Our policy team has received a lot of questions this week on #CFAP and the various programs administering COVID-19 relief dollars to cattle producers. Here's what you need to know :
There's three parts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's push to bring relief and assistance to producers who are struggling due to the pandemic: CFAP 1 payments, CFAP 2 payments, and the newly-created Pandemic Assistance to Producers. Let's go over them one by one.
CFAP 1 payments have already gone out, but USDA is now increasing the rates for producers based on the number of cattle in inventory between April 16-May 14, 2020. The rates are now as follows:
Feeder Cattle, less than 600 lbs $7.00/head Feeder Cattle, 600 lbs or more $25.50/head Slaughter Cattle, fed cattle $63.00/head Slaughter Cattle, mature cattle $14.75/head All Other Cattle $17.25/head
"Am I eligible for the increase?" YES, you are if you previously applied for CFAP 1.
"Do I need to take any action to get the funds?" NO, producers with approved CFAP 1 applications will automatically receive the increased payment rate.
OK, on to CFAP 2. The original application window was September 21-December 11, 2020. However, FSA is now accepting *new* and *modified* applications for CFAP 2. This won't impact everyone, but it's important for cattle producers who may have missed the original deadline! To see the full eligibility requirements and payment details for CFAP 2, visit farmers.gov/cfap2/livestock.
The third and final program to be aware of is the new Pandemic Assistance to Producers. The NCBA policy team is tracking this initiative closely. While the new program still needs to undergo a formal rulemaking process at USDA, it’s our understanding that they intend to open it up to producers this spring. The program will include additional COVID-19 aid for producers, and other efforts to strengthen the resiliency of the national food supply. We will keep pushing hard to have practical measures like the RAMP UP Act implemented.
We will continue to keep you up to date as we receive additional information on federal COVID-19 assistance efforts for cattle producers. In the meantime, reach out to us at (202) 347-0228 if you have questions!
You may also call the WCA Office at (509) 925-9871