The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program will open today. The Farm Service Agency will be administering the $11 Billion one-time bridge payments for row crop producers.
Secretary Rollins posted on X saying, “Starting Monday, February 23, applications open EARLY for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program — unleashing $11 BILLION in targeted, fast help for row crop producers so you can get this year’s crop planted strong and on time. [President Trump] is delivering for farmers NOW!”
According to the FSA, “This assistance provides producers with a bridge until the benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) are available. These bridge payments are authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act.” For eligibility, Producers must “Be actively engaged in farming; Have risk and interest in the eligible planted commodity; and Report eligible acres for the 2025 crop year by 5 p.m. ET on Dec. 19, 2025.”
The Payment Rates for eligible crops include $117.35 for Cotton, $55.65 for Peanuts, $44.36 for Corn and $30.88 for Soybeans, among other crops. According to the department, “The remaining $1 billion of the $12 billion in bridge payments will be reserved for commodities not covered in the FBA program, though details including timelines for those payments are still under development and require additional understanding of market impacts and economic needs.”
More details on the program can be found at fsa.usda.gov or by reaching out to your local FSA office.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.