Farm state lawmakers are asking USDA to expedite payments to farmers as approved in the CARES Act, plus provide immediate aid to pork producers and maintain the pork food supply chain. South Dakota Senator John Thune joined members of Congress in a letter to Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue pushing USDA to help quickly restore the supply chain following the closure of the Smithfield processing plant in Sioux Falls.

Members of Congress are also asking for equitable distribution of the $23.5 billion approved for assistance.

Thune says COVID-19 has been devastating to agriculture, but in particular the livestock industry. He says while the payments won’t make farmers whole, Thune hopes the lifeline will by time until markets can recover.

The group has requested NRCS provide financial and technical assistance through EQIP is producers are unable to schedule processing of their hogs.