POLICY WATCH

Legislative Update

Farm Bureau Shares Concern over 30×30 Initiative

Farm Bureau registered its opposition to President Joe Biden’s plan to conserve 30 percent of the nation’s lands and waters by 2030 in a letter to the Interior Department that questioned the level of detail available in the plan and asserted that the federal government lacks jurisdiction and funding to execute the proposal.

USDA Announces Changes to Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program

This week, USDA extended the application date for their Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP) which looks to address gaps in previous assistance for hog producers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has extended the application date to April 29, 2022. USDA also extended assistance to producers who utilized third-party intermediaries to market hogs. Eligible hog producers can apply for SMHPP by completing the FSA-940, Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program application, along with required supporting documentation. Producers can visit farmers.gov/smhpp for examples of supporting documentation, information on applicant eligibility, and more information on how to apply.