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Minnesota commodity groups respond to Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Minnesota commodity groups are thankful for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. But officials with the corn and soybean growers, as well as the pork producers and state cattlemen’s association say more aid will be needed.
Brian Thalmann is immediate past president of the Minnesota Corn Growers.
“It’s a good first step to getting some much-needed assistance.”
Executive director Joe Smentek tells Brownfield the Minnesota Soybean Growers appreciate the work USDA put into the program.
“They definitely were listening to feedback, and will hopefully listen to more feedback that we’ll probably need another payment.”
Minnesota Pork Producers president Dave Mensink says the assistance should have a big impact.
“It’s not going to be the catch-all for every farm, but it is certainly going to help.”
And Minnesota State Cattlemen’s director Allison Vanderwal says producers are grateful for the economic relief package.
“But we know, especially in the cattle industry and I’ve heard it from a lot of agricultural sectors as well, is this obviously isn’t enough.”
Enrollment in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program begins next week, and the USDA says initial payments should follow the week after.
Brian Thalmann interview:
Joe Smentek interview:
Dave Mensink interview:
Allison Vanderwal interview:
