Rural Money: Will farmers see the remaining $400 million in ERP Phase Two payments promised by the USDA?

Agriculture Accounting Expert Paul Neiffer joined us Friday on Market Day Report to take a further look.

Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two payments currently total $768 million. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it would pay out more than $1 billion by September 30.

The discrepancy is leaving many farmers wondering: where are those additional funds?

Agriculture Accounting Expert Paul Neiffer joined us on Friday on the Market Day Report to take a further look at ERP Phase Two, which he said has not been well received by farmers.

Related Stories
Structural efficiency supports cattle prices and resilience — breaking it risks higher costs and greater volatility.
This simple but powerful tool from Nutrien enables farmers to keep track of highly personalized input costs and expenses involved in running their operation.
AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
As the new year begins, both farmers and rural families are taking stock of their finances and planning ahead for 2026.
USDA data indicates that 13.7 percent of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest rate since 2014, even as most households remained food secure.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jennifer Tirey of the Illinois Pork Producers Association joined us to discuss efforts to bring pork back into Chicago Public Schools, the nutritional benefits for students, and what the decision could mean for pork producers across the state.
Farmer and retired colonial Joe Ricker joined us to highlight Ag Safety Awareness Program Week, share his work supporting veterans and farmers, and offer guidance on making safety a year-round priority on the farm.
Dry conditions may tighten hay supplies before summer growth. John Mays of Central Life Sciences joined us to discuss the risks of extended grain storage, how quality can be affected over time, and what growers can do to protect their grain while waiting for market opportunities.
High fertilizer costs and global risks threaten spring margins for growers.
Be sure to catch Kim Collingsworth on Gaither Gospel Hour’s new special, “His Gift, My Story,” tonight, Friday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. ET, on RFD Network and streaming on RFD+