The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday released details of the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, a $12 billion aid package aimed at helping row crop farmers recover from losses caused by falling prices and disrupted trade. The program will distribute $11 billion in one-time payments based on the number of acres planted in 19 eligible commodity crops, the USDA said.
Soybean farmers, however, warn the support may not be enough to offset recent financial strains. U.S. soybean exports to China, the world’s largest buyer, dropped sharply during stalled trade negotiations, leaving many producers struggling amid a global glut of grain and plummeting crop prices. “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,” said Scott Metzger, president of the American Soybean Association.
The highest per-acre payments go to rice ($132.89), cotton ($117.35), and oats ($81.75), while corn farmers will receive $44.36 per acre, soybean growers $30.88, and wheat farmers $39.35. Sorghum growers, at $48.11 per acre, said the payments offer welcome support as export demand has improved, according to Tim Lust, CEO of the National Sorghum Producers. Other eligible crops include peanuts, barley, canola, sunflower, lentils, peas, mustard, safflower, flax, and both large and small chickpeas. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said payments are expected to be disbursed by February 28.
The aid package, initially announced by President Donald Trump on December 8, was intended in part to help farmers cover essential expenses such as seeds, fertilizer, and equipment for the next planting season. The remaining $1 billion is earmarked for specialty crop and sugar farmers, although details on distribution and timing have not yet been finalized.
Agricultural economists and farmers alike caution that while the program may provide temporary relief, the per-acre payments represent only a fraction of the financial losses U.S. growers have suffered. The aid comes as farm groups continue to urge policymakers to address long-term challenges in the U.S. agricultural sector, including market volatility, trade disruptions, and declining profitability.
