A second round of federal payments to agricultural producers during the coronavirus has totaled more than $7 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture this week.
South Dakota’s share in Round Two is $352.3 million, with 14,331 applications approved, as of Oct. 25. That brings South Dakota’s total for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments to $831.6 million this year, after producers in the state received $479.2 million on 20,475 approved applications in the first round of CFAP funding.
The funding was created to provide ag producers with financial assistance to help absorb some of the increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“America’s agriculture communities are resilient, but still face many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These payments directed by President Trump will continue to help this critical industry recoup some of their losses from ongoing market disruptions and associated costs,” said USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue in a statement. “This program builds upon the over $10 billion disbursed under the first round of CFAP. Agricultural producers who have been impacted by the pandemic since April 2020 are encouraged to apply for assistance.”
Of that first round of payments in South Dakota, $297.8 million went to cattle producers, with corn payments totaling $88.8 million and hogs at $38 million. In the second round of payments, cattle producers have received $120.5 million, with corn payments next highest at $108.6 million and soybean producers at $45.5 million.
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The $352.3 million received in South Dakota is eighth-most among states in the second round of CFAP funding, which started Sept. 21. Iowa has received the most at $776.8 million, followed by Nebraska, Minnesota and Illinois all over $500 million. Kansas, Wisconsin and California are fifth, sixth and seventh in payment totals ahead of South Dakota.
USDA has released a data dashboard on application progress and program payments and will release further updates each Monday online at farmers.gov/cfap/data.
Through CFAP 2, USDA is making available up to $14 billion for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. CFAP 2 is a separate program from the first iteration of CFAP (CFAP 1). Farmers and ranchers who participated in CFAP 1 will not be automatically enrolled and must complete a new application for CFAP 2. FSA will accept CFAP 2 applications through December 11, 2020.
CFAP 2 supports eligible producers of row crops, livestock, specialty crops, dairy, aquaculture, and many other commodities, including many that were ineligible for CFAP 1.
To find the latest information on CFAP 2, visit farmers.gov/CFAP or call 877-508-8364.
