Coronavirus relief funding still available for cattle, hog, and sheep producers
Many businesses have been affected by supply chain disruptions and other impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Farmers fall into this category. Financial relief for these losses is available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency.
The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) provides direct relief to producers who faced price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19. Eligible producers of specified agricultural commodities who have suffered a five percent-or-greater price decline as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for these benefits.
Commodities determined to meet this five percent price decline threshold include beef cattle, hogs, sheep (under 2-years-old), corn, soybeans, and milk, to name a few. A full listing of all commodities eligible under this program are available at www.farmers.gov.
Signup for CFAP began on May 26 and will run through Friday, Aug. 28. To date, more than $115 million has been issued to livestock, dairy, and non-specialty crop producers in Ohio.
Livestock applicants can apply on eligible animals sold between the dates of Jan. 15 and April 15. Beef cattle rates range from $92/head to $214/head, depending on the class of the animal. Hogs and pigs sold in this timeframe are compensated at $28/head for animals more than 120 pounds, and $18/head for those less than 120 pounds. Lambs and Yearlings sold have a sheep rate of $33/head.
In addition to sold animals, CFAP also compensates livestock producers for their highest inventory of animals held between April 16 and May 14. Inventory beef cattle are eligible for a $33/head payment, hogs have a $17/head rate, and sheep (lambs/yearlings) are covered at $7/head.
Dairy and grain producers are covered under CFAP as well. The dairy provision compensates milk producers on all pounds produced in the first three months of 2020. Corn and soybean producers can receive benefits on any 2019 unpriced grain still owned on Jan. 15, 2020.
This program is a self-certification program. No proof of eligible commodities is needed at the time of application. All applications will be subject to spot check and future verification.
Applications can be filed with your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. For Coshocton, FSA is located at 724 S. Seventh St., in the county services building. Due to COVID-19, Coshocton FSA has not yet opened to walk-in traffic. For assistance, call the office at 740-622-8087. Applications and eligibility forms can be sent via e-mail, fax, or USPS.
Category: People & Places
