$23.5 billion has been allotted for agriculture in the latest COVID-19 relief package, now, how it will be split up is getting a little more clear.
Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts said, “I think at least $9 billion will be going to livestock producers.”
During a WIBW Radio interview, the Kansas Republican also said that Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue would disburse coronavirus funds before deciding if a new round of trade war payments is needed.
“Our cattle feeders have been hit very hard,” said Roberts. Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, prices have fallen sharply for major commodities, including corn, wheat, castle, soybeans, and hogs.
Meanwhile, a group of small-farm advocates wrote Perdue to “urge you to ensure that farmers and ranchers who have lost local and regional markets due to the pandemic receive financial relief, especially direct assistance, that is commensurate with their expected losses of over $1 billion.”