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: What Causes Ear Necrosis in Pigs? - Alison Jeffery

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Alison Jeffery, a PhD candidate at the University of Saskatchewan, discusses emerging research on ear necrosis in pigs. She explains the role of Fusobacterium necrophorum, how ear biting may introduce bacteria into damaged tissue, and what researchers are learning about disease progression, welfare, prevention, and future management tools. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Ear necrosis is not only an infectious disease challenge, it is also a welfare issue shaped by behavior, tissue damage, and the farm environment."

Meet the guest: Alison Jeffery / alison-jeffery is a PhD candidate in Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focuses on improving swine health and welfare by understanding and mitigating ear necrosis in pigs. Her background includes swine research, producer support, laboratory work, and studies in animal science and veterinary microbiology. Learn more from Alison Jeffery on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.