USDA Launches Coronavirus Food Assistance Program for Farmers Affected by 2020 Pandemic

by: Sarah Dyer

Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences | Dade County UGA Extension

The USDA FSA has released the details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program which provides payment to eligible farmers who have been affected by the 2020 pandemic. The application opens Tuesday, May 26th and will run through August 28th. You must complete the application process by August 28th, so don’t wait until the last day to begin the process. The entire application process is through the USDA FSA, not our Extension office. Our local FSA office is in Lafayette and the number is 706-638-1558 ext 2. They are limiting customers to appointment only, so be sure to call and schedule before making the trip to the office. Ask to speak and meet with either Christy or Chalee.

I will provide a brief overview below, but you can find the full details of the program by going to the official website: https://www.farmers.gov/cfap

Cattle (2 parts):

Part A – Cattle producers that sold cattle between January 15th, 2020 and April 15th, 2020 are eligible. This can be cattle sold at the sale barn or to your neighbor down the road, as long as you have a receipt. Receipts will be requested at your appointment with FSA during the application process.

Part B – Cattle producers who have owned cattle (inventory) between April 16th, 2020 and May 14th, 2020 are eligible. Pick 1 day in that time period where you had the greatest number of head and report that number. This includes all cattle (cows, calves, bulls).

Hogs and Sheep: Hog and sheep producers are also eligible for the program, but all sheep must be less than 2 years old.

Goats: Goats were not included in the original plan for the program but may be added soon because there have been continued meetings this week regarding the program and goats were up for discussion in these meetings.

Crops: Row crop producers are eligible for the program if they had any inventory held over past January 15th, 2020 that was from the previous 2019 production year.

Please note that this is not a complete list of eligibility and details. Please reference the website or call our local FSA representatives for more information.

South Dade Volunteer Fire Department Spring BBQ Cancelled

Contributed Article

"To all the supporters of South Dade Fire & Rescue, we would first like to thank each one of you for all your support over the years. Without all of you and your unending support, our department would not be what it is today. Due to the unforeseen circumstances of the COVID-19 Virus and the restrictions that are in place, South Dade Fire & rescue will not be holding our Spring BBQ this year. It deeply saddens us to have to cancel but we believe that it is in the best interest and safety of the community. We hope that we'll be able to have our Fall BBQ on Saturday September 5th. Thank you for your understanding and your support of South Dade Fire & Rescue. 

Sincere thanks,

South Dade Fire & Rescue"

Positive COVID-19 Tests at Dade Health and Rehab; 4 Administrators, 1 Resident Being Re-tested

by: Summer Kelley

Five positive COVID-19 tests have been reported by Dade Health and Rehab on Sand Mountain.

Administrator Trina Massengale spoke during the Thursday, May 21 COVID-19 Update. Massengale said that based on the recommendation from the CDC, Medicaid and others the nursing home facility had started testing for COVID-19. Eight tests had been done originally and early Thursday morning she received communication that five of those tests had come back positive for active COVID-19.

Four of the positive tests are attributed to department heads who have limited contact with residents at the nursing home and who volunteered to be tested despite having no symptoms. The fifth positive test belongs to a resident who had no symptoms, except a sore throat, and has been isolated. The four employees were sent home immediately.

Massengale said the eight swab tests that were done came out of different packaging than other swab tests and there is some concern that these tests are a false positive. All five positive people have been re-tested as of 1:30 p.m. Thursday and they are awaiting those results.

"I have been in healthcare a long time and this is the worst crisis we have ever had to work through," Massengale said.

Dade Health and Rehab has been taking precautions since the beginning, according to Massengale, including gloves, masks and other protective equipment for nurses, screening of all staff before they enter the facility, and an ongoing infection control isolation unit to handle residents coming into and going out of the facility for hospitalizations and admits.

"Whatever i need, corporate is going to make sure I have it," Massengale said. "Cost is not a factor right now."

In April, members of the National Guard came to the facility and helped clean and disinfect everything - an assistance for nursing homes and long term care facilities provided by Governor Brian Kemp.

Massengale shared contact information if anyone had any questions or concerns. Her number is 706-657-4171.

"We are taking every precaution necessary to take care of the safety of the people taking care of your loved ones," Massengale said.

The full May 21 Update can be viewed below.

(Picture courtesy of Dade Health and Rehab Facebook Post, April 17) We had some very special people show up today at Dade Health and Rehab, the National Guard and Cathy Worley with Tapestry Hospice. The National Guard came to help thoroughly disinfect the hallways and common areas, and Cathy came to bring a little sunshine to the residents by drawing pictures on their windows. Thank you to these HEROES!!)