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
Rabobank’s outlook signals a tightening margin environment, emphasizing the need for cost control, trade stability, and clearer policy signals heading into 2026.
Treat succession like any major crop — plan early, document clearly, and calibrate cash flow so the next generation can succeed.
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses key outcomes from the U.S.-China trade agreement and the benefits of expanding trade across Southeast Asia.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the implications for farmers.
RFD-TV tax expert Roger McEowen discusses the renewed tax provision and how cattle producers can take advantage of it to recover investments in heifer retention and herd expansion more quickly.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Buzzard discusses her upcoming appearance on the Dirt Diaries podcast with host Kirbe Schnoor and the importance of sharing authentic stories about agriculture.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined us to break down what telehealth entails and which conditions can be managed through remote appointments.
Improved export prospects and higher crop prices strengthened future expectations despite continued caution about spending.
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
Federal lawyers submitted a brief this week backing Bayer’s argument that federal laws governing herbicides like Roundup should prevent lawsuits over the popular chemical.
China’s renewed purchases signal improving sorghum demand at a time when export markets are otherwise uneven. Meanwhile, agriculture groups across the U.S, Canada, and Mexico want to protect close trade relations.