DES MOINES, Iowa — The state of Iowa will soon start sending out financial relief to pork producers that euthanize pigs because they are unable to harvest them.
Thursday, Iowa Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said euthanasia is never something producers want to do.
"Producers are already having to and will continue to have to look at that very difficult and emotional decision to euthanize their animals to prevent animal welfare issues," Naig said. "Euthanasia is always the last resort. I'll repeat that euthanasia is always the last resort."
The Iowa Disposal Assistance Program will provide financial relief to producers that euthanize their pigs in the next few weeks.
Right now, the program is only for future euthanasia, but the department of looking into retroactive assistance.
The following information is from a release sent out by the Iowa Department o Agriculture and Land Stewardship:
The Department is offering producers $40 per approved animal to help cover some of the disposal costs for market-ready hogs (weighing at least 225 pounds). Producers must provide documentation, including proof of proper disposal, and an affidavit from their herd veterinarian confirming impending welfare issues, to receive funding.
The disposal assistance funding will be made available to Iowa producers in at least three rounds. Each approved applicant will receive funding for at least 1,000 animals and up to 30,000 animals per round, depending on the number of applicants.
To qualify for the first round of funding, producers must submit their applications to the Iowa Department of Agriculture between May 26-29. The first round of applicants will be notified of approval on June 1. The first round of approved applicants must properly dispose of their animals by June 5. Disposal claims must be received by the Iowa Department of Agriculture by June 8.
The Department will begin accepting applications for the second and third rounds of disposal assistance on June 1 and June 9, respectively. The Department is also exploring options to assist producers who have conducted euthanasia and disposal between May 1-26, 2020.
To apply for the disposal assistance program, visit iowaagriculture.gov/idap. Questions about the program can be directed to (515) 281-5321 or IDAP@iowaagriculture.gov.