Baird talks policy, CFAP

INDIANAPOLIS — U.S. Rep. Jim Baird, R-44, was a keynote speaker during a webinar hosted by Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council on May 21.

“It has been a challenging period for all of us,” the Republican lawmaker said. “I think we’re all concerned about the number of lives that have been lost with COVID-19.

“Now we’re in that delicate stage of trying to ascertain the significance of maintaining those CDC guidelines for protecting our people, as well as trying to get our country moving forward. We recognize how importance that is to the wellbeing of our economy.”

Baird said he was excited when the Trump administration announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

The program will provide $19 billion to support farmers, ranchers and consumers.

“It’s encouraging to have a president that thinks so highly of agriculture, to recognize the benefits and backbone that such an industry provides to our country,” Baird said.

"They created a farmers.gov website. When you look at that, I found the cost benefit analysis to be very helpful.

“The website summarizes the costs or payment for the commodity you’re producing. It will give you some idea of what to expect when you make an appointment at FSA and work through those worksheets, some idea of what those payments are going to be.”

Learn more at www.farmers.gov.