The $11 billion in aid for row crop farmers is welcome but not enough to cover losses incurred “over the last few years,” an American Farm Bureau Federation analysis says.
On New Year’s Eve, USDA released per-acre payment rates for commodities covered by the Farmer Bridge Assistance program (FBA), ranging from a high of $132.89 for rice growers to $8 for flax farmers.
Commodity groups had mixed reactions, generally welcoming the assistance but adding that producers need continued help. Congressional ag leaders also have said they plan to seek more assistance.
While the FBA program “is a needed step toward easing financial strain in the farm economy,” it’s not expected “to cover the full extent of row crop losses during this prolonged period of elevated costs, low crop prices and weak margins,” says AFBF’s analysis by economist Faith Parum.
AFBF estimates total FBA program payments at $10.8 billion, “led by corn at $4.3 billion, followed by soybeans ($2.5 billion), wheat ($1.9 billion), cotton ($0.9 billion), rice ($0.4 billion) and sorghum ($0.3 billion).”
The analysis projects that Texas producers will get the most in payments, with $1.1 billion, “followed by Iowa at $893 million, Kansas at $888 million and Illinois at $832 million.”
Midwest and Cornbelt states are expected to get $6.9 billion, or 64% of the total, while Southern and Southeast states would get about $2.8 billion (26%), the analysis found.
“Western states and states in the Northeast have fewer acres of crops eligible for the FBA Program and, as a result, are expected to receive a smaller share of overall support.”
The $1 billion set aside for specialty crop and sugar growers won’t be enough to cover their losses, the analysis said. USDA has yet to set payment rates for the $1 billion portion of the FBA.
The American Soybean Association expressed disappointment with the $30.88 payment rate determined by USDA.
“ASA is grateful to the Trump administration and USDA for recognizing the economic losses farmers are experiencing, but due to significant trade losses this year, the payment rate for soybeans will likely not be enough for soybean farmers to keep their operations financially solvent as we move into the next planting season,” ASA President and Ohio farmer Scott Metzger said.
National Association of Wheat Growers President Pat Clements said the $39.95-per-acre payment “will help lighten the blow of a challenging year,” but also would “not come close to making wheat farmers whole for the per-acre losses experienced in 2025.”
National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower said that “while this financial assistance is helpful and welcomed, we urgently need the administration and Congress to develop markets in the United States and abroad that will provide growers with more long-term economic certainty.”
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