NRCS Offering Assistance for Animal Mortality

The COVID-19 Pandemic has caused some meat processing plants to slow production and in some cases they have been shut down. This has forced some producers to euthanize livestock or at least consider it. Then the next question is what to do with the animal carcasses? I received an email news release from the Minnesota Soybean Growers that some help may be available from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS.)

Livestock producers facing depopulation can file for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQUIP.) Through EQUIP producers can apply for the practice titled Emergency Mortality Management. It is important that producers apply and be approved through their local NRCS office before disposal of animal carcasses. Applications are currently being accepted.

Livestock producers are encouraged to reach out to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and your local NRCS office at the USDA Service Center for more information and help.