USDA Announces $16 Billion in Disaster Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers

The USDA says agricultural producers who suffered eligible crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 can now apply for $16 billion in assistance through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP).

To expedite the implementation of SDRP, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is delivering assistance in two stages. This first stage is open to producers with eligible crop losses that received assistance under crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program during 2023 and 2024.

Montana Farmers Union Vice President Erik Somerfeld says the assistance is much appreciated.

Stage One sign up started in person at FSA county offices on July 10 and prefilled applications are also being mailed to producers.

SDRP Stage Two signups for eligible shallow or uncovered losses will begin in early fall.

Source: USDA & Ag Information Network & Western Ag Network