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
Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupt fertilizer shipments, raising costs and creating uncertainty for U.S. farmers ahead of planting season.
APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.
This year at CattleCon 2026, RFD Network’s Kirbe Schnoor caught up with Donna Emick from Pneu-Dart to get her perspective on why education, safety, and accountability matter in the field.
Nebraska’s largest wildfire on-record has burned 650,000 acres, with three other major fires also burning across the state, destroying pastureland and threatening cattle.
NMPF’s Alan Bjerga discusses pending trade agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador and how they will benefit U.S. dairy producers and improve overall global competitiveness of U.S. ag products.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

House ag leaders had hoped to get the Farm Bill voted on by Easter, but no dates have been secured just yet.
Watch China’s demand signals for export direction.
Shaun Haney joined RFD News to discuss the potential impact of the Trump-Xi summit uncertainty, ongoing agricultural trade talks, and why geopolitical developments could carry important implications for farmers and global commodity markets.
Kansas State University agricultural economist Dr. Gregg Ibendahl discusses rising diesel prices, the influence of global oil markets, and the potential impact on farmers heading into the spring planting season.
Vive’s Art Graves shared insights on the new Phobos FC 360 foliar fungicide, its advantages for Canadian growers, early performance results, and the company’s ongoing commitment to advanced crop protection solutions.
Kentucky Firefighters Jonathan and Lonny Epley and Extension Agent Leann Martin tell us about a new portable grain bin rescue tool, and its potential to enhance safety for farmers and first responders nationwide.