Late last week, Iowa Fourth District Congressman, Steve King, introduced legislation to provide aid for pork producers who are forced to euthanize hogs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meatpacking plant employees have been hit hard by the coronavirus due to the close quarters working environment, resulting in substantial production slowdowns. According to King, estimates suggest more than seven million market-ready hogs could be euthanized by producers left with no other options. HR 7051, which King introduced Friday, would indemnify pork producers for 70 percent of the cost for the first 50,000 pigs euthanized. Compensation drops to 55 percent of the cost for the next 50,000 head, then to 45 percent for another 100,000 hogs and finally to 35 percent for any further animals. The bill uses the average weekly price determined by the Secretary of Agriculture to determine the amount of losses incurred. King says, “Our producers are facing crushing COVID-19 related losses through no fault of their own, and my bill will allow most American owned operations to receive the vital funds they need to cover a share of these unprecedented losses and to continue operations.” The full text of the bill can be found by following the link included below.
Click HERE to read HR 7051
