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
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.
Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
Greater transparency into USDA-backed lending can help rural lenders and producers better assess credit availability and investment trends.
Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us with his outlook on crop insurance and risk management following the recent winter storm that tore through most of the United States, including the Midwest.
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us to break down the recent Fifth Circuit Court decision overturning a prior Tax Court decision on self-employment tax for limited partners, the ruling’s impact on farmers, and potential next steps in Congress.
Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director Ryan Norris talks energy infrastructure, regulatory reform, and the role of critical minerals in supporting rural America.
Pennsylvania Farm Show scholarship recipient Elizabeth Dice discusses her award, her background in farming, and her path forward in the agriculture industry.