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 legal expert Roger McEowen joins us to discuss the importance of a traditional Farm Bill and his concerns over shifting policy approaches.
Technology returns depend on management, not just adoption.
Rail rulings, export terminal access, and equipment rules are becoming bigger factors in grain shipping costs and reliability.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The USDA’s upcoming reports will drop on Tuesday afternoon, giving the trade real results on acreage shifts, drought concerns, and ongoing trade tensions, adding uncertainty for U.S. farmers.
Firefighters are making good progress on two major wildfires burning across parts of Nebraska.
At the White House’s “Celebration of Agriculture,” the Trump Administration announced a slate of policies to support farmers and ranchers, including biofuel mandates, SBA loan programs, and new labeling policies to boost domestic markets for ag products.
This week on Champions of Rural America, Congressman Nick Begich discusses the lease sale, its economic impact, and what it could mean for future energy production in Alaska.
SoilView’s Chris Nelson explains why soil testing is essential, how it enhances nutrient management, and why growers should focus on data-driven strategies to guide planting and fertilization this year.
Corn Refiners Association VP Kristy Goodfellow offered insight into the Feeding the Economy Report’s key findings, showing the breadth of agriculture’s economic impact and the challenges ahead.