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
Large animal veterinarian Dr. Rosalyn Biggs with Oklahoma State University warns producers may not be prepared for the real threat of New World Screwworm.
October 09, 2025 01:10 PM
·
We spotlight a student from Illinois who is helping to launch a middle school chapter and teaching younger students about the impact of agriculture in their communities.
October 09, 2025 12:48 PM
·
As the government shutdown pushes the farm economy closer to the brink, Sens. Grassley and Ernst of Iowa are raising their voices for agriculture.
October 09, 2025 11:50 AM
·
October 09, 2025 11:36 AM
·
Considering raising your own replacements instead of buying bred heifers? Three key factors to consider before investing capital.
October 08, 2025 03:03 PM
·
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses eye protection and injury prevention in everyday agricultural activities on Rural Health Matters.
October 08, 2025 02:39 PM
·
RFD-TV farm legal and taxation expert, Roger McOwen, joins us with his perspective on what farmers can expect from the delayed aid package.
October 08, 2025 01:26 PM
·
Microsoft’s partnership with the National FFA Organization is helping future ag leaders gain the tools they need to drive innovation in farming and beyond.
October 08, 2025 01:03 PM
·
Reliable, clearly graded middle meats still anchor demand; programs that deliver consistent eating quality and simple, confidence-building menus capture more repeat visits—and more value—back through the beef chain.
October 08, 2025 12:57 PM
·
