The USDA has paid $2.46 billion to farmers and ranchers since disbursements began on Aug. 21 to mitigate the effects of the Sino-U.S. trade war, said the USDA on Wednesday. Up to $7.25 billion is available this fall from the $14.5 billion earmarked for aid.
Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, and Indiana are the top states for payments. The USDA had processed 175,173 applications as of Tuesday. Enrollment opened on July 29 and runs through Dec. 6. USDA officials say additional tranches of payments will be made in November and January if market and trade conditions warrant.
In addition, the USDA said it paid $8.6 billion on 1.03 million applications for losses on 2018 crops.