Farmers and ranchers with an agriculture commodity suffering a five percent or greater price decline due to COVID-19 are eligible for the direct payments in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. For livestock producers, payments will be made based on sales and inventory. “There’s a single CFAP payment based on the sum of two components,” said Ron Haugen, farm management specialist, NDSU Extension. “There’s a payment for livestock marketed between January 15 and April 15 and there’s a payment for the highest inventory of the unpriced livestock between April 16 and May 14.” Livestock producers will need to provide documentation of sales and inventory. When it comes to documenting inventory, NDSU Extension Livestock Economist Tim Petry recommended farmers ask their local Farm Service Agency office what they prefer. “The rule says farmers are generally self-certified now, but you might have to provide supporting documentation,” said Petry. “Examples include evidence like copies of receipts, ledgers and veterinary records.” Farmers will need to call ahead to their local FSA office begin the sign-up process. Sign-up is open through August.
