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.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

As we continue our Countdown to Convention presented by Culver’s, we meet some of the people who help bring the event to life.
Shaun Haney, Host of RealAg Radio, discusses President Trump’s move to halt trade talks with Canada and Mexico over a commercial about tariffs launched by the Government of Ontario.
Input costs are top of mind for farmers, as they contribute to higher prices and smaller profits.
The President’s trip to Asia this week follows a trade mission by the Iowa Soybean Association. Farmers say they were reminded that U.S. soybeans have an international reputation that can be easy to take for granted here at home.
Farmers who rely on H-2A workers will see a few key changes to speed up the process and make it fairer. On the ground, producers say labor issues create shortfalls in otherwise productive harvests.
John Appel with the Farmers Business Network (FBN) joins us for a closer look at the 2026 Crop Protection Market Outlook Report.