The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP).

Hog producers who sold their animals through a spot market sale during the COVID-19 pandemic now have until April 15 to submit their applications for the program, according to a Feb. 24 USDA press release.

The SMHPP, which is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, originally had an application deadline of Feb. 25, the release stated.

“In response to stakeholder feedback and our analysis of the program to date, we will be making adjustments to clarify the definition of a spot market sale and to hog eligibility, while including documentation requirements to prevent erroneous payments,” Farm Service Agency Administrator, Zach Ducheneaux, said in the release. “We’ll be announcing those updates soon and want to assure hog producers that there will be ample time to submit their applications for assistance.” 

The program assists hog producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale from April 16-Sept. 1, 2020, the period producers faced the greatest reduction in market prices due to the pandemic, according to the release.

"The USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways," the release stated. "Under the Biden-Harris administration, the USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities.”