Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 10/26/18

USDA is considering the possibility of adjusting the direct payments segment of the Trump administration's trade aid program to factor in losses producers have suffered as a result of the hurricanes that have blasted Southeastern states this fall, according to a DTN/Progressive Farmer report.

"I've asked our staff to look at the fact we believed the payments should be based on actual production and not county averages ... but I think we've got to look at situations where people had crops that were good crops that were totally obliterated," Perdue said, per the report. "These safety-net programs don't contemplate that, and I think if Congress is generous enough to give us another supplemental regarding a disaster program for Hurricane Florence and Michael, then we need to look at those kind of considerations."

More payments coming, timing TBD: Perdue made clear that USDA will announce a second round of payments to tariff-hit producers under the Market Facilitation Program, though he didn't say when such an announcement will be made, according to the DTN/Progressive Farmer report. USDA officials have previously said it will happen in December. The secretary said he wanted to put to rest concerns that a second round of trade-aid payments may not be made.

2019 aid a no-go: A day earlier, Perdue said the government has no plans to extend financial assistance to farmers hurt by Trump's trade policies in 2019, because officials expect the market recover will recover next year even if the U.S.-China trade war continues.

"The market will equilibrate over a period of time. There's not an expected or anticipated market facilitation program for 2019."

Grassley questions giving Smithfield aid money: Speaking of trade aid, Sen. Chuck Grassleysuggested Thursday that Smithfield Foods, which is owned by Chinese conglomerate WH Group, shouldn't be eligible for the relief package. "Smithfield seems to [be] in a 'can't lose' situation [thanks] to American taxpayers," he tweeted. A spokesman for Grassley said the Iowa Republican is digging into the matter. The Washington Post reported this week that Smithfield qualifies for trade assistance.