$16 Billion in Disaster Relief Now Available for Farmers

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is offering the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), providing $16 billion in assistance to agricultural producers who suffered crop losses from natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.

Who Can Apply

Farmers with eligible crop, tree and vine losses caused by natural disasters including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, winter storms, drought and excessive heat can now apply for Stage One assistance. To qualify, producers must have received payments through crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) during the disaster years.

How to Apply

Applications opened July 10, 2025, at FSA county offices. The USDA has streamlined the process by mailing pre-filled applications to eligible producers on July 9. Farmers need to submit Form FSA-526 along with other required FSA documentation.

Payment Details

Stage One payments are calculated based on coverage levels and existing insurance payouts, with a 35% payment factor applied. Total SDRP payments cannot exceed 90% of losses. If funds remain available, FSA may issue second payments.

Future Requirements

Producers receiving SDRP payments must purchase federal crop insurance or NAP coverage at 60% coverage level or higher for the next two crop years. Failure to maintain coverage requires repayment of SDRP funds plus interest.

What’s Next

Stage Two applications for uncovered losses, including shallow losses and quality losses, will open in early fall. This program is part of $30 billion in total disaster assistance being distributed this year.

The USDA has already distributed over $7.8 billion through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program and more than $1 billion through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program.

For more information and to access the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, visit farmers.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center.

Cattle Pulse: Smart Herds and High Rewards

CattlePulse is a monthly update from Virginia Farm Bureau on the Virginia feeder cattle markets, the national trends that affect them and stories of cattle producers across the commonwealth.

In this month’s episode, host Elijah Griles breaks down the record-setting feeder cattle prices driven by tight national inventories and strong seasonal demand. He also discusses the impact of the New World screwworm fly on U.S. cattle imports and what it could mean for Virginia producers. Plus, Halifax County cow-calf producer Adam Davis shares how he’s using genetic data to improve herd performance.

Want to get in touch? Contact Elijah at 804-290-1713 or elijah.griles@vafb.com.

Listen to the latest episode

'Tis the Season for Seasonal Trends? CattlePulse

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles unpacks the implications of the late arriving Cattle on Feed report and the effects of Tyson's packing plant closure announcement. He also explores how Virginia cash markets follow seasonal trends.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.
  1. 'Tis the Season for Seasonal Trends?
  2. Beef Imports & Market Mayhem
  3. Demand vs. Dollars
  4. Where Are The Calves Coming From?
  5. Cattle Counts & Market Moves: Insights from Dr. Josh Maples