Anna Hastert, Director of Communications for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), says the ICA extends its thanks to Iowa’s congressional delegation for its swift action in supporting custom cattle feeders. We greatly appreciate the delegation for working in a bipartisan fashion to advance the priorities of Iowa’s beef business. Earlier this year, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association emphasized the need for additional coronavirus assistance after speaking with producer members and state Farm Service Agency officials. Hastert says “While we recognize the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s commitment to the cattle industry, more help is needed.”

As a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, Iowa custom cattle feeders suffered economic hardships. Their experiences over the past year are similar to challenges faced by swine and poultry contract growers, who are eligible to receive assistance through existing programming.

Senators Grassley and Ernst, Representatives Axne, Feenstra, Hinson, and Miller-Meeks on Wednesday sent a joint letter to Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack. The letter requests that USDA include custom cattle feeders in existing or forthcoming aid programs. Iowa Cattlemen’s Association CEO Matt Deppe says, “One of our top priorities over the past year has been working to ensure cattle producers receive adequate assistance to recover from COVID-19 losses. The united show of support from Iowa’s congressional delegation on this important issue is exactly what our producer members need.”