WASHINGTON – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) shared its support of a recent congressional letter that was sent to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) asking for swift relief for American cattle producers who have been impacted by the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“America’s cattle producers have been hit hard by the unforeseen financial challenges brought on by this pandemic,” said Marty Smith, president of NCBA. “We thank each and every lawmaker that showed their continued support to rural families by signing onto this critical letter. We remain hopeful that USDA can quickly deliver this relief to the cattle producers that so desperately need it.”

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act included $14 billion of provisions to replenish the Commodity Credit Corporation as well as $9.5 billion of USDA assistance to farmers and ranchers in response to COVID-19.

The letter also requested that the USDA consider data and estimates available from the Office of the Chief Economist and implement a program that would directly respond to the negative effect on producers. 

“All farmers and ranchers are vital to our country’s ability to keep food on the table in a future pandemic or related crisis, and many producers, including young producers, are often highly leveraged and cannot fall back on years of equity in a time of crisis,” the letter said.