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.

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
Export volumes remain positive year-to-date, but weaker soybean loadings and slowing wheat movement hint at early bottlenecks in global demand or river logistics. Farmers should watch basis levels and freight conditions as export competition heats up.
Farmers who rely on H-2A workers will see a few key changes to speed up the process and make it fairer. On the ground, producers say labor issues create shortfalls in otherwise productive harvests.
Imported lean beef continues to play a critical role in U.S. hamburger and ground-beef production, with any added volume from Argentina serving as a supplement — not a market overhaul.
Margin Protection and the new MCO add county-level margin tools — with earlier price discovery, input cost triggers, and high subsidy rates — to complement on-farm risk plans for 2026.
Until a phased reopening is inked, plan for tighter feeder availability, firmer basis near border yards, and continued reliance on domestic and Canadian sources.
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the USDA’s newly unveiled plan to rebuild the US beef herd and the industry’s spectrum of responses to it.

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:

UT Extension’s cardio drumming classes help older adults stay active and engaged.
The annual event brought together ranchers, industry leaders and natural resource professionals
Storage preparation remains an important step as wheat harvest moves north.
The annual event brings together hundreds of tractors and enthusiasts from across the region.
The Louisiana producer hopes to one day pass the farm on to her newborn son.
The rule allows some H-2A positions to use federal labor wage calculations instead of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate.