Waves of Relief: White House Reviews Need for Emergency Farm Aid as USDA Opens Stage Two Payments

Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage Two will disburse around $16 billion, approved by Congress last year. Sign-ups begin Monday, and producers have until April to return applications.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — New details are emerging on emergency relief payments for American farmers and ranchers. It is the help the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been saying was on the horizon.

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins has told several major media outlets that her department is currently ironing out the details. She told Bloomberg she expects a formal announcement sometime during the first week of December.

However, in an interview with Agri-Pulse, USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce said the White House is still evaluating the need for relief and warned that any help would need to reflect market conditions. During the shutdown, the Trump Administration made several trade deals, and markets saw a big rally.

However, other forms of relief are rolling out now for farmers and ranchers, who have the weekend to prepare for Stage Two of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program. Farm CPA Paul Neiffer tells us there are some key differences from Stage One.

“Unlike the original Stage One, where they automatically mailed the statements out, they mailed the application out to the farmer; my understanding is they’re not doing that this time,” Neiffer told RFD-TV News on Thursday. “You actually need to either go into the office, you can fax in the application, or you can do it via e-mail. There’s also a system that FSA has. So instead of getting that application directly from FSA, it sounds like you have to reach out to FSA to get the application.”

Stage Two will disburse about $16 billion in funds approved by Congress late last year. It covers eligible crop, tree, bush, and vine losses not covered in Stage One. Sign-ups begin Monday, and producers have until the end of April to return their applications.

Related Stories
Recent developments in ag law and tax — that is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV-Agri-Legal Expert Roger McEowen.
If you are thinking about making substantial gifts and/or doing so in a complicated fashion, make sure to get good professional advice beforehand. In his latest Firm to Farm blog post, RFD-TV Agri-Legal Expert Roger McEowen tackles the complex rules surrounding financial gifts, charitable donations and estate transfer.
A glimpse into the mindset of the University of Kentucky’s trio of arborists as they relish their role in fostering healthy urban spaces across campus.
Getting strange calls or texts from “Amazon” after placing holiday gift orders? In this AARP Live Minute, experts from AARP reveal three Amazon imposter scams to watch out for as you navigate the holiday season.
But, what does “detached and disinterested” mean? When is a transfer of funds a gift — at least in the eyes of the IRS? That is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV’s Agri-Legal Expert Roger A.McEowen.
Just how much are probate fees? How are they determined? That is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV’s Agri-Legal Expert Roger A. McEowen.
The distinction between co-tenancy and joint tenancy and why it matters — is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV Agri-Legal Expert Roger McEowen.
As the USDA tracks how Plant Hardiness Zones are slowly shifting across the country, they are also adjusting their recommendations for gardeners when it comes to perennial plants. The data is also used the by Risk Management Agency to determine crop insurance rates.
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!