Which federal program provides support for fluctuating dairy prices?

The Dairy Margin Coverage program is designed specifically to offer financial support to dairy farmers who face challenges due to fluctuating dairy prices and production costs. This program helps ensure that farmers can maintain a stable income during periods when the margin between the price of milk and the cost of feed is low. Under Dairy Margin Coverage, producers can elect coverage levels and pay a premium based on their production history, which acts as a safety net when margins are tight.

This focus on the margin between milk prices and feed costs distinguishes it from other programs. For example, while the Federal Milk Marketing Order regulates how milk prices are set, it doesn’t provide direct financial assistance based on profitability. Similarly, the Support Price Program is more about establishing a minimum price for dairy products rather than addressing income variability due to market changes. The Cost Share Program generally supports specific practices or projects rather than addressing broader income fluctuations. Thus, the Dairy Margin Coverage program is tailored to directly support dairy farmers during challenging economic conditions, making it the correct answer.