ST. ONGE, S.D. (WNAX) – The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association has sent a letter to Congressional leaders asking for further pandemic relief as well as changes to the CFAP (coronavirus food assistance program) to help those cattle producers hit hard by COVID 19. Association Vice President and South Dakota cattleman Justin Tupper (of St. Onge) says there needs to be eligibility changes in the CFAP to help cover producer’s losses.

He says the USDA geared their first CFAP to the funding they had available and now need to make some changes so these cattle producers can stay in business.

Tupper says cattle producers have been under a lot of economic strain that’s been enhanced by the pandemic. He also says if the government can bail out other industries, they should also make that aid available to agriculture.

Tupper says the USDA also needs to adjust the $250,000 payment limit requirement for those accessing the aid as most ranchers have a lot more invested than that.