Dianne Shoemaker, Extension Farm Management Specialist, Ohio State University Extension
2020 has not turned out as anyone expected, and the dairy industry received no exceptions. Good milk prices quickly reversed course, and what seemed to be improving prices did not materialize in on-farm milk checks. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) was developed to provide farms that have been buffeted by these unforeseen, uncontrollable, and on-going circumstances some cash flow assistance.
The intent of this program is to directly assist farms impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. Sign-up began at your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office on Tuesday, May 26 and continues through August 28, 2020. FSA offices currently work with clients via email, fax, and phone by appointment.
The major assistance available to dairy farms is based on milk sold (or documented as dumped at the direction of the cooperative or processor) in January, February, and March. Additional assistance is available based on cull cows and younger animals sold for beef between January 15 and April 15. Farms can choose for which categories they would like to apply.
FSA especially welcomes farms who may not have participated in a program before to learn more about and apply for this program designed to support US food production. More information about the program can be found here: https://www.farmers.gov/cfap, including an on-line application as well as a link to find your local county FSA office.
More detailed information about how the CFAP program works for dairy farms can be found in the previous issue of Buckeye Dairy News here: https://dairy.osu.edu/newsletter/buckeye-dairy-news/volume-22-issue-3/economic-assistance-available-dairy-farms