Constituent Update - August 14, 2026

Constituent Update - August 14, 2026

SPUR Program: Payment Details and How to Apply

As mentioned in the August 7, 2026, Constituent Update, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) program, a $500 million program that provides payments to eligible independent beef processors. The Washington DC Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers the program, and applications are due September 11, 2026.

Beef processing establishments can apply if they are operating at the time of application and inspected federally by FSIS, through the Talmadge-Aiken Cooperative Inspection Program, or through the Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program. University- and state-owned entities, entities with a foreign primary shareholder, and the four largest beef processing entities are not eligible.

Payments are based on 2025 processing throughput at a rate of $53.05 per head and will be issued in two rounds. All eligible establishments that apply and have slaughtered 50% of the 2025 numbers will receive a first payment of 50 percent of their eligible amount. The remaining 50 percent will be issued once the establishment processes 60 percent of its 2025 throughput between January 1 and December 31, 2026. FSIS will notify FSA when an establishment reaches that threshold, so no additional application or action is needed to receive the second payment. Establishments that do not reach 60 percent will not receive the second payment. For example, an establishment that processed 100 head in 2025 would be eligible for $5,305: $2,652.50 upfront and $2,652.50 after processing 60 head in 2026.

SPUR funding comes with a payback condition. Establishments that cease business operations as beef processors or sell their establishment within two years of receiving funds may be required to return the money.

Potentially eligible establishments will receive partially pre-filled applications to the email address on file with FSIS. To apply, complete and sign the application and email it to [email protected] by September 11, 2026. Establishments that do not already have a Unique Entity ID should obtain one immediately through SAM.gov. SPUR payments are considered taxable income.

For questions, email [email protected]. More information is available at fsa.usda.gov/spur.

Stakeholder Engagement

On August 7, Administrator Dr. Justin Ransom addressed the 68th Annual Arkansas Cattlemen's Association Convention and Trade Show in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he outlined the FSIS strategy built on strong people, smart systems, and safe food and detailed the actions USDA is taking to bolster the U.S. beef industry. Dr. Ransom highlighted the Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers Program, which will assist eligible beef processing establishments, with USDA providing up to $500 million in payments to support stronger and more stable market opportunities for American ranchers. He also pointed to the growing momentum behind the Product of USA label, which allows producers to distinguish beef that is born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the United States and rewards a fully domestic supply chain.

Dr. Ransom closed by underscoring the value of direct engagement with producers and processors, noting that clear and predictable expectations allow them to plan and invest with confidence. His appearance at the convention reflects USDA's continued commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure a resilient and safe food supply.

FSIS Recording Available: Webinar for PHIS Egg Product Exporters

As mentioned in the August 7, 2026, Constituent Update, FSIS invited egg products exporters to a webinar demonstrating how to apply for export certification using the Public Health Information System (PHIS). The demo walked participants step-by-step through the process to create and submit a 9060 export application in PHIS. Egg products exporters are encouraged to practice submitting export applications in the PHIS Industry Test Environment. Egg products exporters will begin to use PHIS to apply for egg products exports in September for those countries that accept digital export certificates. Please see the list of countries under the "Country Rollout Schedule" header on the PHIS Components Page at the FSIS website.

The demo recording for Egg Product Exporters is now available. In addition to the video, other resources available include a transcript and a timestamp user guide. If you have a specific topic that you want to find in the video, the timestamp user guide lists the specific time in the video where that topic is discussed, helping you navigate through the video.

FSIS will make additional resources available, including updated PHIS help tutorials and user guides, announced through the usual channels. For questions about the PHIS modernization changes, email [email protected].

Available for Public Comment

FSIS seeks public comments on proposed rules and notices, which are viewable on the FSIS Federal Register & Rulemaking webpage. FSIS is currently seeking comments on the following:

• Until September 14: Notice of Request to Renew an Approved Information Collection: Salmonella Initiative Program

Export Requirements Update

The Library of Export Requirements has been updated for products for the following:

FSIS:

• Mexico
• United Arab Emirates
• Sri Lanka

Complete information for FSIS products can be found at the FSIS Import & Export Library.

Complete information for APHIS products can be found at Export Restrictions on U.S. Animal Products for Human Consumption website. Select the countries listed above from the drop down menu for complete information.