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COVID-19 Crisis Hits U.S. Hog Farmers Hard: NPPC Calls for Immediate Relief

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

COVID-19 has taken a severe financial and emotional toll on U.S. hog farmers, with many facing a collective $5 billion loss for the remainder of the year. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is urging the U.S. Senate to adopt livestock agriculture provisions included in the HEROES Act to provide relief measures to U.S. pork producers. Four pork producers spoke at a press briefing, highlighting the challenges they are facing and the need for immediate action.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pork producers are facing a collective $5 billion loss for the remainder of the year due to COVID-19-related challenges.
  • The NPPC is urging the Senate to adopt livestock agriculture provisions included in the HEROES Act to provide relief measures to U.S. pork producers.
  • Compensation for euthanized livestock, expanded direct payments, increased funding for animal health surveillance, and mental health assistance are among the relief measures being sought.
  • Over 500,000 jobs and $23 billion in personal income are at risk if pork producers do not receive immediate assistance.
  • Pork producers are facing losses of over $60 per animal due to COVID-19-related challenges.
  • Many generational family farms are at risk of bankruptcy due to the financial strain caused by COVID-19.

Specifically, the NPPC is calling for:

  • Compensation for euthanized livestock that can't be processed into the food supply due to COVID-related packing plant capacity reductions.
  • Expanded direct payments without payment limitationsto livestock farmers who have suffered severe losses as COVID-related market disruptions have caused the value of their livestock to plummet.
  • Increased funding for animal health surveillance and laboratories, which have been tapped to perform COVID-19 testing during this human health emergency.
  • Mental health assistance for farmers who face an unimaginable animal welfare crisis.

Statistics:

  • Initial losses for pork producers due to COVID-19 are estimated to be at least $5 billion for the remainder of the year.
  • Over 500,000 jobs and $23 billion in personal income are at risk if pork producers do not receive immediate assistance.
  • Pork producers are facing losses of over $60 per animal due to COVID-19-related challenges.
  • Over 60,000 pork producers in the United States are facing financial and emotional strain due to COVID-19.

Sources:

  • National Pork Producers Council (NPPC)
  • www.nppc.org
  • U.S. House of Representatives - HEROES Act
  • National Pork Producers Council Press Briefing

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