The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the second stage of significant financial assistance for farmers and ranchers recovering from the impacts of natural disasters that occurred in 2023 and 2024. This initiative, part of the broader commitment to support the nation’s agricultural sector, aims to provide crucial relief and ensure the stability of farming operations across the country.
This announcement follows an earlier measure taken during the recent government shutdown, where over 2,000 county Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices were temporarily reopened. This move ensured that farmers could continue to access essential USDA services during the critical harvest season.
Billions in Support Through Multiple Programs
The USDA is delivering substantial aid through several key programs. The Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) is set to distribute over $16 billion in assistance approved by Congress. This is in addition to other relief efforts, including:
- Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP): Over $9.3 billion has been provided to more than 560,000 row crop farmers.
- Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP): Over $705 million in aid has been distributed to approximately 220,000 ranchers.
The initial stage of SDRP, launched in July 2025, has already delivered more than $5.7 billion to producers, helping them prepare for the upcoming crop year.
Details of SDRP Stage Two
The second stage of the SDRP is designed to cover losses that were not addressed in the first stage. This includes assistance for:
- Non-indemnified (shallow loss) crops.
- Uncovered crop losses.
- Quality losses affecting trees, bushes, and vines.
FSA county offices will begin accepting applications for SDRP Stage Two on November 24, 2025. The application window for both Stage One and Stage Two will remain open until April 30, 2026.
It is important to note that producers with losses on land located in Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, and Massachusetts are not eligible for these SDRP payments, as those states are receiving aid through separate block grants.
Specialized Assistance for Dairy and Stored Commodities
In addition to crop-focused aid, the USDA has established two specialized programs to address other significant losses.
- Milk Loss Program: This program will provide up to $1.65 million in payments to dairy operations that were forced to dump or remove milk from the commercial market without compensation due to qualifying natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.
- On-Farm Stored Commodity Loss Program: Producers who lost harvested crops stored in on-farm structures because of a natural disaster may be eligible for up to $5 million in assistance.
The application period for both the Milk Loss Program and the On-Farm Stored Commodity Loss Program runs from November 24, 2025, to January 23, 2026.
This comprehensive disaster assistance package reflects a continued effort to provide a financial safety net for the agricultural producers who are vital to the nation’s food supply and economic security. Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to visit their local FSA office or the official USDA website for detailed fact sheets and application information.
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