USDA rolls out second stage of $16 billion disaster aid for farmers

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will release a second stage of disaster aid for farmers still recovering from extreme weather events that hit the country in 2023 and 2024.

This second round of disaster aid totals over $16 billion to be delivered through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) as part of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), covering eligible crop, tree, bush, and vine losses not covered under Stage One program provisions. 

In a press release, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins labeled the continued financial success of American farmers and ranchers "a national security priority” for the White House. 

“USDA is doing whatever it takes to make good on President Trump’s promise to expedite disaster recovery assistance to US farmers and ranchers, ensuring viability, prosperity, and longevity for these men and women," she said. 

Rollins noted that the majority of payments from Stage One of SDRP, announced back in July, have already been distributed to producers to help them prepare for and invest in the next crop year.

USDA disaster aid applications start November 24 

This second round of aid complements the over $9.3 billion in assistance delivered by the USDA as part of the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, as well as the over $705 million comprised in the Emergency Livestock Relief Program.

The first stage remains available to producers who received an indemnity under crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.

The FSA will accept Stage One and Stage Two SDRP applications from November 24, 2025, until April 30, 2026.

The agency will establish block grants with Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, and Massachusetts. Producers with losses on land located in these states are not eligible for SDRP program payments.

*All images courtesy of USDA

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