Hurry Up! Lawmakers push to get payments to growers

Some lawmakers are growing impatient as USDA payments to contract growers still remain on hold.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack restarted the coronavirus relief program for farmers and ranchers ten weeks ago. Payments had been on hold since December during the White House transition.

Lawmakers sent a letter to Vilsack this week asking the USDA to expedite the rule-making process, to get payments to producers.

USDA is still accepting applications from contract growers, but the website cautions payments are on hold.