USDA Disaster Relief Program for 2023 and 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released details for the new Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, which will provide assistance to farmers who had eligible crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. The program was authorized by Congress through the American Relief Act that passed in December.

“Our thoughts are with farmers that have dealt with natural disasters the last couple of years, losses that feel even larger in the middle of a downturn in the ag economy,” said Garrett Hawkins, Illinois farmer and IL Corn Growers Association President. “Thanks to the USDA for quick implementation of this program.”

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) mailed pre-filled applications to farmers today, and starting Thursday, July 10, farmers can also apply for assistance through their FSA office.

While a payment factor of 35% will be applied to all stage one payments, if additional funds remain, FSA will issue a second payment.

< Older Post

Sen. Celina Villenueva, Chris Gould, Orlando Rojas, Ambassador Reyna Torres

IL Corn Celebrates Latino Contributions to Agriculture

By Lyndi Allen • September 18, 2026

IL Corn joined partners and community leaders highlight the role of the Latino community in Illinois agriculture and labor.

Tugboat pushing a barge along a river at sunset, with a bridge in the background.

House Passes WRDA 2026, Advancing Inland Waterways Construction Office

By Lyndi Allen • September 17, 2026

The House of Representatives took an important step towards strengthening the nation’s inland waterways by passing the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026

Emma Seiboldt

Illinois Farm Girl Studying the Unseen Realities of Farming

By Tara Desmond & Emma Seiboldt • September 17, 2026

Illinois farm girl Emma Seiboldt is asking farmers to share their experiences through an anonymous survey on the unseen realities and mental health challenges of farming.

Dan Kelley during harvest sporting his Global Farmer Network shirt

From the Cab: Illinois Farmer Dan Kelley on Harvest and Global Farmer Network

By Tara Desmond • September 17, 2026

After 55 years of farming, Dan Kelley shares his harvest outlook and how he’s helping farmers around the world find their voice.

U.S. Capitol building under a clear blue sky with bright sunlight

Farm Bill 2.0 Passed out of the Senate Ag Committee

By Lyndi Allen • September 17, 2026

The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced Farm Bill 2.0, bringing Congress one step closer to a new five-year Farm Bill and giving farmers the certainty they have been waiting for.

Lyndi Allen, Jim Tarmann, Rep. Eric Sorensen, Justin Moore, Greg Goodwin

IL Corn Advocates on the Hill

By Lyndi Allen • September 17, 2026

IL Corn met with members of Congress and both Illinois senators to discuss policies that can strengthen demand, lower costs, and expand opportunities for Illinois corn farmers.