to take that year’s ACS CCP exam.
The Forever Cheese Scholarship for Cheesemongers is open to those who wish to attend the annual American Cheese Society conference.
The scholarship is open to all those employed as a cheesemonger at the time of application and whose employer must not be providing financial support for them to attend the conference.
The Forever Cheese Scholarship for Cheesemongers will cover costs for one person to attend the ACS conference, including registration fees, hotel and travel. It will also cover the cost of the ACS CCP exam or T.A.S.T.E. Test, if applicable.
To apply, applicants should submit a short letter explaining how they are making an impact in the cheese community in the optional field on the ACS & ACEF Scholarship application.
The Comté Association Conference Fund is open to all applicants who have been accepted for the current year’s Certified Cheese Professional exam and seek to attend the American Cheese Society’s annual conference. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. The Fund covers travel expenses to the conference, registration, a one-year ACS Membership, and taking the CCP Exam.
For any questions, email info@cheesociety.org.
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Scream Break, Flavors of the World Return to Six Flags
Six Flags Magic Mountain, the Thrill Capital of the World, adds a dose of vitamin scream to spring break with the return of the guest-favorite haunt event, Scream Break, and culturally diverse food festival, Flavors of the World. With daily operations from March 8 through April 14, guests of all ages can enjoy world-class thrills and chills, delicious cuisine and exciting entertainment – the ultimate destination for spring break in Southern California.
“We are excited to kick off our 2024 event line-up with the return of two guest-favorite events this spring,” said Six Flags Magic Mountain Interim Park President Jeff Harris. “Scream Break combines the party and fun of spring break with exhilarating and haunting entertainment. The team has also cooked up some amazing dishes for Flavors of the World, captivating the tasty thrills that food enthusiasts know and love. We’re going all out and taking thrills to the max with the most coasters on the planet and unique events for thrill-seekers of all ages,” he added.
Back by popular demand, the Scream Break after-hours event offers eight nights of screams with a Spring Break twist from 9 p.m. to midnight, including a haunted happy hour starting at 7:30 p.m., on Friday and Saturday from March 22 through April 13. The lineup of monstertainment includes:
- After-Hours Access – Stay in the park after hours during this separate gated admission event to experience a spring break bash like no other where the undead are dying to keep the party alive;
- Haunted Attractions – Experience ghouls gone wild with exclusive access to two haunted houses, including a revamped haunted maze inspired by the iconic “Saw” franchise and the return of Condemned House Party plus three scare zones;
- Unlimited Ride Access – Face your fears in the dark on some of the most iconic world-class rides and coasters including the new Wonder Woman Flight of Courage, Full Throttle, Goliath, Batman The Ride, Twisted Colossus and CraZanity;
- Ghoulish Grub – Satisfy a monstrous appetite with foodie favorites, plus sink your teeth in sangria blood bags, specialty cocktails and more; and
- Exciting Entertainment – Dance the night away between rides and haunted attractions with two DJs in DC Universe and the Full Throttle Plaza.
Scream Break requires the purchase of an event-specific ticket and wristband. Event admission is included with a Season Pass or Membership. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit sixflags.com/magicmountain/events/scream-break-2024.
Guests can take their taste buds on a thrilling ride during the Flavors of the World food festival on Saturdays and Sundays, from March 23 through May 5. Food-lovers can embark on a culinary adventure around the globe with a wide array of international foods ranging from street food favorites to gourmet delicacies, including:
- Mouthwatering Menus – Sample distinct dishes and traditional desserts from seven countries, including Italy, India, Korea, China, Mexico, Greece and the Caribbean;
- Artisanal Beverages – Sip and savor the flavors of the world with specialty drinks inspired by each country, including Masala chai, horchata, boba and more; and
- Festive Entertainment – Let the sounds of the world surround you with traditional music compilations, live DJs, festive crafts for kids and more during this celebration of the cultures.
For the best value, the purchase of a Flavors of the World Tasting Pass allows guests to explore the rich diversity of global cuisine and sample up to 12 specialty foods, desserts and beverages. For more details and to purchase an event Tasting Pass, visit sixflags.com/magicmountain/events/flavors-of-the-world-2024.
For information on all events at Six Flags Magic Mountain, including Scream Break and Flavors of the World, visit sixflags.com/magicmountain/events.
Six Flags Magic Mountain’s 2024 Spring Pass Sale starts on March 18. For a limited time, receive a free upgrade to a Diamond Pass with the purchase of a Platinum Pass and enjoy thrills for all of 2024 with visits to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles with no block out dates, plus parking, admission to Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park, discounts on merchandise and so much more. Visit sixflags.com/magicmountain for details.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is hiring all positions for Spring Break, plus Scream Break event-specific positions including monsters and scare actors. Team Members receive in-park discounts, rewards and recognitions, exclusive Team Member events, and more. Applicants, age 14 and older, can apply online at sixflags.com/magicmountain/jobs.
Six Flags Magic Mountain, known as the Thrill Capital of the World, boasts 20 world-class roller coasters—more than any other theme park on the planet—including roller coaster icons like Twisted Colossus, Tatsu, Goliath, Full Throttle and X2. Thrill seekers of all ages can enjoy various events and entertainment plus over 100 games and attractions. For more information, visit sixflags.com/magicmountain or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn. #ThrillCapitaloftheWorld
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with 27 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 63 years, Six Flags has entertained hundreds of millions of guests with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions. Six Flags is committed to creating an inclusive environment that fully embraces the diversity of our team members and guests. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.
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