This week, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced a $7.7 million plan to support farmers impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic. Included in that aid through the Federal Cares Act is $5.75 million for direct payments to pork and turkey producers. Minnesota Pork CEO Dave Preisler says the help is appreciated and what they’ve been working on.

He says pork producers have been hammered this year by the pandemic and while funding assistance is helpful, what’s really needed is better market prices.

Preisler says pork producers have not only been hurt by the pandemic but also from two years of trade wars that has created an extremely challenging economic time for them. He says the hope is that conditions will get better in the future.

Also included in the Governor’s funding announcement is $1 million for cost share aid to companies or individuals looking to expand or open a meat processing facility.