USDA offers help with livestock losses from pandemic problems

USDA is helping livestock and poultry producers who lost money during the COVID-19 pandemic because they couldn’t get access to processing.

The program will help offset losses for the cost of depopulation and disposal of animals between March 1, 2020, and Dec. 26, 2020, due to insufficient processing access because of the pandemic.

PLIP payments will be based on 80% of the fair market value of the livestock and poultry and for the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animal. Eligible livestock and poultry include swine, chickens and turkeys, but pork producers are expected to be receive the bulk of the assistance.

“We appreciate the administration’s support in helping livestock and poultry producers recover some of their losses caused by the pandemic,” said Ernie Birchmeier, Michigan Farm Bureau livestock and dairy specialist.  
“In many areas of the country, the losses were significant and caused financial hardship for many farmers.  While financial assistance is important, it is important that we also solve some of the long-term challenges facing the industry such as processing capacity, labor challenges and market infrastructure.”

Eligible livestock owners include persons or legal entities who, as of the day the eligible livestock was depopulated, had legal ownership of the livestock. Packers, live poultry dealers and contract growers are not eligible for PLIP.

Livestock and poultry producers can apply for assistance through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) July 20 through Sept. 17, 2021.

Eligible livestock and poultry producers can apply for PLIP starting July 20, 2021, by completing the FSA-620, Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program application, and submitting it to any FSA county office. Additional documentation may be required. Visit farmers.gov/plip for a copy of the Notice of Funding Availability and more information on how to apply.