Rural Money: Business Planning for Farmers in Uncertain Times

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer shares his perspective on the uncertain outlook of federal farm relief and the Farm Bill, which may not materialize until the government shutdown ends.

PARKER, Colo. (RFD-TV) — As the government shutdown continues, a long-anticipated aid package for farmers is now on hold — delaying relief for producers already facing tight margins. The shutdown has also paused USDA reporting, fueling speculation about what this means for the future of the Farm Bill.

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on the uncertain outlook for federal relief, noting that many in the industry expect progress to stall until the shutdown ends.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Neiffer also weighed in on the status of renewable energy credits, many of which have expired or are set to expire soon. However, he explained that the solar tax credit still offers valuable opportunities for farmers over the next few years.

He also outlined the value of the credit and clarified how it can work alongside a REAP grant, helping producers offset installation costs and invest in long-term energy savings.

Neiffer emphasized that while the current environment poses financial challenges, thoughtful business planning and awareness of available programs can help farmers stay resilient until federal support resumes.

Related Stories
President Donald Trump says Russia will supply millions of tons of diesel fuel to global markets in a deal he expects to lower prices for farmers, ranchers, and truckers.
President Trump wants to strengthen enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, but R.J. Layher says the Farm Bureau wants USDA to keep three rules in place.
USDA Under Secretary Dudley Hoskins discusses cattle port safeguards, screwworm surveillance, and plans to expand sterile fly production in Texas.
Weaker housing demand is putting more pressure on lumber and timber markets.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Arlan Suderman of StoneX joined market specialist Tony St. James to discuss the USDA’s October WASDE report and its implications for corn, soybeans, cotton, and commodity demand.
A federal court ruled FSA cannot use an internal handbook to create eligibility restrictions for county committee candidates that are not supported by law or regulation.
New IRS guidance clarifies tax deferral rules for qualifying farmland sales, including requirements for sellers and buyers and limits on installment sales.
Golden Harvest is introducing five new DuraStack and DuraStack-Viptera corn hybrids for 2027, offering new options for corn rootworm and insect management.
Shaun Haney says U.S.-Canada trade tensions have entered a “slow roll,” leaving businesses and farmers uncertain about the future of USMCA.
Nationwide Agribusiness says harvest is a good time for farmers and ranchers to review fire, wind, hail and equipment risks across their operations.
Purdue’s Ag Economy Barometer shows farmer sentiment fell 12 points in September, with input costs as the top concern for a record 52 percent of respondents.
USDA Food Safety Under Secretary Dr. Mindy Brashears explains efforts to expand small processor access, modernize inspection, and improve competition.
Nutrien eKonomics explains how farmers can rebuild low soil potassium, maintain levels above the critical value, and plan fertilizer applications.
Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden explains USDA’s pilot to measure Salmonella levels throughout poultry slaughter and processing.
Weaker pork demand and rising feed costs could put more pressure on producer margins in 2027.
The proposal would require data centers and other large users to cover infrastructure costs tied to their projects.