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
Beef x Dairy cattle with strong genetics and documentation are earning prices comparable to native feeders.
Roger McEowen explains the concept of “lawfare” — the use of legal systems to intimidate or financially exhaust an opponent — which grew into a central theme of U.S. ag law in 2025.
FarmHER Chris Nellis and her daughters navigate loss while carrying on a 300-year farm legacy, milking cows in upstate New York.
Justin Wheeler with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers joined us with insight into current farmland values and what to watch in the year ahead.
Tennessee 4-H members Jayden Hesson and Matthew Rochford joined us to discuss how 4-H is helping young leaders plan for the future of agriculture.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

University of Nebraska–Lincoln ag educator Matt Kreifels discusses his recent FFA Alumni award and the future of ag education.
Mexico plans to release 202,000 acre-feet of water into the Rio Grande, offering temporary relief to South Texas farmers as Congress advances the PERMIT Act.
Analysts say that while low-income households are facing financial pressures, other middle- and higher-income consumers are helping fill the gap for retail beef demand.