The Whitehouse announces an $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief program to support American farmers facing market disruptions and rising input costs
President Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins have announced an $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief (HFR) program to support American farmers facing market disruptions and rising input costs this harvest season. Administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) through the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act, the initiative provides simple, proportional one-time payments for the 2026 crop year calculated using planted acres, production cost estimates, and yield projections.
Commodity-specific payment rates for Title I crops will be released in November, while non-Title I producers, such as specialty crop growers and fishermen, can submit fuel cost data directly to HarvestFuel@usda.gov to inform rate calculations. Although crop insurance is not required, the USDA encourages farmers to utilize risk management options under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. To streamline the application process, eligible producers should create a Login.gov account linked to the USDA to access pre-filled forms once the application period opens.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
