From the National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance:

The American Relief Act of 2025 provides new USDA assistance for losses experienced in 2023 and 2024, including programs that apply directly to alfalfa and forage farmers. The most relevant option for hay and forage farmers is Stage 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP). This stage covers uninsured, shallow, and quality-only losses, including reduced RFV, RFQ, TDN, or drought or smoke-related declines in forage value.

What’s Covered:

• Quality loss (e.g., lower RFV/TDN from drought, rain damage)
• Yield loss from missing cuttings, winterkill, drought, or extreme weather
• Losses tied to qualifying disaster events in 2023–2024

Key Points for Forage Farmers:

• Insurance is not required to apply for Stage 2
• Payments will require farmers to obtain crop insurance or NAP for the next two crop years
• Strong documentation, especially forage tests, is critical

Application Window is November 24, 2025 – April 30, 2026

While we heard there might be some glitches, the best advice at this time is contact your local FSA office to see if you qualify. Learn More:

• USDA SDRP Overview
• Drought Monitor (for eligibility)