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
Farm numbers still favor small operations, but production, resilience, and risk management are increasingly concentrated among fewer, larger farms.
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman discusses farmer sentiment, land values, and how global and financial pressures are shaping decision-making in the ag land market.
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association discusses the EPA’s new decision on over-the-top Dicamba and what it means for growers this year.
Mike Spier, president and CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates, discusses the new U.S.-Bangladesh trade agreement and its potential benefits for U.S. wheat growers.
Gretchen Kuck of the National Corn Growers Association joined us to discuss the Ag Coalition for USMCA’s report findings and expectations ahead of the upcoming USMCA review.
The agreement formalizes coordination between the two departments to address security concerns affecting U.S. agriculture.