AFBF - American Farm Bureau Federation

04/23/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/23/2026 14:36

AFBF Analysis Details Farmer Bridge Assistance Program Payments

Cameron Castillo

Associate Economist

Chad Smith

Associate News Service Editor, NAFB

The money set aside for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program has almost been entirely delivered, and Chad Smith has the details on where that money went.

Smith: The Farmer Bridge Assistance Program was announced by the Department of Agriculture late last year, totaling $12 billion in economic assistance for farmers and ranchers. Most of those dollars have now been distributed, and Cameron Castillo, an associate economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says we can track exactly where those funds have been sent.
Castillo: Of the $11 billion allocated through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, we've seen about $9.6 billion go out the door. The states who've received the most in payments, Iowa, Texas, and Illinois, in that order, received the most in payments. Commodities with the most dollars received are corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Smith: Castillo says specialty crop farmers are still waiting on the $1 billion set aside for their assistance, but we'll know more in the near future.
Castillo: So, as of right now, we are awaiting the April 24 deadline for specialty crop farmers to submit acreage reports for consideration to be a part of the program. And what we have heard from USDA is once those acreage reports are finalized, we will hear more about per commodity payment rates through that program.
Smith: While farmers are grateful for the help, Castillo said this likely won't be enough to offset the economic storm agriculture is still weathering.
Castillo: We are still seeing certain commodities that are facing insane per-acre losses. Rice alone, despite payments from FBA and ECAP, they'll still see an average of about $212 per acre in losses. Additional economic aid is very much needed.
Smith: Learn more on the Market Intel page at fb.org. Chad Smith, Washington.
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