Support Available for Minnesota Dairy Farmers

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offering financial assistance to eligible dairy producers through the Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Relief Initiative, known as DAIRI. This state-funded program is designed to strengthen dairy operations by helping producers manage financial risk and maintain long-term stability.

DAIRI provides additional support to dairy producers who enroll in the federal Dairy Margin Coverage program administered by the USDA Farm Service Agency. The program encourages producers to commit to six years of coverage, helping protect farms from unexpected changes in milk and feed prices.

To qualify, applicants must be the principal operator of a Minnesota dairy operation that produced less than 160,000 hundredweight of milk in 2022. Eligible producers must also have enrolled in six years of Dairy Margin Coverage during the official enrollment period running from January 12 to February 26, 2026.

“This round of DAIRI builds on the strong response we saw when Minnesota first offered this program in 2019, which lead to Minnesota dairy farmers becoming national leaders in enrolling in the federal Dairy Margin Coverage program,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “We’re grateful to the Minnesota Legislature for investing in DAIRI, which will help make it easier for farmers to afford DMC premiums and continue the essential work they do to keep their farms and our rural communities strong.”

Applications for the DAIRI program are currently open and will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 19. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture expects to distribute up to three million dollars through this funding round. Individual payment amounts will be determined after all eligible applications are reviewed and approved.

DAIRI reflects Minnesota’s continued commitment to supporting its dairy sector through practical financial tools. By helping offset Dairy Margin Coverage premiums, the program allows producers to focus on efficient operations, long term planning, and community stability.

For complete program details eligibility requirements and to submit application producers are encouraged to visit the official DAIRI program page at
https://www.mda.state.mn.us/dairi

Photo Credit: gettyimages-minchen-liang-eyeem