USDA Now Accepting Applications For Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, Seeks Comments On Additional Entities To Include

May 28, 2020

On May 26, 2020 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), pursuant to a final rule issued on May 21, 2020, began accepting applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The program aims to provide financial relief to farmers and ranchers who have faced a five percent or greater price decline or who experienced losses due to market supply chain disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA outlines several eligible commodities including non-specialty crops, wool, livestock, dairy, and a limited number of specific specialty crops. Eligible producers may apply until August 28, 2020. In addition, USDA will accept public comments on the rule to hear from entities who feel they should be eligible to receive assistance but may not already be covered. Public comments will be accepted until June 22, 2020.

Read more about the program and how to apply here.
Read the rulemaking here and submit public comments here.
Advocacy contact: Prianka Sharma at (202) 205-6938.

Source : sba.gov

Video: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

Hog procurement is coordinated through electronic marketing platforms that connect regional contract finishing operations and independent producers to plant demand schedules. This digital procurement system allows for steady supply flow and scheduling efficiency across multiple facilities.

Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.