Farmers Are in Line for Billions of Bailout Money. Will it Be Enough to Offset Losses?

By Rachel Cramer

Row crop farmers in the Midwest and Great Plains have a better idea of how much money they can expect from one-time federal aid payments announced last month.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently released per-acre rates for 20 crops included in the $11 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. The dollars aim to help farmers impacted by tariffs, high production costs and low crop prices until stronger farm safety nets go into effect in October.

“President Trump committed to increase certainty in the farm economy, and farmers can count on these payment rate calculations when going to the bank as they plan for the spring planting season,” Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins stated. “Farmers who qualify for the FBA Program can expect payments in their bank accounts by February 28.”

Details have not been released for an additional $1 billion allocated for specialty crops and sugar.

The USDA based its “bridge” payment rates on the number of acres planted in 2025, along with estimated production costs and losses.

An analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation projected payments at the state level will be highest in Texas at $1.1 billion, followed by Iowa, Kansas and Illinois. Corn, soybeans and wheat are expected to account for over three-quarters of the program dollars.