USDA continues to provide details on the $3 billion disaster aid package passed by Congress earlier this year. The disaster bill included language to enhance prevented planting payments. Risk Management Agency Administrator Martin Barbre says farmers with claims will receive a bonus payment.
Barbre says they’ve currently paid out $2.5 billion in prevented plant claims and there are more in the pipeline.
The Farm Service Agency shows prevented plant acres at 19.6 million for 2019, which is different than RMA’s numbers and what NASS is using in monthly crop reports. But Barbre says that will come out in the wash.
USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue says some parts of the disaster program could change because of disagreements with the White House Office of Management and Budget.
Other details of the disaster assistance included WHIP payment for 2018 and 2019 is counties with a disaster declaration. There will also be an indemnity for stored grain which will equal 75% of the average crop price in 2018.
