M E M O R A N D U M
To: Reporters and Editors
Re: USDA purchasing $30 million in pork for nutrition programs
Senator Chuck Grassley today released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture made two announcements he has been pushing for. USDA announced that it would purchase $30 million in pork products for federal nutrition programs. The department also announced that it would be adding a weight class to the livestock indemnity program.
"Pork producers have been feeling the pinch for far too long. Ups and downs are natural, but this consistent downturn is putting pork producers out of business. I appreciate the Secretary's announcement to buy another $30 million in pork products.
"I was also glad to hear that the department added another weight class for cattle in the livestock indemnity program. This will provide a more accurate assessment for farmers as they attempt to recover losses from natural disasters such as the heat deaths in cattle we had this year. It's unfortunate that the department failed to address the payment rate that would more accurately reflect the value of the animal the day before its death."