WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is moving forward with the second stage of disaster aid for farmers recovering from the natural disasters of 2023 and 2024, marking another significant step in the department’s broader relief rollout.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin accepting Stage Two applications for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) on November 24, building on payments already distributed through earlier rounds. This phase covers crop, tree, bush, and vine losses that were not eligible under Stage One, including shallow-loss, uncovered, and quality-related damage. USDA emphasizes that the effort is designed to stabilize cash flow heading into spring planning after repeated weather shocks strained balance sheets across much of rural America.
Congress has authorized more than $16 billion for SDRP, in addition to $9.3 billion in Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) payments and more than $705 million in Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments. FSA notes that producers in Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, and Massachusetts will receive relief through state block grants rather than SDRP. Producers have until April 30, 2026, to apply for both Stage One and Stage Two assistance.
USDA is also opening enrollment for the Milk Loss Program and the On-Farm Stored Commodity Loss Program from November 24 to January 23, 2026. The milk program provides up to $1.65 million in compensation for dumped milk tied to disaster events, while the commodity program offers up to $5 million for producers who lost stored crops during 2023 or 2024 storms.
Farm-Level Takeaway: New SDRP funding and expanded loss programs give producers additional tools to rebuild cash flow and stabilize operations after two years of severe weather losses.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Record Australian exports and rising U.S. imports reflect continued tight domestic cattle supplies — a reminder that herd recovery remains key to balancing future beef prices.
October 23, 2025 11:56 AM
·
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) discusses the USDA’s new cattle plan, ethanol policy, and the broader challenges ahead for rural America.
October 23, 2025 11:24 AM
·
Bioethanol continues to gain ground as the bridge fuel connecting agriculture, aviation, and maritime industries in the global shift toward lower-carbon energy.
October 23, 2025 10:14 AM
·
“President Trump Undercuts America’s Cattle Producers,” says NCBA
October 22, 2025 04:42 PM
·
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.
October 22, 2025 04:05 PM
·
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.
October 22, 2025 03:12 PM
·
“Farmers for Free Trade” warns that disaster is brewing as President Trump’s trade policy is causing farm input costs to rise even more.
October 22, 2025 12:07 PM
·
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
October 22, 2025 11:53 AM
·
October 21, 2025 06:18 PM
·
