As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Congress allocated up to $350 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA).  The program is available to American companies who qualify, including farmers and ranchers, and is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all… Read More

In late March, Congress passed a $2 trillion economic stimulus package that included a $14 billion replenishment to the U.S. Department of  Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) authority and earmarked additional money for livestock and specialty crop producers as well as local agriculture. The additional spending authority allows for USDA to make additional Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments this year. By comparison the 2019 MFP payments were authorized up to $14.5 billion and approximately $14.3… Read More

In an effort to assist in the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has approved a special blanket permit for haulers carrying heavy or over-sized loads of food, non-alcoholic beverages, medical supplies, cleaning products, and other household goods. Grain shipments are not included in this permit. The blanket permit applies to travel on roads and bridges maintained by the Ohio Department of Transportation. Hauler loads may not exceed a maximum of… Read More

Click here to read the Ohio state legislature’s response to COVID-19. Read More

Ohio’s farm community joins together, embraces their essential role in providing safe, healthy foods for consumers On National Agriculture Day, as Ohioans are under a Stay At Home executive order, the state’s farmers remain dedicated to working tirelessly to ensure an abundant supply of nutritious food for families near and far. Organizations representing the state’s farmers, including the Ohio Poultry Association, American Dairy Association Mideast, Ohio Pork Council, Ohio Beef Council, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation,… Read More