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.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

In honor of Veterans Day this weekend, we wanted to take a moment to highlight an incredible program connecting our great nation’s heroes with agriculture!
Shaun Haney, host of Rural Radio Channel 147’s Real Ag Radio, joined us Friday on Market Day Report with an update on the important vote involving the use of ag machinery in Canada.
The FAO Food Price Index for October 2023 is out. Where do global food prices stand, and which categories saw the largest gains?
Agriculture Accounting Expert Paul Neiffer joined us Friday on Market Day Report to take a further look.
Falling feed costs and strong demand for butter could be good news for dairy farmers looking to get their finances back on track.