Nicholson, Stonfer, Zepp to provide Q&A for producers needing answers on MPP
The Center for Dairy Excellence has invited Dr. Chuck Nicholson, clinical associate professor with Penn State Smeal College of Business, and Jackie Stonfer, USDA Farm Service Agency program chief for price support in dairy, to join Alan Zepp (right), risk management program manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence, to lead a question and answer session on the new Dairy Margin Protection Program specifically for dairy producers who have last minute questions before enrolling in the program. The session will be held as both a conference call and webinar four times throughout November: on Wednesday, November 12; Thursday, November 13; Wednesday, November 19; and Thursday, November 20 at 12 p.m.The deadline of November 28 to sign up for the new Dairy Margin Protection Program is less than 45 days away. Producers who are still uncertain of how MPP should fit into their risk management plan should participate in one or more of the sessions. The following questions will be discussed: What's my base production? Which margin is right for my dairy? What coverage level should I pick? Should I choose LGM for Dairy or Dairy MPP for 2015?
Dr. Chuck Nicholson has developed numerous economic models to analyze dairy price cycles, origins and policy responses to price variability. Jackie Stonfer works for Pennsylvania's FSA office as the program chief for price support, dairy, wool and GIS. Zepp has led the center's risk management programs for the past six years. All three individuals are prepared to discuss the program and answer producers' questions regarding enrollment and the program itself.
These events are free, however, registration is required to access the webinar and conference call information. Call the center at 717-346-0849 to register or email info@centerfordairyexcellence.org. Producers can also visit http://centerfordairyexcellence.org/nov-dairy-mpp-faqs/ for more information about the upcoming Dairy MPP sessions. If there is no access to a computer, hard copies of the presentation can be mailed directly to participants, allowing the ability to follow along on the conference call.
The Center for Dairy Excellence is a non-profit organization initiated by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in 2004. Bringing together people from more than 40 different dairy organizations in Pennsylvania, the Center's mission is to enhance the profitability of the dairy industry by empowering people, creating partnerships, and increasing the availability and use of resources. Learn more about the Center at www.centerfordairyexcellence.org.10.21.2014