DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa farmers can now get more assistance for hogs and hens they were forced to euthanize during supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Pork producers who've had to euthanize pigs can receive $40 per market-ready hog, while there's also money available for egg producers.
The continuation of the Iowa Disposal Assistance Program (IDAP) means eligible farmers can apply for financial help through August 6th.
"Our farmers have been unduly affected by supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “The disposal assistance program is just one way the state is trying to help producers through this very difficult time.”
The Iowa Disposal Assistance Program is made possible through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
The department says nearly 70 percent of Iowa's egg-laying hens produce for the liquid egg market which includes restaurants and schools. Iowa is home to over 58 million egg-laying hens.
Liquid egg prices dropped by 68 percent because of COVID-19 complications, forcing many egg producers to reduce the size of their flocks. As a result, the Iowa Department of Agriculture expanded the IDAP program to include Iowa egg producers in round four funding