The USDA is putting together a rule for the $19 billion COVID-19 aid package. North Dakota Senator John Hoeven hosted a roundtable discussion to address with local farm groups. In the roundtable, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson gave input on the proposed payment calculations, asking how USDA would be measuring damage for expected losses in the cow-calf industry. “If local cow-calf producers sell calves in the fourth quarter and the program ends in the third quarter, very few North Dakota producers would qualify for the program.” Ellingson said there are still feeder cattle that need to be sold. “We have had many calls from farmers feeding cattle right now and those cattle are ready for market. There are zero bids for those cattle and they don’t have documented losses to show.” North Dakota Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Brad Thykeson reminded farmers to plant for the marketplace, not a government program. “Producers should look at the marketplace, which isn’t real friendly right now, and make their own decisions.” Hoeven said the USDA wants to get the rule sent to the Office of Management and Budget soon and he is hopeful sign-up can begin in May.
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