The following statement may be attributed to Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Craig Hill:

Market disruptions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic have caused financial hardship for nearly every sector of the economy, and that has certainly been the case for agriculture.  We appreciate the recognition that farmers have suffered economic pain over the past year and are grateful for assistance more reflective of market losses for livestock and crop farmers. 

Farmers saw market prices and demand plummet amidst the supply chain breakdown early in the pandemic, and although there has been a rebound, the economic hardship continues to take its toll on farm families.  Financial assistance for our livestock producers, biofuels and many other commodities that more accurately reflect actual losses comes as welcome news.  This assistance from the USDA will help Iowa farmers to stay afloat and continue to farm and produce the food, fuel and fiber we all rely on.