News  Washington Policy  USDA

Farm Bureau Economist Details Enrollment Process for USDA Specialty Crop Relief Program

AFBF economist Danny Munch joins us to break down the program’s eligibility requirements and payment structure.

June 04, 2026 03:42 PM • 
Neal Burnette-Irwin

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — Relief is on the way for specialty crop growers facing rising production costs and negative margins.

Enrollment is now open for USDA’s Specialty Crop Assistance Program, which is rolling out an additional $1.6 billion in assistance to eligible producers.

American Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the program and what growers need to know before applying.

During his conversation with RFD News, Munch provided background on the assistance program and explained how payments will be calculated for participating producers.

The discussion also covered eligibility requirements, key limitations and exclusions, as well as the application process for growers seeking assistance.

Related Stories
Crop Progress Graphic
Agriculture
RFD News Weekly Crop Progress and Livestock Production Regional Update — Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Drought and Planting Shape Weekly Crop Condition Recap
May 26, 2026 04:07 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
cotton bud with the sunset_Photo by Kelli via AdobeStock_386673555.jpg
Crops
Cotton Stocks Tighten As Mill Use Moves Higher
Drought remains a major risk, with the ERS reporting that 98 percent of the U.S. cotton production area was affected by drought in early May.
May 26, 2026 02:32 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
Mc81Haie.jpg
U.S. Farm Bill
Brooke Rollins Heads to Pennsylvania as Farm Bill Awaits Senate Action
Brooke Rollins meets with Pennsylvania farmers as pressure mounts on the Senate to advance the Farm Bill and additional aid for producers.
May 26, 2026 12:04 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Dm4XwjWo.jpg
Crops
Traders Await Delayed Crop Progress Report as Wheat Conditions Remain Under Pressure
Despite tighter supplies, U.S. wheat exports continue trending higher as international buyers seek consistent quality and reliable service.
May 26, 2026 11:48 AM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
beef cattle.jpg
Livestock
Cattle On Feed Rises As Marketings Fall Sharply
Higher placements lifted feedlot inventories, but slower marketings point to continued tightness in finished cattle movement.
May 26, 2026 10:50 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
ARGENTINIAN CATTLE_PHOTO BY FOTO4440 VIA AdobeStock_256925881.jpg
Markets
USDA Livestock Outlook Shows Tight Beef Supply Pressure
Tight cattle supplies should keep beef prices supported, while dairy, pork, and poultry are poised for greater production growth.
May 25, 2026 12:00 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
Load More

Specialty Crops Ag Education & Resources Input Costs & Producer Inflation
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Rou40tIS.jpg
Livestock
Border Closure May Permanently Shift Cattle Markets as Mexico Builds Processing Capacity, Economist Warns
Dr. Derrell Peel says the longer the border remains closed to Mexican cattle imports, the more likely some industry changes could become permanent.
May 29, 2026 01:22 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
216z22ch.jpg
Farm Monitor
Georgia Forestry Commission Honors the Forester of the Year
Matthew O’Connor continues working with landowners to help protect and restore forests across Georgia.
May 29, 2026 01:12 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
X8dFqirl.jpg
Crops
“It’s Never Been This Bad:" Water Scarcity Forces Cutbacks in Western Nebraska Sugarbeet Acres
Producers say limited moisture is creating major challenges for crops and irrigation heading into summer.
May 29, 2026 12:47 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
d6FCT2DY.jpg
Washington Policy
Alternative Protein Laws Keep Changing Across Farm States
The state-level focus is split between labeling and sales restrictions.
May 29, 2026 10:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
JTfypjkX.jpg
Rural Health
Advocates Encourage Open Conversations Around Farm Mental Health
Mental Health Nurse Kathleen Jemmett says people should not be afraid to reach out for help.
May 29, 2026 06:00 AM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Isi8dw1f.jpg
Trade
Farm Bureau Economists Watch for Real Movement on China Trade
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum says agriculture still needs to see U.S. products actively moving into China.
May 28, 2026 04:38 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Load More