Dairy farmers have until May 21 to apply for assistance under a dairy income loss assistance program.  The losses occurred from reduced milk prices.

Farmers who produced milk during the last quarter of calendar 1998 are eligible.  The final payment rate per hundredweight will be calculated after the application period ends.  USDA expects the payment rate will be between 18-20 cents per cwt. with maximum benefits about $5,000 per dairy operation.

Applications are available at local Farm Service Agency offices or from USDA's web site: www.fsa.usda.gov.