New financial support aims to help farmers recover faster
To support farmers who face crop losses due to early-season damage, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is introducing increased replant payments for the 2026 crop year.
This adjustment is part of the USDA’s ongoing efforts to provide farmers with better financial assistance to help recover from unexpected crop setbacks.
The replant payment factors have not been updated since the 1990s, and the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) has now revised these payments to reflect the higher costs associated with replanting crops. Most small grains and coarse grains will see a significant increase in their replant payment amounts.
Marcia Bunger, RMA Administrator, highlighted the importance of this change, stating, “The enhancement in replant payments underscores the Risk Management Agency’s commitment to sustain agricultural productivity and economic stability.”
The goal is to provide farmers with financial relief that exceeds what is typically offered by insurance indemnities, giving them a better chance to recover.
These new replant payments will be officially announced in summer 2025, alongside other updates to the crop insurance program.
The USDA plans to assess the success of these changes and make additional updates as necessary, based on feedback from farmers and ongoing market trends.
Farmers looking for more details on crop insurance options and replant payment information can contact their crop insurance agent or visit the USDA Risk Management Agency website for guidance.
Through this initiative, the USDA is reaffirming its commitment to the financial stability of U.S. agriculture, providing critical support for farmers during tough times.