Rural Money: Navigating the Status of Disaster Aid, USDA’s Reopening of the Farm Service Agency

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses the status of USDA disaster aid, including delays to Stage 2 of the SDRP program, and what farmers should watch for as lawmakers negotiate an end to the government shutdown.

KENNEWICK, Wash. (RFD-TV) — As the government shutdown continues, many farmers are still waiting for updates on key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs — including Stage 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program. The delays have left producers uncertain about payment timelines and eligibility details.

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to help break down what farmers can expect once USDA operations resume.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Neiffer discussed how Stage 2 is structured to provide additional relief to those impacted by natural disasters, whether payments could increase beyond the 35 percent provided under Stage 1, and when producers might see those funds distributed.

Neiffer also addressed the USDA’s decision to temporarily reopen Farm Service Agency offices during the shutdown, explaining what services will be available and how farmers can prepare documentation to avoid further delays once full operations resume.

Related Stories
Feral swine cause more than $3.4 billion in annual damage to crops, pastures, soils, water resources, and wildlife habitat. They can also carry diseases threatening livestock and people.
USDA Under Secretary Richard Fordyce explains new crop insurance changes, including payment flexibility and expanded prevented planting coverage.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Don’t miss this special night at the Opry honoring one of country music’s most beloved legends, the late Dolly Parton.
For Michigan Dairy FarmHER Terri Hawbaker, the Women in Agribusiness Demeter Award recognizes both her work as a dairy farmer and women’s growing role across the industry.
Officials toured a potential site in Arizona this week as restrictions continue to reshape cattle movement with Mexico with a phased border reopening plan in motion.
Crude availability may remain adequate, but tight distillate inventories leave less cushion if agricultural and freight demand strengthen through harvest.
The Louisiana facility would produce over a million metric tons of phosphate fertilizer each year. CHS says it would be the first new U.S. phosphate fertilizer plant built since 1984.
USDA forecasts beef prices will rise 9.8 percent in 2026 as cattle producers push back against a proposal to increase foreign beef imports.