USDA Releases Per-Acre Payment Details for Farmer Bridge Assistance Program
Payments for the new Farmer Bridge Assistance Program are just around the corner, providing much-anticipated financial support for farmers facing continued economic pressure. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced the next phase of the program, confirming that eligible commodities will receive one-time per-acre payments designed to help producers bridge ongoing challenges.
The Farmer Bridge Assistance Program includes a total allocation of $12 billion, with $11 billion designated for row crop producers. USDA is finalizing the structure of the payments, which will be issued on a per-acre basis depending on the commodity grown. According to Secretary Rollins, producers should expect payments to be deposited into their bank accounts no later than February 28.
These payments are intended as one-time assistance, helping farmers maintain operations while continuing to feed and clothe both America and the world. USDA officials have emphasized that the program is meant to provide immediate relief rather than serve as a long-term support mechanism.
USDA has now released expected commodity-specific per-acre payment rates, giving farmers greater clarity as they plan for the season ahead. Under the announced figures:
- Corn is expected to receive $44.36 per acre
- Cotton payments are set at $117.35 per acre
- Barley, which is limited in Southeast production, is listed at $20.51 per acre
- Oats are expected to receive $81.75 per acre
- Peanuts will receive $55.65 per acre
- Soybeans, a major Southeast crop, are listed at $30.88 per acre
These rates reflect USDA’s effort to target assistance based on crop economics and production realities across different regions of the country. While row crops account for the majority of funding, specialty crops are included within the remaining portion of the $12 billion allocation.
Farmers do not need to wait much longer, as USDA has reiterated that all eligible payments should be issued by February 28. Producers are encouraged to monitor their bank accounts and remain in contact with their local Farm Service Agency offices if questions arise regarding eligibility or payment calculations.
As markets remain volatile and input costs stay elevated, the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program is expected to play a key role in supporting farm income during the current production cycle. With payment details now available, producers can better anticipate the impact of this assistance as they move forward into the growing season.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.