Rural Money: Navigating Stage Two of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer explains the USDA’s Stage Two Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, including application details, deadlines, and guidance for rural producers.

KENNEWICK, Wash. (RFD-TV) — Billions of dollars in federal disaster assistance are on the way to farmers and ranchers as USDA begins rolling out Stage Two of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program. Applications are scheduled to be mailed out on Monday, and producers will have until the end of April to return them.

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to walk producers through what to expect from this next phase of assistance and how to prepare for the application process.

In his interview with RFD-TV, Neiffer outlined the key details producers need to know, including the extended timeline for submitting applications and what information USDA will require. He explained how the agency is mailing applications directly to eligible producers and discussed how farmers can confirm they are on the recipient list or obtain the necessary forms if they do not receive them automatically.

Neiffer also addressed a major question for farm operations heading into tax season — whether Stage Two payments can be deferred into the 2026 tax year — and provided guidance on what producers should evaluate before making that decision.

Related Stories
Purdue research finds U.S. and Argentine cattle producers have different outlooks. Specialty Risk Insurance explains how LRP and PRF coverage can help cattle producers manage market and rainfall risks.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum discusses rising diesel prices, farm input costs, potential export restrictions, and the outlook for 2027.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses the expected 2027 annual gift tax exclusion, common misunderstandings, and ways farm families can use the exclusion in their planning.
The push to plan ahead comes as wildfires have burned more than 8.5 million acres nationwide this year.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst says the next major step for the Farm Bill will come after the November elections — with Proposition 12, year-round E15, foreign farmland ownership, and negotiations over a five-year bill among the issues still in focus.
European farmers seek crop traits that boost productivity, improve nutrient use, and increase resilience while reducing costs, according to Dr. Peter Beetham of Cibus.
Data center growth is increasing demand for power and water, raising questions about utilities, on-site generation, and impacts on rural communities.
The United States accounted for nearly 39% of New Zealand beef exports through July.
U.S. ag groups are watching Trump-Xi talks closely as China trade, soybean purchases, and sorghum tariffs take center stage.
ASFMRA’s Nick Westgerdes discusses Illinois cash rents, farmland values, auction methods, and the outlook for 2027.