Rural Money: IRS Extends Drought Relief for Livestock Producers

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to break down what this extension means for affected ranchers.

OMAHA, Neb. (RFD-TV) — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced its decision this week to extend relief for ranchers impacted by drought, giving producers more time to replace livestock and defer taxes on gains from forced sales due to dry conditions.

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to break down what this extension means for affected ranchers.

In an interview with RFD-TV News, Neiffer explained the details of the IRS extension, including the amount of income from forced livestock sales that can be deferred under the provision and which producers are eligible. He also offered guidance on whether deferring taxes is the right decision for individual operations facing drought-related herd reductions.

Neiffer emphasized that producers should consult their tax advisors to make the best choice for their business as they navigate the financial challenges brought on by extreme weather.

For more information about the IRS drought-relief extension and eligibility guidelines, visit IRS.gov or contact your local Farm Service Agency office.

Related Stories
University of Nebraska-Lincoln President Dr. Jeffrey Gold talks about heart health and preventive care for viewers in rural communities.
Jeramy Stephens of National Land Realty breaks down current trends in the farmland real estate market and how landowners should consider water availability and its impact on land values as they plan for the year ahead.
As cattle markets show renewed strength, producers gathering at CattleCon are focused on protecting operations, managing risk, and positioning for opportunity in the year ahead.
The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo continues through Saturday, showcasing livestock, youth involvement, and agricultural talent, with the Junior Sale of Champions serving as the culmination of the 23-day event.
Mexico has fallen behind by several hundred thousand acre-feet in required water deliveries to the United States, a shortfall that has had devastating consequences across the Rio Grande Valley.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas discusses expected changes to the 45Z tax credit and what they could mean for agriculture and rural America.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance shares risk-reduction strategies to help cattle producers prepare for a successful year ahead.
Oregon FFA CEO Kjer Kizer discusses the proposed budget reductions, potential consequences, and the importance of protecting learning opportunities for students interested in agriculture.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains why the 2026 USMCA review could directly affect dairy access, produce competition, and export reliability for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Farms and major food companies use AI to improve efficiency and forecast demand. Still, developers said that training AI for different uses is only possible with support from knowledgeable workers.
The report shows that, despite production challenges, dairy farmers are producing more milk with fewer resources per gallon across the industry.