WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program payments are expected to be issued by the end of February, providing $11 billion in per-acre payments aimed at helping row crop farmers offset recent losses. Payment rates for the program were recently released, prompting questions across the farm sector about how the rates were determined and what producers can expect next.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Economist Faith Parum joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to break down the latest details of the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.
In her interview with RFD News, Parum explained what is currently known about per-acre payment rates and how USDA determined them based on the “magnitude of losses” per crop. She also confirmed the expected payment timeline, noting that farmers and ranchers should receive funds by the end of February.
Parum also discussed assistance for crops not covered by the program, like alfalfa and sugar, outlining what remains needed for those speciality crop producers and how the Bridge Payment Program fell short in addressing their losses — and weighed if there will be be more than $1 Billion already earmarked for other crop growers later in the year, perhaps by October, for these other crop growers once the USDA is able to assess specific losses in those sectors.
She concluded the conversation by sharing her overall takeaway from the program and what it means for producers going forward — and what to do if you feel your losses were not considered appropriately, along with the appropriate steps to take to make that known to lawmakers and USDA officials.
RFD Farm Legal & Tax expert Roger McEowen shares guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, its impact on renewable energy and agriculture, and what producers should know moving forward.
February 23, 2026 02:36 PM
·
Singer-songwriter and RanchHER Clare Dunn reflects on the importance of National FFA Week, her time in FFA, and her commitment to advocating for agriculture and rural issues.
February 23, 2026 02:15 PM
·
Border closures tied to the threat of New World Screwworm continue to stall Mexican fed cattle imports, tightening U.S. feeder cattle supplies over time — triggering feedlot closures that hinder herd rebuilding efforts, threaten the beef supply chain, and shrink production while consumer prices stay elevated.
February 23, 2026 01:40 PM
·
Brooks York of AgriSompo discusses projected prices and how farmers are adapting their crop insurance strategies as the price discovery period comes to a close.
February 23, 2026 12:32 PM
·
For the broader agricultural industry, a railroad antitrust case in Kansas could lead to the dismantling of legacy regulatory shields, creating a more fluid, market-driven transportation grid that prioritizes moving crops efficiently over protecting historic rail monopolies.
February 23, 2026 11:35 AM
·
FFA Western Region Vice President Jael Cruikshank talks about the importance of community service and how National FFA Organization members are making a difference in their communities during National FFA Week.
February 23, 2026 11:30 AM
·
Ranger Road Fire has burned 283,000 acres across Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle and is nearing containment, as ranchers begin assessing cattle and infrastructure losses as they look toward recovery.
February 23, 2026 11:08 AM
·
Stronger fuel demand supports corn usage despite a steady production pace.
February 21, 2026 07:00 PM
·
The long-term viability of a ranching operation often hinges on how effectively its owners navigate the overlapping layers of IRS regulations, state tax incentives, and USDA disaster programs.
February 20, 2026 04:43 PM
·
