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Ag groups react to trade aid package
The USDA’s trade relief package is getting mixed reactions from ag groups.
Kevin Skunes, president of the National Corn Growers Association, says the plan would provide “virtually no relief to corn farmers.”
The USDA’s plan sets the payment rate for corn at one cent per bushel. Skunes says it’s disappointing that the plan doesn’t consider the extent of damage done to corn farmers. The NCGA says that the trade dispute has lowered corn prices by 44 cents per bushel, which adds up to about $6.3 billion in lost value.
The president of the National Association of Wheat Growers says the plan won’t make up for the losses farmers have experienced. The payment rate for wheat is 14 cents per bushel, but NAWG says the trade dispute has caused a 75-cent per bushel decrease.
The president of the National Pork Producers Council says they appreciate the support from the administration, but pork producers would prefer to see the market open back up.The USDA says pork producers will receive $8 per hog based on 50 percent of the number of animals they owned on August 1.
The American Soybean Association says it is pleased with the announcement. The president of the ASA says the payments will provide a “real shot in the arm” for growers who have seen soybean prices fall about $2 per bushel.
The USDA’s plan sets the payment rate for soybeans at $1.65 cents per bushel.
Why would anyone expect the USDA to have a program that actually helps the farmer? I have faith in Secretary Perdue, and that is about it at the USDA. Just another bunch of political hacks bound by special interests and ulterior motives.