The timing and structure of farm aid payments have ag economists worried

Disaster aid is vital for many farms and ranches across the United States, but some are concerned with the timing of those payments, saying many farmers are left carrying a heavy burden.

Last December, Congress approved billions of dollars in disaster aid for farmers, but those checks did not start clearing until recently, with some producers having to wait until next month before that relief arrives. Economists at Texas A&M say crop protection tools are also failing, despite a big financial boost in the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

Some producers are left with losses exceeding $100/acre, with ARC and PLC only covering 37 percent of that. They are calling for stronger trade deals and more ethanol markets to help keep farms afloat.

Related Stories
Expanding bioethanol use strengthens rural economies, supports farm markets, and positions U.S. agriculture at the center of global low-carbon trade.
“President Trump Undercuts America’s Cattle Producers,” says NCBA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing now to make markets less volatile for ranchers over the long term and more affordable for consumers, according to a press release.
Elizabeth Strom with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) joined us to share the latest on harvest progress and market activity in her area.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined Rural Health Matters to discuss dental care access and improvement efforts across rural America.
“Farmers for Free Trade” warns that disaster is brewing as President Trump’s trade policy is causing farm input costs to rise even more.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

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.
Taryn Fischels, Product Marketing Manager for Precision Upgrades at John Deere, joins us to share a sneak peek of her chat with FarmHER’s Kirbe Schnoor on the Dirt Diaries podcast.
Sen. Roger Marshall explains which types of beef are imported into the United States, how there’s room for new imports, and logical reasons for current high prices.
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) discusses the USDA’s new cattle plan, ethanol policy, and the broader challenges ahead for rural America.
Jacob Wheeler and Dustin Connell of Team O’Reilly Auto Parts took an early lead and never let go, finishing atop SCORETRACKER® with 64 pounds, 8 ounces on 42 scorable bass.