Kentucky FSA Newsletter - MAY 2026
In This Issue:
Here at the Farm Service Agency, we are continually focused on supporting our producers. The past few months have been no different. We have provided support through the Farmer Bridge Assistance program in record time by utilizing crop reporting data and modernization tools to streamline the application process. We have obligated a record amount of loans through the efforts of our dedicated staff and business process improvements that expedite the delivery of credit to our producers. We have even extended the program deadline for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program and increased the payment factor to deliver more benefits to impacted producers.
Along with these efforts we are currently implementing the Livestock Forage Program in several counties here in Kentucky that are experiencing drought conditions. This program provides assistance to livestock producers that are suffering grazing losses as a result of the lack of rainfall. We encourage all livestock producers to contact their local service center for more information. Our staff can discuss eligibility and what documentation is required when you apply.
As you start to wrap up planting, I would like to invite you to come visit our FSA staff to complete your crop report. The deadline to report spring planted crops is July 15, so come by early to avoid the lines. Crop reporting is essential to so many of our programs. We utilize crop report data during program development and as demonstrated by our recent program delivery, doing so allows us to expedite the application process by providing producers with a pre-filled application for some programs.
Whether its crop reporting, disaster assistance, or loans, FSA is here to serve the American farmer. We work daily to put the Farmer First.
Respectfully,
David Wayne, State Executive Director
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is maximizing disaster assistance support for producers by issuing a second Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) payment to eligible producers who have approved program applications for losses due to natural disasters in calendar years 2023 and 2024. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already provided $6.7 billion in SDRP payments to eligible producers. Additionally, USDA is extending the program deadline to give producers and FSA more time to address any program application changes that could impact payments. The original April 30 deadline has been extended to Aug. 12, 2026, for SDRP Stage 1 and Stage 2.
Initial SDRP payments were factored at 35%, but after further analysis, USDA is increasing the payment factor to 70%, meaning producers with approved applications will receive an additional 35% of their calculated SDRP payment. Future SDRP payments will also be made using a 70% payment factor.
Over the past year, the Trump administration and USDA, under the leadership of Secretary Rollins, have supported U.S. farmers and ranchers with over $17.9 billion in supplemental disaster assistance mandated by Congress in the American Relief Act, 2025. To date, USDA has provided over $6.7 billion in SDRP payments, $9.3 billion through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program and nearly $1.9 billion through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program.
Additionally, through recent efforts to provide economic relief as the Trump administration works to open new markets, FSA has made over $10 billion in payments, to date, through the Farmers Bridge Assistance program with more assistance on the way for specialty crop producers. Since 2025, through permanent programs, FSA has provided over $2.0 billion in disaster assistance, $5.3 billion in commodity price support, $3.1 billion in safety net assistance, and $685 million through conservation programs.
All in all, this administration has put Farmers First with over $39.1 billion in economic support needed to recover from market and weather-related financial hardships beyond their control, protect our natural resources and keep their operations moving forward.
SDRP Stage 1
The first stage, announced in July 2025, remains available to producers who received an indemnity under crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for eligible crop losses due to qualifying 2023 and 2024 natural disaster events.
SDRP Stage 2
Stage 2 of SDRP covers eligible crop, tree, bush and vine losses that were not covered under Stage One program provisions, including non-indemnified (shallow loss), uncovered and quality losses.
Eligibility
Eligible losses must be the result of natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and/or 2024. These disasters include wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freeze (including a polar vortex), smoke exposure, excessive moisture, qualifying drought, and related conditions.
To qualify for drought related losses, the loss must have occurred in a county rated by the as having a D2 (severe drought) for eight consecutive weeks, D3 (extreme drought), or greater intensity level during the applicable calendar year.
FSA is establishing block grants with Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, and Massachusetts that cover crop losses; therefore, producers with losses on land physically located in these states are not eligible for SDRP program payments.
More Information
For more information on SDRP, please visit .
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Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers that annual acreage reporting is an important eligibility requirement to receive financial benefits through the Livestock Forage Disaster Assistance Program (LFP), as well as several other FSA-administered programs.
The next deadline for annual acreage reporting in Kentucky is July 15, 2026. This includes common spring-planted crops, such as corn, soybeans, wheat, and grain sorghum, but also includes perennial grass (pasture) and Conservation Reserve Program acres.
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should note that the acreage reporting date for NAP-covered crops is July 15, 2026, or 15 calendar days before grazing or harvesting of the crop begins.
Even though the acreage reporting deadline is months away, we are encouraging producers with pasture acres and acres planted for grazing purposes to complete certification of those acres as soon as possible to assist us with preparations for potential program implementation.
LFP provides financial assistance to livestock producers and contract growers who also are producers of grazed forage crop acres (native and improved pasture and crops planted specifically for grazing purposes) and who have suffered a loss due to a qualifying drought during the grazing season.
Other points regarding LFP and acreage certification:
- Producers must have a risk in the pasture or hay crop acres in order to complete the acreage certification process.
- If a producer applies for LFP they must be able to support their application with either a written lease or an Annual Lease Certification (CCC-855).
- In addition to the acreage reporting requirement, LFP applicants who lease acres must be able to support their application with either a written lease or an Annual Lease Certification (CCC-855).
- Producers who previously have certified grazing land through a continuous certification may want to contact the county FSA office to ensure that certification remains in place and reflects 2026 producers and shares.
Producers can contact their local USDA Service Center for additional information.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can enroll in the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (Grassland CRP) starting May 4, 2026, through May 29, 2026. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers Grassland CRP, a voluntary working lands conservation program that enables participants to conserve grasslands while also continuing most grazing and haying practices.
Learn more about Grassland CRP
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Farm Operating Loans - Direct
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4.750%
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Farm Operating Loans - Microloans
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4.750%
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Farm Ownership Loans - Direct
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5.750%
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Farm Ownership Loans - Microloans
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5.750%
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Farm Ownership Loans — Direct Down Payment, Beginning Farmer or Rancher
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1.750%
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Emergency Loans - Amount of Actual Loss
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3.750%
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Farm Storage Facility Loans (7 years)
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4.125%
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Commodity Loans 1996-Present
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4.750%
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Farmers can use USDA farm ownership microloans to buy and improve property. These microloans are especially helpful to beginning or underserved farmers, U.S. veterans looking for a career in farming, and those who have small and mid-sized farming operations. Microloans have helped farmers and ranchers with operating costs, such as feed, fertilizer, tools, fencing, equipment, and living expenses since 2013.
Miroloans can also help with farmland and building purchases and soil and water conservation improvements. FSA designed the expanded program to simplify the application process, expand eligibility requirements and expedite smaller real estate loans to help farmers strengthen their operations. Microloans provide up to $50,000 to qualified producers and can be issued to the applicant directly from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).
To learn more about the FSA microloan program, visit fsa.usda.gov/microloans.
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Producers are encouraged to call their local FSA office to schedule an appointment to ensure maximum use of their time and to make sure FSA staff is available to tend to their important business needs. Please call your local FSA office ahead to set an appointment and to discuss any records or documentation that might be needed during your appointment. To find your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator.
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Kentucky FSA State Office
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771 Corporate Dr., Ste 205 Lexington, KY 40503 Phone: 859-224-7601 State Webpage
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Contact your local USDA Service Center for assistance with FSA loans or programs
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State Executive Director David Wayne
859-224-7601 David.Wayne@usda.gov
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Deputy State Executive Director
Clark Sturgeon
859-224-7622
clark.sturgeon@usda.gov
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Administrative Officer Caleb Thomas
859-224-7441 caleb.thomas@usda.gov
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Farm Programs Chief Kellie Samuels
859-224-7640 kellie.samuels@usda.gov
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Farm Loan Chief
Warren Whitaker
859-224-7443 warren.whitaker@usda.gov
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Kentucky FSA State Committee
Sharon Walker Furches, Chair (Murray)
Tyler Ferguson, Member (Flatgap)
Mark Jenkins, Member (Hopkinsville)
David Andrew Langley, Member (Glendale)
Timothy Wayne White, Member (Lexington)
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