USDA Updates Eligibility for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program

The USDA clarified the definition of a spot market sale and hog eligibility under the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program. 

SMHPP is designed to help producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale from April 16, 2020, through September 1, 2020. 

Hog producers will also now be required to submit documentation to support information provided on their application, including the number of hogs sold through a spot market sale and how the price was determined. 

The only direct to packer sales eligible for the program are those moved through a negotiated sale. 

The payments will get calculated by multiplying the number of eligible hogs, not to exceed  10,000 head, by the payment rate of $54. 

USDA will distribute payments after the application period to help ensure the funding is distributed equitably to all eligible producers. 

Producers can go to farmers.gov/smhpp for examples of supporting documentation, information on applicant eligibility, and more information on how to apply.

(Story Courtesy of NAFB News Service)