The USDA will purchase $470 million in agricultural products through Section 32 appropriations, including $30 million of U.S. pork. That’s not as much as other commodities, but National Pork Producers Council Vice President of Industry Relations Dallas Hockman says the industry is thankful for anything the USDA can do to keep the pipeline full. “We’ll be working with the USDA to identify the type of product that would be best served in the pork industry. This detail hasn’t been confirmed yet.” Hockman says a few weeks ago, the industry needed help moving pork bellies. “Now, I would imagine as we come through with this with nearly 40 percent of packing plants having challenges with operations, we have cleaned the pipeline,” explains Hockman. “As we come back online, we may need help moving hams and pork bellies.” The purchases will take place in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020. The USDA says deliveries are expected in July.