The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now in full swing with the second phase of federal disaster assistance for producers impacted by severe weather in 2023 and 2024. This marks another critical step in USDA’s ongoing effort to help farmers recover from consecutive years of climate-driven losses that have strained operations across the country.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) began accepting Stage Two applications for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) in late November. This phase expands on earlier payments, covering losses that were not eligible in Stage One.
Stage Two assistance includes shallow losses, uncovered losses, and quality-related damage to crops, trees, bushes, and vines. USDA emphasizes that this support is designed to help stabilize cash flow heading into the new growing season after back-to-back weather shocks.
Congress has authorized more than $16 billion for SDRP, alongside:
$9.3 billion through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP)
Over $705 million through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP)
Producers in Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, and Massachusetts receive disaster assistance through state block grants rather than SDRP. Farmers and ranchers have until April 30, 2026, to submit applications for both Stage One and Stage Two programs.
Alongside SDRP, USDA continues enrollment for:
Milk Loss Program – Offers up to $1.65 million for milk dumped due to qualifying disaster events.
On-Farm Stored Commodity Loss Program – Provides up to $5 million for producers who lost stored crops during storms in 2023 or 2024.
These programs fill gaps left by traditional insurance and earlier disaster relief tools.
After two consecutive years of severe weather, USDA’s expanded relief package gives producers the resources to rebuild cash flow, protect operations, and plan for the next season. For many farms, this assistance is a lifeline that can mean the difference between scaling back or staying fully operational.
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