News

Trade relief for pork, cattle producers

A spokesman with the U.S. Meat Export Federation says the USDA’s trade relief package is welcome news for pork and cattle producers as they continue to face below break-even prices.

Greg Hanes is the vice president of the international marketing program.

“We’re in and have been in an expansion phase so you’re looking at record proteins as far as beef, pork, poultry here in the United States,” he says. “So (this announcement) does come at time to make sure that producers can stay viable over this time period”

The USDA’s plan includes a food purchase and distribution program. Target amounts for beef and pork are $15 million and $559 million.

Hanes tells Brownfield producers need access to markets moving forward.

“Really the international markets are key as far as bringing margin, moving products that aren’t really high demand items here but moving those into international markets where they do play premiums for them,” he says. “So it really is critical for the industry to be able to have full access to those.”

The USDA will also make payments through the Market Facilitation Program. Cattle was not included, but pork producers will receive $8 per hog.  To receive payments, producers have to show that they had an adjusted gross income average of less than $900,000 over the last three years. Large contract pig owners will likely not be eligible for payments.

Audio: Greg Hanes, U.S. Meat Export Federation