Dairy Forward Pricing Program Gets Three-Year Extension Boost
Published Date: 2/27/2026
Rule
Summary
The Dairy Forward Pricing Program just got a fresh green light! Milk handlers can now sign new forward contracts until September 30, 2026, and any contract made by then lasts until September 30, 2029. This means dairy producers and handlers get more time and flexibility to lock in prices and plan ahead without surprises.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
New Forward Contracts Allowed Through 2026
If you are a dairy producer, cooperative, or handler, you (or handlers) may enter new Dairy Forward Pricing Program (DFPP) contracts through September 30, 2026. Any forward contract entered by that deadline may not extend beyond September 30, 2029.
Contract Filing and Disclosure Requirements
Regulated handlers claiming exemption from Federal order minimum pricing must submit a copy of each forward contract to the Market Administrator, and each contract must include a disclosure statement (as part of the contract or as a supplement). Contracts without a disclosure statement are deemed invalid and returned. Signed contracts must be received by the Market Administrator before the first of a month to be effective for that month (for example, received by December 31, 2025 to be effective January 2026). Payments under a forward contract must be made on or before the same date as the Federal milk marketing order payments they replace.
DFPP Extended to All Federal Milk Orders
This final rule extends the Dairy Forward Pricing Program to all Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). Handlers operating under any FMMO may use the program consistent with its terms and deadlines.
No Forward Contracting for Fluid Milk
The DFPP does not allow forward contracting for Class I (fluid) milk. The program only permits forward contracts for non‑fluid classes of milk (Classes II, III, and IV under the Federal Milk Marketing Order system).
Participation Is Voluntary; No Coercion Allowed
Participation in the DFPP is voluntary for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and handlers. Handlers may not require producer participation in a forward pricing program as a condition for accepting milk.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09571 — Designation Opportunities for United States Grain Standards Act
The USDA is opening up chances for companies and state agencies to become official grain inspectors in six areas because some current inspectors’ designations are ending or were canceled. If you want to apply or share your thoughts on the current inspectors, you’ve got from June 1 to June 30, 2026, to do it. This is a great opportunity for new players to step in and keep grain inspections running smoothly, with no fees mentioned.
2026-09326 — Kiwifruit Grown in California; Continuance Referendum
California kiwifruit growers will vote from May 18 to June 8, 2026, on whether to keep the current rules that help manage how kiwifruit is grown and sold. Only growers who produced fresh-market kiwifruit between August 2024 and July 2025 can vote. This vote decides if the marketing order continues, which affects how the industry works and could impact growers’ costs and sales.
2026-09058 — Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2025-2026 Marketing Year
The USDA is setting new limits on how much spearmint oil can be sold from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah for the 2025-2026 season. This affects spearmint oil farmers and buyers by controlling supply to keep the market steady. The new rules kick in on June 8, 2026, helping producers plan and protect their earnings.
2026-09063 — United States Standards for Grades of Nectarines
The USDA wants to update nectarine grading rules by removing 'speckling' as a defect since it’s just a cosmetic thing and actually means sweeter fruit. This change helps farmers, sellers, and buyers better match today’s quality and could boost how nectarines are sold. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 6, 2026, to speak up!
2026-08597 — Almonds Grown in California; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA wants to keep collecting info from California almond growers and update how they do it. This affects farmers and businesses involved in California almonds, helping keep the almond market running smoothly. If you have thoughts, speak up by July 6, 2026—no extra costs, just a little paperwork refresh!
2026-08399 — 2026/2027 Rates Charged for AMS Services
Starting May 1, 2026, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is updating the fees it charges for grading, inspecting, and testing agricultural products like meat, fruits, and cotton. Some fees are going up to cover rising costs, while others stay the same. Warehouse service fees for fiscal year 2027 won’t change, so businesses should plan for these updates as the new crop and fiscal years begin.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03955 — Withdrawal of 2023 Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status
The National Labor Relations Board is rolling back its 2023 rule about when two companies count as joint employers and going back to the 2020 rule instead. This change affects businesses and workers by keeping the older, simpler standard in place. The rollback officially kicks in on February 27, 2026, so everyone knows which rules to follow without confusion or extra costs.
Next: 2026-03995 — Extending the Reporting Deadline Under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule for 2025
The EPA is giving companies more time to report their 2025 greenhouse gas emissions by extending the deadline from March 31 to October 30, 2026. This change helps businesses avoid rushing and ensures better data quality without any new fees or penalties. If you’re responsible for reporting emissions, mark your calendar and breathe a little easier!