HOW TO CALL THE USDA & WHITE HOUSE ABOUT THE PENNY TRADE AID PAYMENT

Tricia Braid

May 15, 2019  |  Today's News |  Exports |  Legislation & Regulation

Will a penny cut it on your farm?

 

By now you’ve likely heard that President Trump has directed the Administration via USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to prepare a second round of trade-aid payments. The plan could be announced as early as Friday morning.

 

We have reason to believe that the corn payment will be exactly the same as the last round: 1 cent per bushel.

 

Neither IL Corn, National Corn Growers Association, nor any other state corn organization advocated for this payment, as we stand firm that our preference is to gain our income from the marketplace, not the government. However, with the President tweeting this announcement, the payment is certain to come.

 

Like last time, we know that the trade disruptions have caused far more damage to corn prices than a penny will cover.

 

We’ve heard from some of you that you’d like to impact the USDA’s decision on this payment amount for corn. Time is short to change any decision that is already in the works at USDA, so we recommend you provide that feedback immediately.

 

If you want to engage on the trade-aid payment plan, call USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue’s hotline and leave a message for him. Tell the Secretary that a penny won’t cut it. Illinois farmers have seen corn prices drop by about $1.00 since the trade war with China began in 2018. Add as much personal detail as you are comfortable sharing relative to the impact on your family’s farm, including your contact information.

 

CLICK HERE TO CALL

 

Make this call by noon central time TOMORROW, Thursday, May 16th, but TODAY IS BETTER.

 

Illinois Corn Growers Association understands the extensive difficulties you are facing on your farms this spring. The decision to accept the trade aid payment is a personal, farm-level choice for each of you. We hope that the Association providing this information for you to engage, should you care to do so, is helpful in your management through this stressful time.