The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new program to assist hog producers affected by the reduction of market prices due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP) is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative and addresses gaps in previous assistance for hog producers.
SMHPP provides assistance to hog producers who sold hogs through a negotiated sale from April 16th, 2020, through September 1st, 2020.
USDA is offering SMHPP as packer production was reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic due to employee illness and supply chain issues, resulting in fewer negotiated hogs being procured and subsequent lower market prices.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now accepting applications through February 25th.
