COVID-19 Resources for Agriculture

While in-person events remain on hold, ISU Extension and Outreach, including Ag Decision Maker, remains committed to serving Iowans. A few resources are included below, and more will be added as needed.

Stress, Pressures, Crisis Resources

• Iowa Concern Hotline: 1-800-446-1985
  24/7 Live Chat, free and confidential source of help for Iowans in need
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• National Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-800-799-7233
• Farm Stress Resources – Resources, publications, information packet to assist in issues related to stress on the farm.
• ISU Extension and Outreach Human Sciences, Finding Answers Now

Iowa State University

ISU Extension and Outreach

Farm Management

• Ag Decision Maker COVID-19 related articles
  • How to streamline your CFAP application – June 2020
  • Another year, another crisis – May 2020
  • Strive to market fed cattle at optimum weight – even in tough times – May 2020
  • Hog producers limited in short-run to change production – April 2020
  • Suicide prevention program available virtually to agribusiness community – April 2020
  • Cattle market shaken by COVID-19 – March 2020
  • US-China Phase One Trade Deal and US agriculture: A big win for farmers or too good to be true? – February 2020
• Ag Decision Maker COVID-19 publications
  • Five Steps to Formulate Workforce Contingency Plans in the COVID-19 Setting — C1-84
  • Essential Worker Status Documentation: An Option to Facilitate Travel in the COVID-19 Environment — C1-85
• ISU Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation
  • CFAP Webinar Replay and Application Resources
  • USDA Releases Final Rule for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
  • Replay of April 17 Webinar – An Update for Producers on COVID-19 Legislation & Resources (Since this webinar was recorded, Congress has changed the law to allow farmers to apply for EIDLs)
  • PDF of Slides from Webinar
• Extension Farm Management Specialists – Map and contact information
• Farm Financial Planning Program – Farm financial analysis, one-on-one financial counseling (can be conducted remotely), a computerized analysis of the farm business, and referral to other extension programs or useful outside services.
• Chad Hart’s Latest Ag Market Outlook
• The Impact of COVID-19 on Iowa’s Corn, Soybean, Ethanol, Pork, and Beef Sectors – CARD Policy Brief 20-PB 28, April 2020
• Economic Impacts of COVID-19 on Food and Agricultural Markets – CAST Commentaries – QTA2020-3 – June 2020

Livestock – Iowa Resource Coordination Center

Livestock

• Pork
  • Iowa Pork Industry Center – COVID-19 Resources
  • Extension Swine Specialists – Maps and contact information
• Beef
  • Iowa Beef Center – COVID-19 page
  • Extension Beef Specialists – Map and contact information
• Dairy
  • Extension Dairy Team – Contact information
  • National Milk Producers Federation – COVID-19 resources for dairies
  • Dairy Farm Pandemic Planning Guide – PDF, checklist for dairy farm preparedness

Engineering, Facilities, Crops

• Extension Ag Engineering Specialists – Map and contact information
• Extension Crop Specialists – Map and contact information
• Iowa DNR Guidance re: Animal Feeding Operations – see Iowa DNR COVID-19 Response tab for information on DNR enforcement discretions and compliance protocol: Includes information about emergency overstocking of confinement buildings, manure management plans, or related issues. Direct questions to Kelli Book at Iowa DNR: 515-725-9572 or kelli.book@dnr.iowa.gov.
• ISU Extension and Outreach, Agriculture and Natural Resources Specialists – Questions regarding on-farm decisions on crop and livestock farms are often unique to the needs of the individual operation. Your Extension specialists remain available during this time.

Farm, Food and Enterprise Development – COVID-19 resources for our farm, food systems, and business clients

Iowa and US Government Resources:

• US Department of Agriculture (USDA) – COVID-19 Resources,
  • Coronavirus and USDA Service Centers
  • Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)
  • COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide – Resources for farmers, detailed PDF matrix organizes funding identified in CARES Act and other federal resources that can support rural America. Opportunities categorized by customer and assistance type.
  • USDA – Iowa Farm Service Agency (FSA) – Iowa offices, map and contact information
• Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) – COVID-19 – Information related to pesticide application, food safety, livestock auction markets, livestock inspections, animal and livestock care; and links to related resources from federal and state agencies.
• Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) – COVID-19 resources – Includes information about emergency restricted CDL licenses for movement of agricultural goods (ag chemicals, fertilizer, seed or animal feeds).
• American Veterinary Medical Association – Information on animal care, also recommending those ill with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
  • 2020 AVMA Animal Euthanasia Guidelines
• US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers – Strategies for employers, workplaces.
• US Small Business Association (SBA) – Small business guidance, funding options, guidance for businesses, employers
• US Chamber of Commerce – COVID-19 resources for businesses – Small business guides and emergency loan resources