USDA Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP)

Mar 24, 2025

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. This funding aims to support growers facing multiple years of low crop prices combined with high input costs.

The economic relief payment, approved under the American Relief Act, is determined by the number of planted and prevented-planted crop acres in 2024 for eligible commodities. Corn will receive a payment rate of $42.91 per acre, while wheat will be paid at a rate of $30.69 per acre. A complete list of eligible commodities is available here.

Growers can use the payment calculator to estimate their payment amount for eligible commodities and acreage. Payments will be distributed as applications are approved, with initial payments calculated at 85% to ensure the total program payments stay within available funding. If there are remaining funds, the FSA may issue a second payment.

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Video: Feeding Faba Bean to Pigs - Dr. Eduardo Beltranena

In this special rerun episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Eduardo Beltranena from North Carolina State University explains how faba beans can be used in pig diets as a source of both starch and protein. He discusses environmental benefits, inclusion rates, frost-damaged beans, tannin concerns, cultivar selection, and how producers can compare faba beans against cereals and protein meals for cost-effective feeding. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Faba beans provide both starch and protein, competing directly with cereals in swine diets."

Meet the guest: Dr. Eduardo Beltranena / eduardo-beltranena-61660a1b2 is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University. He holds a Ph.D. in nutrition and reproduction interactions from the University of Alberta and has worked across swine production, feed industry nutrition, contract research, government research, teaching, and extension. His work focuses on swine nutrition, regional feedstuffs, and practical feed formulation. Learn more from Dr. Eduardo Beltranena on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.