USDA announces $12B in bridge payments for farmers

By Lora Delhom

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a $12 billion bridge-aid package to help farmers manage continued market volatility, high input costs and lingering trade disruptions from the 2025 crop year. The one-time payments will be issued through the Commodity Credit Corporation and administered by the Farm Service Agency.

Up to $11 billion will support major row crops through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, with payments expected by Feb. 28, 2026. The remaining $1 billion is reserved for specialty crops, sugar and other commodities, with details still pending.

Delta Council President Clint Dunn said the assistance is appreciated but not enough to stabilize the region’s row-crop economy.
“While helpful to producers as they plan for 2026, this package will fall well short of stabilizing our rural economies,” Dunn said, citing three consecutive years of significant losses.

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