Livestock and poultry producers who suffered losses due to insufficient access to processing during the pandemic have a month left to apply for an assistance program.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program gives payments to producers for losses of livestock or poultry depopulated during March 1 to December 26, 2020. The USDA states pork producers are expected to be the primary recipients of this assistance, and Washington County is one of the state’s top swine producing counties. ISU Extension Region 5 Swine Specialist Matt Romoser says 2020 was an unprecedented year for producers, as total packing capacity dipped down to around 30%, “It made it very challenging and I certainly hope we don’t have to experience anything like that again. But you never know with more animal diseases sort of looming on the horizon or something. We have to keep our eye on every day that something could certainly shut down or definitely impact the supply chain. We know that this is in reality maybe a little bit of a trial run of what we could face in the future.”

Romoser refers to African Swine Fever which is a deadly viral disease that has been found in countries around the world and most recently in the Dominican Republic. 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. Producers can apply through the Farm Service Agency through September 17th.