The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that $16 billion in relief is now available to farmers and ranchers impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. Through the new Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will deliver assistance in two stages to expedite relief.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins stated, “American farmers are no stranger to natural disasters that cause losses that leave no region or crop unscathed. USDA has worked around the clock to deliver this relief directly to our farmers.” This announcement is part of a larger effort to disburse $30 billion in Congressionally appropriated disaster relief in 2025.
What Montana Growers Need to Know
Stage One applications begin July 10 at FSA county offices. Pre-filled applications are being mailed to eligible producers on July 9. This stage is open to those who suffered eligible crop, tree, bush, or vine losses that were covered under crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).
Eligible events include wildfires, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, drought, and other qualifying natural disasters. Notably, drought losses must be tied to counties that experienced U.S. Drought Monitor designations of D2 for at least eight consecutive weeks, or D3 or higher.
Montana producers who qualify will receive Stage One payments based on a percentage of their loss, less any prior crop insurance or NAP indemnities. Payments will not exceed 90% of the loss and will be reduced by a 35% payment factor. If funds remain, FSA may issue a second round of payments.
How to Apply
Producers must submit Form FSA-526 along with having necessary forms on file with the local FSA office. Those who receive SDRP funds must purchase federal crop insurance or NAP coverage at a 60% or higher level for the next two crop years—or risk repayment of the assistance with interest.
Stage Two Coming This Fall
USDA will announce details of Stage Two in early fall, which will cover uncovered or shallow losses and some quality losses not included in Stage One.
For more information and weekly updates, visit USDA’s official announcement or contact your local USDA Service Center.
The Bottom Line
This sweeping relief effort reflects a renewed urgency in delivering timely aid to agricultural producers. Montana farmers and ranchers should act quickly to understand their eligibility and prepare the necessary documentation to participate in Stage One of the SDRP.
▶ Visit your local FSA office starting July 10 or go to farmers.gov to use the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool and begin your application today.
