USDA launches bridge payments to support farmers facing ongoing losses
Low crop prices, high production costs, and uncertain markets continue to pressure farmers across the United States. Many producers are facing another year of near-break-even or negative returns. To address this challenge, USDA has announced $12 billion in one-time economic support for farmers during the 2025 crop year.
Of this amount, $11 billion is allocated to the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. This program provides temporary financial relief to row crop farmers and serves as a bridge until long-term policy improvements under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act take effect in fiscal year 2026. The remaining $1 billion is reserved for specialty crop and sugar producers, although details on how these payments will be distributed are still being developed.
The Farmer Bridge Assistance Program applies flat per-acre payment rates to eligible planted acres. Prevented plant acres are not eligible. Payment rates vary by crop, based on national loss averages calculated using acreage data, cost estimates, and yield and price projections. Crops such as rice and cotton receive higher rates due to larger losses, while corn, wheat, and soybeans receive lower but still meaningful support.
Corn producers are expected to receive the largest share of payments, followed by soybean, wheat, cotton, rice, and sorghum growers. Midwest and Corn Belt states are projected to receive the majority of total assistance due to their large acreage base, while southern states also receive a significant portion.
Producers who filed their acreage reports with the Farm Service Agency by the December 2025 deadline will receive pre-filled applications. These must be reviewed and returned to local FSA offices to receive payments. Participation is limited to producers with an average adjusted gross income below $900,000, and payments are capped at $155,000 per person or entity.
While the assistance provides timely relief, USDA notes that it will cover only part of total losses, as farmers continue to manage ongoing economic challenges.
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