Signup for USDA’s new farm assistance program is expected to begin in early September. According to Minnesota Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Joe Martin, the Agriculture Department is still working on the process. “We expect to see more details on how the implementation for the market facilitation program will look by the end of the month or early September,” said Martin. “It looks like there will be a need for farmers to come into county offices this fall to let us know if you want to participate in the program.” The $12 billion relief package will include market facilitation or direct payments for farmers raising soybeans, corn, wheat, cotton, sorghum, hogs and dairy cattle. Commodities will also be purchased for food banks and nutrition programs and there is a trade promotion program to develop new markets.
