COVID-19: Dairy

​​​Publications

May 14, 2020: DATCP, DFW Partially Lift State Dairy Assessment During COVID-19 Federal Disaster Declaration

​March 24, 2020: DFW Nomination Period Closes March 31; Guidance Issued for Remote Notarization

March 30, 2020Emergency disposal of milk for dairy farms during the COVID-19 public health emergency​​​

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I write an emergency response plan for my business?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided tips on developing and implementing a response plan, identifying essential business functions, and establishing communication plans: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html.

Ready.gov has resources for creating a business process diagram and continuity impact analysis: https://www.ready.gov/business-continuity-plan. These resources include a sample emergency plan: https://eden.lsu.edu/media/2269/pandemic-preparedness-for-businesses-sample-plan.pdf.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers free emergency planning tabletop exercises for businesses to review, share, and use: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-planning-exercises.

What's going to happen to my farm? What should I do to prepare?

UW-Division of Extension has published resources on its website: https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/covid19/.

Farm Journal's Pork publication has also compiled a list of "Five Things Your Farm Should Do Now" to respond to COVID-19: https://www.porkbusiness.com/article/covid-19-5-things-your-farm-should-do-now.

Does the Agricultural Producer Security Fund provide coverage for loss of income if a processor stops taking milk?

No. The law requires that milk be delivered to the processor for a claim to be valid. It does not cover undelivered milk if a processor stops taking delivery.

Who is covered by the Ag Producer Security program?

Generally, the fund covers Wisconsin producers who deliver to licensed contractors. For a list of licensed milk contractors, go to datcp.wi.gov, select the Agricultural Producer Security page under the License/Permits tab, and click Milk.​

I delivered milk to my processor but didn't get paid. What action should I take?

For more information or to file a claim, go to datcp.wi.gov and select the Agricultural Producer Security page under the Licenses/Permits tab.​

Additional Resources

Dairy Food Safety Alliance

Dairy Innovation Hub

International Dairy Foods Association