Pork and beef producers ask USDA for help

STATEWIDE - Pork and beef producers are asking for support from the Federal Government.

Jim Rowe, a spokesperson for the National Pork Producers Council says farmers are in a dire situation.

Several meat-processing plants across the country are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Rowe says the live animals can quickly pile up.

He says one solution is for the US Department of Agriculture to buy large quantities of meat.

Livestock farmers are also looking for answers about what help they can expect from the stimulus bill passed late last month.

Congress set aside $9.5 billion in the package for agriculture producers, but it's unclear what the USDA will do with it.

The program has not yet been finalized.

A USDA spokesperson said Tuesday the details will be forthcoming shortly.