Resources

As more impacts from the Coronavirus will be felt by everyone, a list of articles and resources  can be found below. Many of the sites update frequently, especially the Kentucky websites, so check back for any actions or orders.

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

Frequently Asked Questions

View the Fact Sheet for non-specialty crops eligibility

Crop Insurance Flexibilities

Late last week, RMA announced some additional COVID-related flexibilities to the federal crop insurance program.  Those include:

• Interest accrual on premium payments and administrative fees will be waived to the earliest of an additional 60 days of the scheduled payment due date or the termination date on policies with premium billing dates between May 1, 2020, and July 31, 2020.  Full details can be found here. 

• The Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently waived late file fees for an acreage report (FSA-578) when filed within 30 days of the acreage reporting date (ARD).  AIPs are allowed to correct some information in these reports, so RMA clarifies that this correction period is also extended.  For the 2020 crop year, ARDs that occur on or after May 15, 2020, RMA is extending the correction time period for an acreage report, or other forms due by the ARD, for an additional 30 days. Likewise, for the 2021 crop year ARDs before August 1, 2020, RMA is extending the correction time period for an acreage report, or other forms due by the ARD, for an additional 30 days. However, RMA is not extending the date by which an insured must provide an initial acreage report.  Full details can be found here. 

Assistance for Small Businesses (Including Farms) Available Through CARES ACT

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act 

• Allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed. 

• Includes self-employed and independent contractors. 

• Paycheck Production Program (PPP) provides 100% federally guaranteed loans. 

• Loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward. 

• Guidelines about the program are available here.

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Production Issues

 

Farmers may feel the odds are in their favor to stay healthy because of the remote nature of their business, but being wrong can create some serious complications. Most of these issues can be avoided with a formal contingency plan for the farm.

Read the article

Farm Planning Document
Field Info Sheet (PDF)
Field Info Sheet (Excel Spreadsheet)

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Interstate Travel and Essential Business

Essential Employee Letter to Show if Stopped – Print and fill in this letter for any interstate travel.

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Kentucky

Kentucky Department of Agriculture Updates

Quarles In Communication With Farm Credit System Leaders, Says They Want To Help

Thank you Kentucky Retail Federation for compiling this list:

• Kentucky COVID-19 website

• List of actions taken by Kentucky

• Link to Gov. Beshear’s Facebook page where daily briefing video is shown live

• Executive Order on pharmacy refills

• Executive Order banning mass gatherings, such as church, civic groups

• Kentucky Public Assistance Programs

• Kentucky Unemployment Services

• What is social distancing?

• President Trump signs Coronavirus Response Act

• FMCA Emergency Declaration for Hours of Service

• FDA Call on Response to COVID-19

• CDC Information for Employers and Businesses

• CDC

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Additional Farmer Information

Agricultural Producers Encouraged to Visit Farmers.Gov for Updates on Services in Their Community – As proactive health measures are put in effect nationwide to reduce the spread of coronavirus, the USDA is taking measures to ensure the safety of its employees and customers. As a result, access to certain facilities may be limited while remaining open for business. All service center visitors wishing to conduct business with the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other service center agency are encouraged to call their service center to confirm availability for in-person or phone appointments before visiting. Producers can find their service center’s phone number at farmers.gov/service-center-locator. Agricultural producers should visit farmers.gov/coronavirus for the latest information on available services and the latest status of service centers impacted by these locally-specific health measures.

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Kansas State University is building a library of short videos that help provide understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on commodity markets.

Farm Bureau – The Impact of COVID-19 on Agriculture

Farm Bureau Highlights Immediate Challenges Facing the Agriculture Sector

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture NASDA COVID-19 Resources Page

American Farm Bureau Federation Rural Resilience

Center for Rural Affairs – 10 Helpful Resources for Farmers

Feeding America Establishes COVID-19 Response Fund to Help Food Banks During Coronovirus Outbreak 

Land O’ Lakes CEO Beth Ford was on CNN discussing demand/ infrastructure/ logistic issues.

Rural Health Information Hub

Keeping Seniors Safe Amid COVID-19

Red Cross – Severe blood shortage due to coronavirus outbreak

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