The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many producers into making a terrible choice. Some farmers have had to choose to euthanize perfectly healthy animals because of cramps on the supply chain. Not only is the euthanization an extra cost with no return on investment, but the disposal of these animals can be another financial burden. Earlier this week, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) announced a program to help offset some of those disposal costs.
Audio: Full Interview with Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig
Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says first and foremost that producers are looking at euthanization as an absolute last resort. They trying to alter feed rations, marketing direct to consumers, and meat lockers. They do not want to lose animals which have nothing wrong. Even though we are not as backlogged in processing animals as we were at the beginning of the month, Secretary Naig believes the euthanizing of hogs will continue for a few weeks yet.
To that end, IDALS has rolled out a compensation program called the ?Iowa Disposal Assistance Program? for those producers who have had to choose that ?last resort.? Secretary Naig tells us about the program which offers $40 per animal.
However, this program only covers the disposal costs of the animals. They are working with the USDA to find compensation for the actual euthanization of the hogs.
Secretary Naig highlights some of the disposal methods available to farmers that would be covered under this program.
The first round of applications closes today, May 29th. However, Secretary Naig says there will be more rounds of compensation available. Producers can visit the IDALS website, or call (515) 281-5321.
