(NAFB.com) – The USDA is making $12 billion available in one-time bridge payments to American farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs that are still impacting farmers. These bridge payments are intended in part to aid farmers until investments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes a 10-21 percent increase in reference prices, are set to reach eligible farmers on October 1, 2026. Of the $12 billion provided, up to $11 billion will be used for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, which provides broad relief to row crop farmers producing a wide range of commodities. Farmers who qualify for the FBA Program can expect payments to be released by February 28, 2026. Eligible farmers should ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by 5pm ET on December 19, 2025. Commodity-specific payment rates will be released by the end of the month.
